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Commission approves limited extended hours and smaller security radius for the Armory after venue outlines major soundproofing investment
Summary
The Entertainment Commission agreed to increase the Armory's extended-hours allowance to six nights a year, reduce its required security guard radius from 200 feet to 100 feet, and permit additional weekday entertainment to 1 a.m. after the venue presented invoices and tests showing extensive soundproofing work.
The San Francisco Entertainment Commission voted June 20 to amend conditions on the Armory's place-of-entertainment permit, allowing six extended-hours events per year, reducing the required security-guard radius to 100 feet, and permitting later weekday entertainment up to 1 a.m.
The commission heard from the venue's representative, who described more than $1.7 million spent on soundproofing and presented invoices and testing documentation. "We have spent approximately $1,789,951 in soundproofing with the help of Charles Salter and Associates," the representative said, detailing roof work, custom shutters, multiple insulated vestibules and door protocols intended to limit sound leakage and manage patron entry.
Commissioners and staff pressed for enforcement history and test verification from city inspectors. Inspector Sean Burke told the commission he had observed no complaints logged in the commission's tracking system back to October 17 for the front of the building and confirmed a successful sound test at the armory. At the same time, commissioners noted some neighborhood concerns raised in letters and public comments about past incidents on surrounding streets.
President Tan framed the decision as a cautious step: the commission would grant the expanded extended-hours allowance and smaller security radius while keeping other conditions in place and reserving the right to revisit the matter if complaints resumed. The motion to amend the Armory's permit conditions passed by voice vote with commissioners Lee, Thomas, Kamenong and President Tan recorded in favor.
The commission said it expects staff and the venue to continue working with neighbors and to report back on compliance; the court of appeals action affecting other venues was noted earlier in the meeting but was unrelated to the Armory's action.
The commission will monitor the Armory under the updated conditions and can revisit restrictions if enforcement data or continued neighbor complaints indicate problems.
