Committee continues local accessibility code change to Jan. 27 for more stakeholder engagement

Committee members agreed to continue an ordinance that would remove a local requirement affecting primary entries and paths of travel for places of public accommodation and affirm related determinations. Adam Tongsfoot, a legislative aide speaking for Supervisor Mandelman’s office, told the committee the proposal is the product of months of collaboration among the sponsor’s office, the Office of Small Business, the Mayor’s office on disability, and Department of Building Inspection, but said more time was needed to meet stakeholders and collect further feedback.

Henry Cornelius, president of the South of Market Business Association, urged the committee not to delay indefinitely but argued the current requirement had become prohibitively expensive for small businesses — citing sidewalk work costing “$70,000” and total retrofit costs up to “80 to 100,000.” Cornelius said hardship exemptions similar to those in other small-business permitting regimes should exist.

Vice Chair Dean Preston moved to continue the item to the Land Use meeting on Jan. 27, 2025; the motion passed with Supervisors Aaron Peskin and Dean Preston voting aye and Chair Mirna Melgar excused. Staff and the sponsor said they will use the continuance to engage additional stakeholders before returning the item to committee.