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Board approves first reading of zoning changes to limit office conversions in PDR landmark buildings
Summary
The Board passed on first reading an ordinance that amends the planning code to restrict full office conversions in certain Production, Distribution and Repair (PDR) districts when buildings are designated landmarks; the ordinance requires conditional use authorization and historic structure reporting to protect PDR space and tenants.
The Board of Supervisors passed on first reading an ordinance on Feb. 10 that amends the Planning Code to add vertical controls and require conditional use authorization for converting designated landmark buildings from Production, Distribution and Repair (PDR) to office uses in specified PDR districts.
Supervisor Cohen, who introduced the ordinance, said the measure responds to a proposal to convert a five-story historic building that would have displaced long-term PDR tenants. Cohen summarized the Planning Department's review, saying "the planning department determined that there are approximately 14 other buildings in the PDR 1d and PDR 1g zoning districts that could be eligible for a landmark designation and office conversion." He said the conversion rules previously would have allowed "a loss of nearly 1,000,000 square feet of PDR space" and that the ordinance "limits the amount of office space allowed in a PDR building...and will preserve PDR space."
The ordinance requires submission of a historic structures report to the Historic Preservation Commission, directs the Planning Commission to consider economic need and tenant compatibility, and asks for relocation plans for existing tenants. Cohen said both the Planning Commission and the Historic Preservation Commission supported the legislation unanimously.
The clerk announced, "Without objection, this ordinance is passed unanimously on the first reading." The item will return for a second reading and any required further approvals under the city27s legislative process.
