Supervisor Sandoval introduces ordinance to allow DPW to abate commercial blight after notice

Supervisor Gerardo Sandoval introduced an ordinance on Aug. 12 intended to address blight in neighborhood commercial corridors by providing the Department of Public Works (DPW) authority to require property owners to maintain sidewalks and storefront frontages. Sandoval said the proposal was modeled on a successful Oakland ordinance and would give DPW authority to notify property owners, require repairs and, if owners did not comply, allow the city to perform the work and bill the owner.

Sandoval said the draft ordinance is designed to target absentee commercial property owners and is not aimed at residential properties; he said the measure includes notice requirements and would give property owners an opportunity to cure defects before the city intervened. DPW staff indicated support for the measure during the floor introduction. The supervisor said the aim is to improve storefront conditions, reduce graffiti and restore basic upkeep that contributes to neighborhood safety and economic vitality.

Why it matters: The ordinance would change DPW’s enforcement toolkit and create a mechanism for proactive upkeep in commercial districts. If adopted by the board after committee review, it could lead to targeted abatement actions and billing of property owners who fail to maintain sidewalks and storefronts.

Next steps: Supervisor Sandoval said he would refer the ordinance to committee for hearings and refinements with DPW staff; the item was captured for referral on the record.