San Francisco supervisors approve density exception, reject Transbay amendment and back tougher scooter controls

The San Francisco Board of Supervisors on Oct. 18 moved ahead on several land-use and public-safety measures, approving a planning-code amendment to allow up to four units on many residential lots, rejecting a general-plan amendment tied to the Transbay Block 4 redevelopment project, and adopting a resolution urging stricter enforcement and technology to curb e‑scooter sidewalk riding.

The votes came at a largely procedural meeting that included a broader debate over state and local housing policy and repeated calls for clearer public-safety enforcement. By voice and roll-call votes, supervisors approved the density exception ordinance on first reading, defeated the Transbay plan amendment, and unanimously adopted the scooter safety resolution after public and board members’ testimony.

The density amendment (Item 27) changes the planning code to allow up to four dwelling units per lot — and up to six on corner lots — in RH residential housing districts. The ordinance passed on first reading by roll call, 10–1. President Walton cast the lone no vote. Supervisor Melgar, Peskin and others supported the change as a tool to increase housing supply in existing residential neighborhoods.

Supervisor Dean Preston led the board’s remarks on the state’s new “pro housing” designation program, urging caution about the label’s origins and criteria. “It’s pro…