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Planning staff honor Aaron Starr as he retires; department announces fee‑collection timing change
Summary
At its Dec. 18 meeting the Planning Commission presented a proclamation recognizing Aaron Starr's two decades with the department; staff also announced that, beginning Jan. 2, 2026, certain planning fees will be collected at the development application stage rather than at building permit application.
The San Francisco Planning Commission opened its Dec. 18 hearing by presenting a proclamation honoring Aaron Starr for roughly 20 years of service as manager of legislative affairs for the Planning Department. Commissioners and the mayor's office speaker praised Starr’s expertise, patience and long‑running contribution to code work and department processes.
Multiple commissioners offered personal remarks of thanks and described Starr as a steady, clarifying presence in complex code and legislative matters. Starr reflected on his career and public service, characterizing much of city planning as incremental, quiet work that nonetheless accumulates into meaningful results.
Separately, the department announced an administrative change: Rick Sucre, deputy director of current planning, said the department will shift the timing of a planning fee collection so the fee will be collected with development applications beginning Jan. 2, 2026. Staff stated this is an implementation detail of previously reviewed legislation and said there would be no substantive change to the fee amount, only a timing change.
The commission then proceeded to its discretionary review calendar. The retirement proclamation and staff announcements were placed on the record as part of the department report.
The commission adjourned after the day’s business; staff noted that the department and the sponsor teams are responsible for next steps on items that require implementation or monitoring.
