San Francisco Planning Commission recommends Supervisor Mandelmann—s fourplex ordinances to Board of Supervisors after lengthy public debate

The San Francisco Planning Commission voted unanimously on Nov. 18 to recommend two ordinances introduced by Supervisor Rafael Mandelmann that would allow up to four residential units on residential (RH) lots, with additional density on corner lots. Planning staff framed the package as a local implementation response to state housing laws and urged a balanced approach that preserves rear yards and mid‑block open space while expanding "missing middle" housing.

Jacob Bentlev, legislative aide to Supervisor Rafael Mandelmann, told the Commission the ordinances aim to create modest density increases in RH districts while protecting design review and preserving open space. "SB 9 takes a very different approach to answering the single family zoning question," Bentlev said, arguing the local ordinances would retain local review and design standards while enabling more households to remain in city neighborhoods.

The Planning Department presented detailed staff recommendations it said combined the best elements of the supervisor—s proposals with equity and anti‑displacement measures. Staff proposed two paths for projects seeking streamlined review: an owner‑occupied path (owners who live in and will remain in the home for at least three years) and a…