Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
San Francisco commission pauses vote on plan to expand Maher soil‑testing zone
Summary
The Building Inspection Commission heard staff and health department testimony on File 130369 to expand the city’s Maher Ordinance requiring soil (and sometimes groundwater) testing; commissioners raised concerns about the 50‑cubic‑yard trigger, notice timing and public‑health staffing and voted to continue the item for more implementation details.
The Building Inspection Commission on May 15 heard presentations on File 130369, a proposed ordinance to amend building- and health-code provisions and to expand the geographic area where the Maher Ordinance triggers soil testing and, in some cases, groundwater testing. City staff said the change would standardize how potentially contaminated soils are identified and handled citywide rather than relying on CEQA in many areas.
Paul Maltzer of the Planning Department told commissioners the original Maher Ordinance (adopted in 1986) applies to a shoreline zone where historic bay fill makes contamination likely. The proposed amendment would extend that codified review to additional industrial and bayfill areas now handled through CEQA, which staff said would make the review more predictable and tie health‑department oversight directly to permit issuance.
Kelly Pretzer of…
Already have an account? Log in
Subscribe to keep reading
Unlock the rest of this article — and every article on Citizen Portal.
- Unlimited articles
- AI-powered breakdowns of topics, speakers, decisions, and budgets
- Instant alerts when your location has a new meeting
- Follow topics and more locations
- 1,000 AI Insights / month, plus AI Chat
