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Committee narrows supercharging of heights downtown, recommends C2 density limit amendments 2-1
Summary
The committee voted to adopt amendments reinstating numeric density controls in parts of the Northeast Waterfront and Jackson Square historic districts; the recommendation to the full Board passed 2–1 after debate about equity and down‑zoning.
Member Peskin presented Item 6, a package intended to modify density limits in certain C2 districts to address unintended height increases produced by combining form‑based density and state density bonus rules. Peskin and Planning staff cited projects that had grown to several times their zone height limits as unintended consequences of earlier code changes.
Planning staff described the Planning Commission's recommendation to restrict reinstatement of numeric density controls to the Northeast Waterfront Historic District and the Jackson Square Historic District, while allowing adaptive reuse projects in those districts to use form‑based density. Supporters including Telegraph Hill Dwellers urged passage to prevent high-rise towers encroaching on waterfront historic buildings. Housing advocates warned the measure could function as a down‑zoning and limit housing production.
The committee adopted the amendments and then voted to recommend the ordinance as amended to the full Board in a split vote: President Peskin and Vice Chair Dean Preston voted aye; Chair Mirna Melgar recorded a no. The committee's recommendation will go to the full Board for final action.
