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Planning Commission recommends Supervisor Wiener—s density-exclusion amendment to encourage more on-site affordable units
Summary
The commission unanimously recommended approval of Supervisor Wiener—s planning-code amendment to exclude on-site below-market-rate units from density limits when developers opt for at least 20% on-site affordable housing; staff noted geographical limits and technical enforceability changes.
The Planning Commission voted unanimously to recommend approval, as amended, of a planning-code amendment proposed by Supervisor Wiener designed to make it easier for developers to build more on-site affordable housing.
Supervisor Wiener told the commission the ordinance "creates an incentive for developers to do their affordable housing requirements as on-site units and to build more than the legally required minimum of 12%." He said the key change would allow a developer who provides at least 20 percent of a project—s units as affordable to have those below-market-rate units excluded from unit-density caps. "If the developer chooses to build on-site affordable units and does at least 20% of the total units in the project as affordable, the affordable units will not count against unit density limits," Wiener said during the presentation.
Staff (Kirsten Lisonbee) noted the proposal affects only certain zoning areas (it does not apply in RH-1/RH-2 districts) and pointed commissioners to a map in the case packet showing the neighborhoods that would benefit. The legislation also includes technical revisions (rounding rules and an amendment the city attorney provided) intended to improve enforceability of below-market-rate unit requirements.
Public comment was limited; one speaker urged that the mayor—s working group be allowed to report before separate legislation is advanced. Commissioners asked staff for data on where the change would apply and how many units are in the pipeline. Planning staff reported roughly 40,000 approved units citywide, with 6,000–7,000 under construction and another 10,000 in the pipeline.
Commissioner Sugaya moved to recommend adoption of the legislation including the amendment distributed that day; the motion was seconded and passed by a 7-0 roll call.
Next steps: the commission—s recommendation will be forwarded to the Board of Supervisors, with staff and the sponsor available to work on future adjustments if the mayoral working group or state density-bonus implementation proceeds.
