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Planning Department unveils phased rewrite to simplify San Francisco's Planning Code
Summary
Staff proposed a two-phase ordinance to consolidate use definitions and reorganize Article II into a consistent, web-friendly structure to reduce redundancy and improve usability; outreach is planned and Phase 1 introduction targeted for September.
Planning Department staff presented a proposal to streamline the Planning Code by consolidating use definitions and reorganizing Article II into a format similar to Article VII. The reform would create centralized zoning charts and 'use charts' that give readers a quick, consistent view of permitted uses and development standards. The project will proceed in two phases: Phase 1 consolidates definitions and reorganizes Article II; Phase 2 will delete duplicate definitions in Articles VII and VIII and modify those articles to reference the consolidated section.
Staff said the goal is to reduce redundancy, correct inconsistent definitions across articles, and provide web-friendly, searchable tables and charts so that planners, developers and the public can more quickly find applicable rules. The department plans public outreach meetings and hopes to transmit Phase 1 to the City Attorney for review and for introduction to the commission in September, with Phase 2 to follow.
Commissioners expressed support for simplification and public-facing improvements and recommended targeted outreach to practitioners and neighborhood stakeholders to avoid unintended consequences.
