Supervisor Mirna Melgar, chair of the Land Use and Transportation Committee, moved Jan. 12 to continue consideration of a planning-code amendment that would permit parking of up to two operable vehicles in driveways located in required front setbacks, side yards or rear yards. The committee voted 3–0 to continue the item to its Jan. 26, 2026 meeting after public comment.

The ordinance, introduced by the clerk as an amendment to the Planning Code, would also affirm the Planning Department's consistency findings with Planning Code section 101.1 and section 302. The proposed change drew sustained criticism from neighborhood advocates at the committee's public-comment period.

Tom Radulovich of Livable City told the committee the proposal is "a deeply flawed piece of legislation" that would "allow the creation of driveways to garages that don't exist" and lead to "large scale paving of people's yards," reversing policies intended to improve walkability and increase green space. Radulovich said the change could "absolve developers" of current obligations to close driveways, restore curbs and install street trees when converting car storage to living or commercial space.

Resident Paul Wirmer said preserving permeable, planted surfaces is important for stormwater management and public health, and described how several Victorian-era properties in his neighborhood were subdivided and later converted to driveways. "I've discovered we can get around without a car in San Francisco," Wirmer said, urging incentives and conditions that would favor streetscape improvements rather than new driveways.

Chair Melgar said the mayor, the bill sponsor, is working on amendments and asked the committee to continue the item. Clerk John Carroll recorded the motion and announced the results: Vice Chair Cheyenne Chen, Supervisor Bilal Mahmood and Chair Melgar each voted "aye." The committee carried the motion to continue the item to the Jan. 26, 2026 meeting for further amendment and public comment.

The committee did not take a final vote on the substance of the ordinance; the continuation leaves open opportunities for amendments, including limits suggested by the Planning Commission and public commenters to restrict so-called "blind" driveways and retain requirements that developers restore curbs, sidewalks and street trees when converting parking space to other uses.