Planning Commission approves code change to allow farmers markets on public facility lots

The San Francisco Planning Commission on June 20 approved an ordinance to amend the planning code to allow intermittent activities — including farmers markets — on parcels that contain public facilities, expanding where neighborhood markets can operate.

Planning department staff described the change as a targeted fix proposed by Supervisor Brown to allow the North of the Panhandle market to negotiate a move to the DMV parking lot at Broderick and Fell. Diego Sanchez of Planning Department staff said the ordinance would “allow the visitor farmers market to expand allowing more vendors to participate,” and that the department recommended approval after correcting the SEQUEL (environmental) determination.

Derek Grama, speaking for Supervisor Brown, said the market’s move to the DMV lot would reopen Grove Street on Sundays and provide relief to nearby residents who have had to make contingency plans for garage access. He said the Pacific Coast Farmers Market Association and several neighborhood groups and merchants support the relocation.

Commissioners moved to approve the ordinance; the motion carried unanimously, 6–0. The approved change allows intermittent activities in specified residential zoning districts when the parcel contains a public facility, consistent with existing allowances for hospitals and post‑secondary institutions.

Staff said the amendment is intended to expand neighborhood access and increase opportunities for markets on city‑owned properties, and that the department will publish the final resolution and any associated findings.