Supervisors back ‘right to know’ notice for citywide rezoning; committee sends bill to full board without recommendation

The Land Use and Transportation Committee on April 14 considered an ordinance to require mailed notice and online materials when the Planning Department proposes rezoning as part of the city’s housing element, a measure framed by sponsors as a “right to know” for residents and small businesses.

District 1 Supervisor Connie Chan, sponsor, said the ordinance would require the Planning Department to mail a postcard with a QR code to property owners, residents and commercial lessees within 300 feet of parcels proposed for increased height or density. The postcard would link to a web map showing draft citywide upzoning proposals, sample renderings of what upzoned parcels might look like, an explanation of the legislative process, and information on how to comment or request a meeting with planning staff. Chan said Planning staff estimates the proposal could touch as much as…