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Planning Commission approves Polk Street rule changes to help Bob’s Donuts relocate
Summary
The Planning Commission voted 4–3 to amend Polk Street neighborhood commercial district rules to allow limited storefront mergers and increase principally permitted restaurant sizes, changes staff said will let legacy businesses such as Bob’s Donuts relocate and expand.
The San Francisco Planning Commission on June 13 approved amendments to the Polk Street neighborhood commercial district aimed at easing relocation and expansion for legacy businesses, including Bob’s Donuts. The ordinance, sponsored by Supervisor Aaron Peskin’s office and presented by staff, removes a hard storefront‑merger prohibition and recommends restoring a 2,500‑square‑foot principally permitted use size for certain restaurant uses.
Supporters said the changes are intended to keep long‑standing neighborhood businesses viable. "This business is our livelihood," said Rebecca On, who testified that lease negotiations at her original Polk Street location left Bob’s Donuts with no workable option and prompted plans to relocate. "Without this legislation, Bob’s on Polk and in the Nob Hill neighborhood may cease to exist." Staff told commissioners the amendments would facilitate Bob’s relocation while also allowing other small businesses to benefit.
Some commissioners cautioned against making the change too broad. Commissioner Williams and Vice President Moore said they feared a "one‑size‑fits‑all" approach could undercut special protections for legacy businesses in small storefronts. Others, including Commissioner Coppell, said staff modifications could head off similar problems for other merchants and encouraged the commission to adopt the broader, prospective fix.
The commission voted 4–3 to approve the amendments with staff’s recommended modifications; Commissioners Williams, Imperial and Moore voted no. The motion was made by Commissioner Braun and seconded by Commissioner Williams. Staff asked that the broader changes be used prospectively to reduce hurdles for future businesses while preserving the goal of small storefront character on Polk Street.
Next steps: The ordinance will be transmitted according to the city’s legislative process. The department said it aimed to apply the changes so other neighborhood businesses can use the same path Bob’s Donuts is seeking.
