Commission endorses Fillmore Street active‑use ordinance to encourage retail and limit large office storefronts

The Planning Commission recommended approval of an ordinance sponsored by Supervisor Ross Mercarimi that would require active ground‑floor commercial uses along Fillmore Street between Bush and McAllister, aiming to restore storefront retail and pedestrian activity on a historically redeveloped corridor.

Anne Marie Rogers of the planning department summarized the proposed text changes: the ordinance would amend the active‑use section of the planning code to require listed active uses on the ground floor for the specified Fillmore blocks, exclude certain non‑active uses (notably several office types), and limit individual tenant spans to no more than 75 linear feet with a floor depth minimum to encourage subdividable storefronts. Staff recommended small amendments to add newer restaurant definitions (self‑service specialty food) and outdoor activity areas to the permitted list.

Supervisor Ross Mercarimi outlined the policy intent: redevelopment-era zoning had produced a stretch of storefronts occupied by non‑retail uses that suppress pedestrian vitality. He said the ordinance is intended to preserve commercial frontage for neighborhood‑serving retail and restaurants and to prevent future conversion of ground floors to large, single uses that do not animate the sidewalk.

Community stakeholders including Tom Radulovich of Livable City and representatives from Urban Solutions supported the aim to create smaller, subdividable retail spaces and to discourage formula retail concentration on the affected blocks. Commissioners asked about exemptions (banks were clarified as exempt), medical and neighborhood‑serving professional offices, and how the ordinance would interface with the redevelopment area and existing tenants. Commissioners urged staff to coordinate with economic development programs and the mayor’s office to provide support (leasing, façade programs, business assistance) to help local merchants take advantage of the new rules.

After discussion the commission voted to recommend approval to the Board of Supervisors with recommended staff modifications and asked staff to explore implementation tools (outreach, MOEWD collaboration and possible credits). The commission’s recommendation will be transmitted to the Land Use Committee and the Board, where the sponsor and city attorney will consider any modifications.