Entertainment Commission approves limited live-performance permit for SoMa food park with sound-test and calendar conditions

The San Francisco Entertainment Commission voted unanimously to approve a limited live-performance permit for the SoMa Street Food Park (also referred to in the record as Selma/Summa Street Food Park), adding conditions intended to improve neighbor notification and noise oversight.

Commissioners said the decision followed staff and inspector reviews of an event at the venue that drew an unexpectedly large crowd. Inspector Sean Burke reported that Southern Station and commission staff had raised concerns after the event because police did not know the performer’s identity in advance and a minor scuffle occurred outside the venue’s gates; Burke said the operator later worked with staff to supply lists of performers, security plans and contacts. Owner Carlos Muela told the commission he uses site managers, is developing a guidebook with staff and engaged additional security once the event scaled up.

A resident who lives roughly 40 feet from 552 Berry testified that music from a nearby warehouse-style event reached about 100 dB and forced neighbors to leave their homes; the resident said earlier permits had been issued at that location, disputing staff’s characterization that the recent event was the first activation. Acting Director Maggie Wyland and Inspector Burke offered to meet the resident and review the permit history offline.

On the permit motion, commissioners removed a police-only clause that would have given the police sole authority to order volume reductions, and instead required a sound test conducted or overseen by the Entertainment Commission and a monthly calendar of events from the permit holder. The commission recorded unanimous aye votes from Commissioners Perez, Camino, Blyman, Lee and Vice President Thomas.

Staff and Inspector Burke said the added conditions aim to make expectations clearer for operators, improve advance communication with Southern Station, and provide the commission with specific sound-level information it can measure and enforce. Burke reiterated that the municipal code includes a noise standard—amplified sound must not be audible 250 feet beyond the event perimeter—which staff said can be difficult to enforce in practice.

The commission’s approval preserves the permit while adding procedural tools the commission said will help manage neighborhood impacts and clarify who is responsible on-site during events. The permit’s new conditions require the operator to share an events calendar with the commission and to submit to a sound test; if complaints arise, staff stated they will continue to coordinate with SFPD and, when needed, the City Attorney’s office to seek enforcement remedies.

The owner told the commission he will share immediate contact information with neighbors and use social media and neighborhood channels to announce events. The commission closed by recording the action and confirming the new conditions would be attached to the permit record.

The next procedural step is for the commission to have the revised permit conditions reflected in the permit file; staff offered to meet with the resident and other nearby neighbors to review the permit history and explain the enforcement steps available.