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Board moratorium and Planning Commission debate aim to protect Flower Mart and PDR uses in Western SoMa
Summary
The Board of Supervisors enacted a 45‑day interim moratorium on new institutional uses in the Western SoMa plan area after reports the Flower Mart parcel may be sold and converted; Planning Department staff briefed the commission and commissioners discussed amending Industrial Protection Zone policy to require discretionary review for institutional conversions to protect PDR businesses.
The Board of Supervisors has adopted an urgency ordinance imposing a 45‑day interim moratorium on new institutional uses in the Western SoMa plan area, staff reported to the Planning Commission. The moratorium pauses permitting for conversions (including educational or medical institutional uses) and directs the Planning Department to submit a report to the clerk within 25 days describing measures to address displacement pressures.
Tara Sullivan of planning staff said the moratorium was prompted by news that part of the Flower Mart complex was for sale and that the Academy of Art had been reported as a potential buyer. The moratorium aims to prevent immediate conversions before the department and task force complete land‑use recommendations for the area.
At the same meeting planning staff also presented proposed updates to the Industrial Protection Zone (IPZ) policy, which would formalize review of institutional uses in industrial lands. Commissioners debated whether to add mandatory discretionary review for institutional uses proposed in IPZ areas, expressed concern about unintended consequences for existing businesses and displacement, and discussed options including targeted language to discourage institutional conversions that would displace PDR uses.
Advocates for PDR businesses urged the commission to adopt protective language or an immediate mandatory review so that large institutional conversions cannot proceed without commission review. Several commissioners said staff already intends to bring institutional conversion proposals before the commission on a case‑by‑case basis and asked staff to draft clear, limited language (for example, explicitly listing institutional uses) that would apply in the interim while neighborhood plans and permanent zoning are prepared.
Representatives of the Flower Mart and vendors urged attention to relocation and mitigation for tenants who may be displaced; the Academy of Art’s representative said the institution is gathering facts and is engaging with city officials on potential options. Commissioners continued discussion and asked staff to return with revised draft language and coordination with the Western SoMa task force; the item was set for further consideration on Jan. 10.
