Commission backs staff changes to allow zero‑emission short‑range shared vehicles in off‑street car‑share spaces

The Planning Commission unanimously recommended approval of a Board of Supervisors ordinance to amend the planning code to allow zero‑emission short‑range shared vehicles — scooters, neighborhood electric vehicles and similar devices — to use designated off‑street parking spaces in private garages, similar to existing car‑share rules.

Michael Howerton, representing Supervisor London Breed, described the ordinance as an attempt to broaden transportation sharing options, make them more accessible and reduce emissions. Planning staff recommended a handful of clarifying drafting changes including renaming “limited range vehicle (LRV)” to “short range vehicle (SRV)” to avoid confusion with light rail terminology and ensuring the vehicles are zero‑emission. Supporters from local micro‑mobility operators, including Scoot Networks, said allowing co‑location of car share and short‑range vehicle parking will increase vehicle utilization and reduce private car trips.

Opponents and neighborhood speakers voiced procedural complaints about notice and asked for clarity over whether private versus public garage spaces were covered; staff and supporters said the ordinance addresses only off‑street (garage) spaces and would not create new on‑street scooter parking rights. Commissioners supported staff modifications and unanimously voted to forward the ordinance with those changes.