Planning Commission backs ordinance to bar retail workspaces as main use in Chinatown

The San Francisco Planning Commission on Feb. 18 approved a mayor‑sponsored ordinance to amend the planning code and prohibit retail workspaces as a principal use in Chinatown’s mixed‑use districts, a move staff and supporters said is meant to preserve Chinatown’s community‑serving stores and visitor‑oriented retail. The motion passed unanimously, 7–0.

Veronica Flores of the Planning Department told commissioners the proposal would “prohibit retail workspace as a principal use in the Chinatown mixed use districts” and recommended approval because the change “supports the commerce and industry elements goal to preserve existing businesses.” Laura Lervani TV of the Office of Economic and Workforce Development described the effort as the mayor’s attempt “to preserve their long standing distinction between Chinatown and the downtown area.”

Public comment included support from local groups that said the ordinance would restore Chinatown zoning to the community’s intent after changes introduced by Proposition H, which added a new “retail workspace” use. A caller who identified herself as Georgia Shutish urged commissioners to review enforcement and calculation issues for nearby alteration projects in Noe Valley, noting how enforcement outcomes can diverge when demolition‑calculation thresholds are close.

Commissioners agreed the change aligned with the Chinatown plan’s objective of maintaining specialty retail and a distinct neighborhood character. The commission approved the ordinance without amendment and moved the agenda on to the next item.

The commission’s action now goes forward in the record for implementation under the planning code amendment process. No further votes were recorded on this item at the hearing.

The commission meeting was held remotely and broadcast on SFGovTV; the staff presentation began at the item’s introduction and public comment period closed before the vote.