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Board approves Transit Center District Plan ordinances on first reading
Summary
The Board approved on first reading a set of ordinances implementing the Transit Center District Plan, including zoning, fees, open‑space funding and general plan amendments, sending the package forward after discussion of affordable housing and shadow impacts.
The San Francisco Board of Supervisors approved on first reading a package of ordinances implementing the Transit Center District Plan, a major transit‑oriented redevelopment of the downtown area tied to construction of the Transbay Transit Center.
The multi‑part package included amendments to the planning code to implement the Transit Center District Plan, changes to the zoning map, creation of new open‑space and transportation impact fees and updates to the general plan and urban design elements. Sponsors said the plan is intended to accommodate substantial downtown growth while funding public improvements, the Transbay Transit Center and the downtown rail extension (DTX).
Supervisor Jane Kim, a cosponsor, told colleagues that the plan balances office and residential growth, and it includes an affordable‑housing requirement of approximately 35 percent of units within the plan area. The plan is intended to generate net new public funding and to create around 1,000 affordable units tied to former redevelopment areas and new fees and exactions.
Supervisor Carmen Chu and others acknowledged concerns about shadow impacts on nearby public spaces and neighborhoods — in particular, Chinatown and Portsmouth Square — and said planning staff and the package contain commitments to allocate open‑space impact fees (approximately $9 million of a $12 million allocation referenced in debate) for neighborhood parks and master planning, including Portsmouth Square.
After discussion, the board took a roll‑call vote and recorded 10 ayes. The ordinances passed first reading and will return for subsequent readings and required environmental findings and final votes.
Supporters credited years of planning work by the planning department, the Transbay Joint Powers Authority and the former redevelopment agency; discussion emphasized public‑benefit commitments, affordable housing targets and funding for parks and pedestrian improvements.
