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Planning Commission approves Phase 3 of Chinatown planning‑code reorganization with modifications
Summary
The Planning Commission voted unanimously to approve Phase 3 of the Planning Code reorganization affecting Chinatown mixed‑use districts, adopting staff modifications to clarify formula‑retail controls and to make entertainment uses conditional in the Visitor Retail District.
The San Francisco Planning Commission unanimously approved the third phase of a multi‑year Planning Code reorganization focused on Chinatown, voting to adopt staff modifications aimed at preserving existing land‑use protections while cleaning up zoning tables.
Planning staff explained the project standardizes zoning control tables and consolidates definitions into Section 102 of the Planning Code. Two substantive changes were highlighted: making general and nighttime entertainment a conditional use in the Chinatown Visitor Retail District (rather than the current approach that permits such uses only if associated with restaurants), and amending Section 121.4 so spaces that exceed maximum use sizes would be treated as abandoned upon a change of use. Staff also noted an error flagged by the Chinatown Community Development Corporation (CCDC) in the draft zoning tables concerning formula retail; the tables listed formula retail as a conditional use where it is not permitted.
Roy Chan of Chinatown CDC said the changes "maintain the originally intended protections of the Chinatown zoning" and praised staff transparency and collaboration. Tom Radulovich, Executive Director of Livable City, urged support for the code cleanup, calling it a "huge step" toward clarity and usability for residents, merchants and community stakeholders.
Commissioners moved to approve the ordinance with the department’s recommended modifications and a directive allowing staff to continue making non‑substantive corrections during later legislative stages; the motion passed 5–0.
Staff said the reorganization will help maintain Chinatown’s small‑business vitality by clarifying where entertainment and formula retail controls apply and by preserving land‑use protections that have guided the neighborhood since its 1987 area plan.
