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Committee backs narrow exception to allow tax-exempt bond financing, tax credits for a Sutter Street affordable housing project
Summary
The Land Use and Transportation Committee voted unanimously to recommend an ordinance that would let certain projects use California tax-exempt bond financing and tax credits when they produce deeper affordability than the inclusionary housing ordinance requires and would temporarily exempt those projects from a sanitary-code water reuse mandate.
The Land Use and Transportation Committee of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors voted 3-0 on Feb. 10 to recommend an ordinance that would allow certain affordable housing projects to use California Debt Limit Allocation Committee (CDLAC) tax-exempt bond financing and state tax credits when those projects provide units or deeper affordability levels beyond the inclusionary housing ordinance requirements.
The ordinance also would amend the San Francisco Health Code to exempt the eligible projects from a local requirement that new buildings be constructed, operated and maintained using alternate water sources for nonpotable uses. The planning departmentwas affirmed on its CEQA determination, and the file contains findings of public necessity, convenience and welfare under Planning Code Section 302 and findings of consistency with the General Plan and Planning Code Section 101.1.
Why it matters: The sponsor characterized the measure as a narrowly targeted, one-time opportunity tied to a specific Sutter Street site and to finance tools that can improve feasibility for deep-affordability development. Committee members and a public commenter said the site is underused now and that the proposal could accelerate needed housing production in the neighborhood.
Committee discussion and public comment: District 3 Supervisor Nannie Sauder was listed as a co-sponsor. Supervisor Stoddard described the Sutter Street opportunity as "one of the largest, most significant housing opportunities we have in the Northern part of San Francisco at the moment," and said neighbors were supportive of transforming a largely vacant block. Rabbi Dr. Sophie Catron, who spoke during public comment, said she had visited the site and "strongly urge[d] this committee and the board" to approve the project because it would address a vital housing need.
Committee action: Chair Mirna Melgar offered the motion that the ordinance be recommended as a committee report. The clerk recorded the vote as Cheyenne Chen, Bilal Mahmood and Mirna Melgar voting in favor; the motion passed.
What happens next: The clerk noted items acted on by the committee are expected to appear on the Board of Supervisors agenda on Feb. 11, 2025, unless otherwise stated.
