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Planning Commission approves code change to allow arts and nighttime entertainment in historic RCD buildings
Summary
The commission unanimously approved a planning code amendment to principally permit arts activities on first and second floors of historic buildings in the RCD and to conditionally permit nighttime entertainment with good‑neighbor conditions and a required preservation plan.
The San Francisco Planning Commission on Feb. 21 voted unanimously to amend the planning code to allow arts activities and nighttime entertainment as principally permitted uses in historic buildings within the Regional Commercial District (RCD).
Planning Department staff said the change is intended to activate vacant historic properties, support local arts groups and cultural districts (including Soma Pilipinas and the LGBT Leather/Leathertown district), and provide economic benefits to nearby neighborhoods. Diego Sanchez of the Planning Department told commissioners the revision would “principally permit arts activities and nighttime entertainment on the First And Second Floors of historic buildings in the RCD.” Monica Giacomucci, the department’s historic‑preservation specialist, said staff would permit arts uses broadly and require a preservation, rehabilitation and maintenance plan in exchange for permitting otherwise prohibited uses.
Abigail Riva Monte Mesa, speaking for Supervisor Haney’s office, said the change would “encourage use of historic buildings for arts and nightlife to help preserve the unique physical beauty of our city's historic buildings” and argued it would boost the city’s economy and neighborhood safety. Peter Ziblatt, appearing for St. Joseph’s Church, said the church supports the legislation and sought clarification about the law’s application to already‑renovated buildings.
The department recommended conditioning nighttime entertainment on a conditional‑use review and applying good‑neighbor policies under planning code section 803.5. Commissioners moved to approve the ordinance with staff modifications; the motion carried 6‑0 (recorded as unanimous among voting commissioners present). The commission also acknowledged the recent withdrawal of a separate discretionary review item on the agenda.
The ordinance returns to the Board of Supervisors as part of the city’s legislative process and the department will work with stakeholders on implementing the preservation‑plan requirement and good‑neighbor conditions.
