Commission initiates Mission/Ninth Special Use District to add affordable student housing and taller buildable height

San Francisco — The Planning Commission on Oct. 6 initiated a General Plan amendment and a Special Use District (SUD) process to enable a proposed Mission/Ninth development that would allow increased heights and require a significant percentage of on‑site affordable student housing.

Tina Chang of Planning Department staff described the proposal: a map amendment changing Downtown Plan heights from 120X to 200X, and SUD provisions requiring 21.5% of on‑site units to be affordable (13.5% of total to very low‑income households at 55% AMI or below; 4% at 75% AMI; 4% at 90% AMI). The department also recommended adding an extra 3.5% of units affordable up to 150% AMI above the planning‑code minimums.

Chang said the project would result in a roughly 200‑foot, 21‑story building with about 299 dwelling units; staff noted environmental review was complete and the department recommended initiating the amendment so the SUD and project authorization could be considered on or after Oct. 27.

Commissioners and public commenters discussed procedure, timing and the usual review steps for SUDs; public commenter Sue Hester asked about accelerated scheduling and the level of review for building quality and design. Staff clarified initiation is not approval of any project and that the full project and SUD language will return for detailed review. Commissioner Richards moved to initiate the amendment and schedule the hearing; the motion passed 6–0.