Supervisors pass student-housing definition to limit conversions of rental housing

The Board of Supervisors approved an ordinance on second reading to add a definition of "student housing" to the planning code and to restrict conversions of ordinary rental housing into exclusive student-only units.

Supervisor Wiener, speaking in support, said the measure "will help us meet the housing needs of our tens of thousands of students in San Francisco" and will discourage educational institutions from acquiring and converting traditional rental buildings that reduce the general rental stock. The ordinance also includes incentives intended to encourage universities and colleges to build new student housing to meet on-campus demand.

Supervisor Kim said her office worked during the recess with the city attorney and Supervisor Wiener’s office to address monitoring concerns raised at the prior hearing — specifically how the city would ensure owners meet inclusionary obligations if properties reconvert from student housing to regular residential use. Kim said the sponsors will coauthor follow-up language to clarify monitoring and enforcement before final implementation.

Why it matters: City officials said the change is aimed at preserving rental housing for non-student residents while encouraging institutions to supply dedicated student housing. The board passed the measure by unanimous consent on the second reading.

Action: The ordinance was finally passed on second reading "without objection," according to the clerk's announcement; because voting was by unanimous consent, no roll-call tally was recorded in the transcript excerpt.