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Board amends planning code to expand childcare as principally permitted use; first reading passed unanimously
Summary
Supervisors passed, on first reading, an amendment to the Planning Code to make childcare facilities principally permitted in most zoning districts, with limited exceptions. The change was advanced with a non-substantive technical amendment to align code language after prior revisions to Article 7.
The Board of Supervisors voted unanimously on Sept. 5 to pass, on first reading, changes to the Planning Code that make childcare facilities principally permitted in most zoning districts in San Francisco, with specified exceptions (for example, in certain production, distribution and repair districts). The action also included an amendment to conform the ordinance language to recent changes in Article 7 of the Planning Code.
Sponsor and rationale: Supervisor Gordon Mar (recorded in the transcript as Supervisor Yee) introduced the measure and emphasized the city's childcare shortage, noting the Office of Early Care and Education and Planning Department staff had worked on the ordinance. "We have roughly 2,630 infants and toddlers on the waiting list for affordable childcare," the sponsor said during remarks to the board.
Technical amendment and procedure: The Planning Department and the City Attorney identified a drafting discrepancy following recent code changes; Deputy City Attorney John Givner explained the amendment was non-substantive and aligned the ordinance text with the amended Article 7. The board adopted the amendment on the floor and passed the ordinance on first reading; it will return for second reading per the city's legislative schedule.
Votes and cosponsors: The amendment and the ordinance as amended passed unanimously on first reading (11-0). Several supervisors indicated they would be listed as cosponsors.
What changes: The ordinance makes childcare facilities principally permitted in all zoning districts except for a few narrow categories (such as certain PDR-type districts), removes some noticing requirements for specified childcare uses and provides conforming code changes. The intent is to ease siting barriers so that providers can open more slots, particularly for affordable and subsidized care.
Speakers: Sponsor Supervisor (Yee), Deputy City Attorney John Givner, staff from the Planning Department and the Office of Early Care and Education, and multiple supervisors who signed on as cosponsors.
Next steps: The ordinance as amended will return for a second reading and final adoption at the next scheduled board meeting.
