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Commission backs conditional review for 'other entertainment' on Van Ness, defers rezoning decision
Summary
The Planning Commission voted Dec. 2 to require either a conditional-use review or an alternative approval path for 'other entertainment' uses in the Van Ness Special Use District, but deferred staff's recommendation to reapply C2 zoning to RC districts pending further analysis and mapping.
The San Francisco Planning Commission on Dec. 2 supported adding a process to give neighborhoods notice and a review opportunity when new 'other entertainment' uses are proposed in the Van Ness Special Use District, while postponing a separate staff recommendation to reclassify underlying RC zoning to C2 across the city.
Planning staff framed the measure (case 2010.0965T) as an attempt to create a uniform standard so neighborhood groups would receive notice and have a meaningful opportunity to comment on potentially disruptive entertainment uses. Phil Barnes, representing Supervisor Alioto Pierce, told the commission: "We think this legislation to apply a uniform standard across the SUD is good public policy." The department recommended a technical modification to refer RC districts to C2 controls rather than the NC districts staff had used previously.
Public testimony divided. Tom Radulovich of Livable City warned of broad implications if C2 were reapplied across many RC districts, urging the commission to evaluate formula-retail controls and use-size limits. Attorney Sue Hester and others urged caution: "Don't go backwards to C2," Hester said, noting C2's high FAR and parking burdens. Entertainment-industry speakers urged improving notification rather than imposing a costly conditional-use requirement that could deter small operators.
Commissioners gave most immediate weight to improving notice and neighborhood participation while postponing the zoning-change question. Commissioner Olague moved to require a conditional-use authorization or an agreed alternative process for 'other entertainment' uses on Venice/Van Ness, and to pull the staff recommendation on citywide C2 rezoning for further discussion. The motion — modified to allow further work with the Entertainment Commission on potential Director-level or mandatory-DR processes — passed by recorded vote.
The commission's action preserves the ability for neighbors to weigh in on new entertainment uses in the Van Ness SUD while directing staff and the supervisor's office to refine how underlying zoning and notification should be handled across RC districts.
