Board sends planning-code transfer-development-rights amendments back to Land Use to meet Old St. Mary's deadline

The Board of Supervisors on Tuesday took procedural action to duplicate and refer two versions of Planning Code amendments related to transferable development rights (TDRs) back to the Land Use Committee. The move was framed as necessary to preserve options and to meet an imminent legislative deadline tied to Old St. Mary's seismic rehabilitation.

Supervisor Chiu explained that the measure, previously passed out of Land Use, needs further changes after recent discussions with project stakeholders. "We have to get this legislation through, really, by next Tuesday for first reading so that we can meet some deadlines that are necessary for Old St. Mary's," Chiu said.

What the board did

The board approved a motion to duplicate the file into two versions: one with a minor language amendment related to payments on loans used to finance preservation or rehabilitation of properties using TDRs, and a second version to embody ongoing discussions with owners and developers. The motion to duplicate and to send both versions back to Land Use passed "without objection," with Supervisor Mirkarimi (second) joining the motion.

Why it matters

Old St. Mary's, an institution in Chinatown, is facing a need for expensive seismic work. The proposed Planning Code amendments would adjust how proceeds from transferable development rights can be used or reported, and the board's expedited handling aims to preserve options that would enable financing for preservation projects.

Next steps

Both files will be worked on in Land Use over the coming days; the board intends to have a committee report and revised legislation prepared for action next week so the item can meet the timing needs of Old St. Mary's preservation effort.