Hayes Valley Neighborhood Association granted amendment to Hayes Street music series with limits; one neighbor raised access concerns

The San Francisco Entertainment Commission conditionally approved an amendment to a one-time outdoor event permit allowing expanded programming on the Hayes Street shared space between Octavia and Gough.

Andrew Signer, representing the Hayes Valley Neighborhood Association, asked the commission to approve a schedule of Friday and Saturday events from March 7 through Nov. 22 with the understanding that amplified sound would not exceed six hours per day. Signer described the program’s history as a COVID-era activation that has grown into a regular series of free events — holiday strolls, carnivals, art walks and neighborhood concerts — that organizers say draw thousands of visitors and support local merchants.

Staff told commissioners the amendment application included outreach materials and that the office received five letters of support and one letter of opposition from neighbors; staff also provided a letter of support from Supervisor Bilal Mahmood in the meeting packet. Public commenters included David Robinson, a Hayes Valley resident who is president of the Hayes Valley Neighborhood Association, and Heather Jackson, who spoke in support.

One neighbor’s letter of concern said the street closures had interfered with their ability to access a private garage; staff explained that the SFMTA shared-spaces permit and the site plan preserve a 20-foot fire lane and maintain driveway access, and staff said volunteers are instructed to allow driveway access for anyone entering or exiting. The applicant acknowledged one reported instance of access difficulty and said organizers would reinforce volunteer instructions and improve communication with building residents.

Commissioners asked questions about the amendment’s practical impacts; staff clarified that the requested amendment would permit the applicant to schedule more events without returning for a separate hearing each time, while the permit conditions and good-neighbor policy still limit actual amplified hours to six per day. Commissioners moved and seconded staff’s recommendation to grant the amendment with conditions; the motion passed with commissioners voting aye.

Clarifying details in the record included the applicant’s claim that 2,500 neighbors had signed a petition supporting permanent activation of the block and that 23 merchants on the block had been contacted, with 21 merchants recorded as supportive. Organizers said the series would continue to pay musicians and operate free public programming.