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Supervisors adopt interim zoning controls targeting 'monster homes' in Corona and Corbett Heights
Summary
The board unanimously adopted an interim zoning resolution imposing conditional‑use requirements for large residential projects in RH‑1/2/3 zones within a designated perimeter, intended to curb oversized single‑family expansions described as 'monster homes' and to give neighborhoods more review.
The San Francisco Board of Supervisors voted unanimously March 10 to impose interim zoning controls for an 18‑month period in parts of Corona Heights and Corbett Heights, requiring conditional use authorization for large residential projects that exceed specified square‑footage and expansion thresholds.
Supervisor Scott Wiener introduced the resolution, telling colleagues the controls aim to "bring some order to a troubling trend" of converting modest homes into very large single‑family residences that do not add net housing but alter neighborhood character. The interim controls apply within a boundary described in the resolution and target three categories of development: new residential developments on vacant parcels that result in residential gross square footage exceeding 3,000 square feet; additions to developed parcels that increase gross square footage by more than 75 percent (or 100 percent if adding units) when the result is over 3,000 square feet; and projects that result in greater than 55 percent total lot coverage.
Wiener said the measure is not a moratorium and does not ban housing; rather it substitutes a conditional‑use process for discretionary review so that communities have a predictable opportunity to comment and shape projects from an earlier stage. He told the board that the affected area sits three blocks from Upper Market—an area already absorbing significant housing development—and said the controls are narrowly tailored to significant expansions.
Supervisor Campos, who supported the resolution, said similar neighborhood protections may be appropriate elsewhere and urged the board to allow other neighborhoods the same opportunity to pursue interim controls. Supervisor Mark Farrell and others also voiced support; Supervisor Jane Kim asked clarifying questions about overlaps with other zoning controls and how the measure would apply to vacant lots and through‑lots. Wiener and staff clarified the thresholds are designed to capture substantial expansions and not modest additions or typical two‑unit projects.
The board took a roll‑call vote; all 11 supervisors recorded "aye." The resolution was adopted unanimously.
