Supervisors approve first reading of rezoning to allow small multiunit housing; 6-4 vote after months of debate

The San Francisco Board of Supervisors voted 6-4 on June 28 to pass on first reading an ordinance that rezones most RH1 (single-family) residential districts to a new RH2-D classification and establishes a citywide density exception allowing up to four dwelling units per lot and up to six on corner lots, subject to specified conditions and rent-control protections.

The ordinance, authored by Supervisor Rafael Mandelman, includes an amendment added at the meeting requiring project sponsors that use the new density exception to enter into regulatory agreements making the new units subject to the San Francisco Residential Rent Stabilization and Arbitration Ordinance (Chapter 37 of the Administrative Code) as a condition of approval.

The measure drew a lengthy public and board debate about whether the local approach would promote housing production or undercut recently enacted state rules. Supporters framed the ordinance as an incremental, locally tailored step to increase "missing middle" housing in low-density neighborhoods. "We crafted legislation that is a halfway point between . . . different opinions," Mandelman said during the hearing, adding that the measure "is a…