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 developer plain and simple,” Preston said during extended remarks supporting the city’s application for the program while criticizing the statutory language. Preston warned the government code definition — which he cited as Government Code §65589.9 during the meeting — emphasizes deregulation and fee reductions while omitting inclusionary zoning, anti‑displacement rules and renter protections.

Supervisor Aaron Peskin, leading the discussion on scooter enforcement (Item 30), framed the measure as a public‑safety response to widespread sidewalk riding. “The only kind of scooters that belong on sidewalk are scooters for individuals who have disability challenges,” Peskin said. His resolution directs the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) to enable parking-control officers to issue administrative citations for sidewalk riding and other infractions, and to require scooter-share operators to deploy anti‑sidewalk‑riding technology citywide or face permit modifications. SFMTA staff acknowledged the geofencing and other technologies exist and said the agency will pursue stronger requirements in the next permitting round.

On the Transbay Block 4 general‑plan amendment (Item 31), Supervisor Dorsey explained that the project sponsor requested the board reject the amendment now so the Office of Community Investment and Infrastructure (OCII) and the sponsor could finalize financing terms and return with changes. The board voted 11–0 to reject the measure, consistent with Dorsey’s request that the item be reintroduced after finance modifications have been agreed.

The board also adopted, on first reading, a citywide ordinance approving multiple departments’ surveillance‑technology policies (Item 32) and approved several routine resolutions and appointments without debate, including motions to confirm an appointment to the Public Utilities Commission and a waiver of residency for a childcare council appointment.

Votes at a glance

- Minutes (Sept. 6 and Sept. 13, 2022): Approved (motion by Supervisor Preston; second Supervisor Stephanie). Vote: 11 ayes. - Item 27 — Ordinance to allow up to 4 dwelling units per lot (6 on corners) in RH districts: Passed on first reading. Vote: 10 ayes, 1 no (Walton). Outcome: passed on first reading. - Item 31 — General‑plan amendment for Transbay Block 4 (Transit Center district plan): Rejected. Vote: 11 no. Outcome: failed. - Item 30 — Resolution urging SFMTA to authorize parking-control citations and require anti‑sidewalk‑riding tech for scooters: Adopted unanimously. Outcome: adopted unanimously. - Item 32 — Ordinance approving multiple departments’ surveillance‑technology policies: Passed on first reading unanimously. - Items 40–42 — Adoption without committee reference (consent/adoption items listed for the day): Adopted unanimously. - Appointments (Items 33–34): Motions to confirm mayoral and president’s nominees approved unanimously.

What supervisors said and next steps

Supporters of the density change said it is one of several local tools to increase housing production; opponents raised concerns about neighborhood character and urged careful follow‑through with design and tenant‑protections. On Transbay Block 4, OCII and the project sponsor were urged to return with finalized financing and schedule changes before the board considers the plan amendment again.

Supervisor Peskin said the city must press scooter operators to deploy known anti‑sidewalk‑riding technology and hinted the board could consider permit suspensions if companies do not act. An SFMTA representative told the board the agency will pursue stronger permit conditions in the next permitting round and examine available enforcement tools.

The board’s actions were largely procedural (many items adopted under "same house, same call" on the consent calendar). Several items will return for further review or second‑reading votes; the density exception will be scheduled for a second reading as required by ordinance rules. The Transbay sponsor and OCII were expected to return with financing updates before reintroducing the general‑plan amendment.