Planning commission backs Fifth and Mission redevelopment, forwards DA and zoning changes to Board of Supervisors

The San Francisco Planning Commission voted 5–2 to recommend that the Board of Supervisors approve zoning text and map amendments, a Design for Development (D4D) document and a Development Agreement (DA) for the Fifth and Mission Special Use District (5MS), a large mixed-use project in SoMa.

Commissioners said the package ties a significant set of public benefits to added development potential. Commissioner Antonini highlighted roughly $73,500,000 in contributions across the package, including about $12,000,000 for transit and a range of childcare, workforce and arts commitments. Staff said the project doubles required open space and preserves several existing buildings, including the Chronicle Building and the Dempster and Carmelon buildings.

Why it matters: commissioners described the package as one of the larger private developments that nevertheless secures city-level public benefits typically seen on city-sponsored projects. Supporters argued the deal can provide sustained funding for affordable housing, arts space and neighborhood improvements; opponents stressed residual displacement risks.

Key approvals and conditions - The commission’s recommendation bundles several approvals: zoning text and map amendments, height reclassification, adoption of the D4D, approval of the Development Agreement as amended,…