Planning Commission backs ADU amendments, asks supervisors to drop new‑construction provision

San Francisco — The Planning Commission voted June 21 to send an amended version of Supervisor Katie Tang’s accessory‑dwelling‑unit (ADU) planning code changes to the Board of Supervisors, removing a provision that would have allowed ADUs as part of new construction and asking supervisors to consider unit‑size limits.

The commission’s action followed a lengthy staff presentation and hours of public comment. Planning Department staff member Kimia Haredon outlined proposed changes that would increase flexibility for ADU creation (e.g., allowing minor infill on lots, modifying exposure and bicycle‑parking rules, establishing objective standards and pre‑application meeting requirements). Supervisor Katie Tang told the commission she would remove the ADU‑in‑new‑construction provision before the Board’s hearing.

Why it matters: supporters said ADUs are “affordable by design” and can quickly add housing across neighborhoods; opponents said loosened rules could incentivize demolitions or displace tenants when landlords convert storage, garages, or shared services into ADUs without adequate tenant protections. Commissioner remarks and repeated public testimony focused on trade‑offs between adding units quickly and preserving existing small, naturally affordable housing.

What the commission decided: Commissioners approved a motion that crossed out the section allowing ADUs in new construction and urged the Board of Supervisors and Land Use Committee to consider adding a maximum ADU size (as an absolute cap or percent of the primary unit) so accessory units remain clearly subordinate to the main dwelling. The motion also recommended enhancements including tenant notification and stronger guardrails for zoning‑administrator waivers. The final procedural vote to recommend the amended ordinance to the Board passed after procedural resubmissions and ultimately carried with the commission’s full support.

Voices at the hearing: tenant advocates and neighborhood groups pressed for safeguards. Anastasia Yovanopoulos, a tenant advocate, said tenants need notice when ADUs will remove housing services such as laundry or storage and warned the legalization pathway for unauthorized units did not adequately protect displaced tenants. Architect Jeremy Schaub and housing advocates argued ADUs could add hundreds of units across the city if implemented well. Supervisor Tang said she would withdraw the new‑construction provision and work with colleagues on demolition and accountability concerns.

What’s next: The Planning Commission forwarded the recommendation to the Board of Supervisors with the request to remove the new‑construction ADU provision and to examine size caps and tenant safeguards. Staff and supervisors signaled continued drafting work, and the Board will consider the ordinance in the coming weeks.

Ending: The commission framed the vote as a compromise intended to expand options for more housing while pressing for clearer protections against displacement and unchecked alterations to existing housing stock.