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Port staff flags waterfront impacts in proposed city planning-code amendments sponsored by Supervisor David Chiu
Summary
Port planning staff reviewed a broad package of planning-code and zoning changes sponsored by Supervisor David Chiu, flagged provisions that could restrict surface parking on seawall lots, add conditional-use controls for Embarcadero curb cuts and alter waterfront-design-review processes, and recommended continued coordination with Planning and the sponsor to address port fiscal and operational concerns.
Diane Oshima, of the Port's Planning and Development Division, briefed the commission on a large package of proposed planning-code and zoning map amendments sponsored by Supervisor David Chiu and authored in part by Tom Radulovich. The staff report narrowed the focus to provisions that directly affect the waterfront and port operations.
Oshima told commissioners the draft legislation includes more than 200 amendments across the planning code; the port's concerns center on three areas: (1) a proposed prohibition on surface parking in C2 districts (with a five-year interim use), which staff warned could remove a key revenue source for the port; (2) a conditional-use requirement for any new curb cut along the Embarcadero promenade that may impede truck loading and tenant access; and (3) changes to the waterfront-design-review process and the makeup of advisory seats.
Port staff recommended continued conversation with Planning Department staff and Supervisor Chiu's office to refine language that preserves the port's Burton Act obligations and public-trust responsibilities, ensures parking revenue and tenant access are preserved until viable replacements are in hand, and expands the waterfront design-review process to address major port projects from Fisherman's Wharf to India Basin.
Jeff Hamilton, representing the Exploratorium, asked that any code changes protect currently-licensed use of Seawall Lot 321 under the museum's lease; the Exploratorium requested explicit exemptions or clarifying language in the planning department's recommendations.
Commissioners expressed general support for continued coordination and asked staff to keep the commission informed as the planning-commission schedule progresses toward public hearings.
