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Committee backs easing architectural-plan requirement for limited change-of-use permits
Summary
The Land Use & Transportation Committee recommended an ordinance that would let some small businesses submit dimension drawings rather than architect-prepared plans when a change of use does not alter occupancy class or occupant load, aiming to reduce permitting costs; the measure codifies a pilot program and was sent to the full board as a committee report.
The San Francisco Board of Supervisors’ Land Use and Transportation Committee voted to recommend an ordinance that would reduce permitting costs for a narrow set of change-of-use applications by excusing professional architect-prepared plans where there is no change in occupancy classification, no increase in occupant load and no construction.
Office of Small Business Director Katie Tang told the committee the legislation, sponsored by the mayor, would codify an existing pilot used by about a dozen small businesses and allow applicants to submit dimension drawings rather than full architect plan sets in qualifying cases. "It will be extremely helpful and save them thousands of dollars and quite a bit of time," Tang said during a brief presentation.
Department of Building Inspection staff cautioned that the proposed change does not override other code requirements. "In general, you do have to correct any violations first before you proceed with the new proposed use," Tate Hannah of DBI told the committee, adding the department would still require plan sets in cases that involve occupancy or egress changes.
Members of the public offered mostly supportive comments, including Ben Blyman, who said the rising cost of simple architectural drawings has made some projects prohibitively expensive. Others, like Teresa Dolalas, urged careful drafting so the exemption could not be used as a loophole by large developers.
Chair Mirna Melgar moved to forward the ordinance with a positive recommendation as a committee report. The motion passed on a 3-0 recorded vote and the item will proceed to the full Board of Supervisors.
