Planning Commission sends tighter billboard and sign rules to the Board, shortens abatement window

On Sept. 15 the San Francisco Planning Commission voted 5–0 to recommend approval of two sign‑control ordinances that together revise the planning code’s controls over general advertising (GA) signs and other sign types.

Planning staff and a representative from Supervisor Peskin’s office explained the two measures: one (board file 16‑00553) would clarify that noncommercial signs (for example, religious symbols, informational plaques and art murals) are exempt from certain regulation and would shorten the compliance/abatement window for GA sign violations from 30 days to 3 days (5 days if notice is mailed). That ordinance also proposes enhanced daily penalties for repeat violations and an alternative penalty calculation tied to profits derived from unlawful advertising.

The companion ordinance (board file 16‑0424) would restrict relocation of GA signs and eliminate allowance for GA and roof signs in certain C, M and PDR districts; it would permit limited window signage (up to one‑third of the glazed area) in some districts. Staff cited the 2002 Proposition G and 2007 Proposition K as background and noted that enforcement and removal of illegal billboards has been ongoing since the early 2000s.

Public commenters representing Livable City and neighborhood interests supported the ordinances, arguing they help protect public realm quality and neighborhood character; others raised enforcement issues around street‑pole posters and nightclub posters that accumulate and can pose hazards.

The Commission approved the staff recommendations with modifications (to definitions and map references) and will forward the ordinances to the Board of Supervisors for consideration.