Planning Commission reviews Blooms' outdoor activity permit violations in San Francisco

The San Francisco City Council convened on July 4, 2025, to address significant concerns regarding the outdoor usage of a property known as Blooms. The meeting focused on a request for suspension from the planning department, which raised questions about compliance with city codes and permits.

The discussion began with a detailed examination of the planning department's findings. A council member highlighted that Blooms had been utilizing its outdoor backyard space in violation of Section 145.2 of the city code, which stipulates that commercial outdoor activities must be located contiguous to the front property line. The member emphasized that the current use of the rear area does not meet this requirement and pointed out that the outdoor wooden platform for patrons was explicitly denied in the original application approval.

The council member called for the cancellation of the building permit due to these violations, arguing that there has been a clear disregard for planning codes. They also raised questions regarding the approval process for the use of the outdoor space, specifically asking how a Temporary Use Permit (TUP) could be granted if the building permits did not allow for patron use.

Further inquiries were made about the conditional use permit, which had not been issued, and whether this should prevent the use of the back patio. The member proposed that the planning commission should prohibit outdoor patronage on the patio and requested the removal of the outdoor deck and roof beams, which were not permitted.

Vice President Swig requested that the zoning administrator, Sanchez, take note of the questions raised and provide responses to ensure clarity on the issues discussed.

The meeting then transitioned to hear from the permit holder, Miss Barbie Theis, who was given 28 minutes to present her case. The proceedings highlighted the ongoing complexities surrounding zoning regulations and the enforcement of city codes, with implications for both the business and the surrounding community.

As the meeting progressed, it became clear that the council is committed to ensuring compliance with city regulations while balancing the interests of local businesses. The next steps will involve further review and responses from the planning department to address the concerns raised during the session.