San Francisco planners tackle housing development barriers and high costs at commission meeting

In a recent San Francisco government meeting, significant discussions emerged regarding the challenges of housing development in the city, highlighting the urgent need for reform to address the ongoing housing crisis.

One of the key topics was the lengthy and complex process of environmental review, specifically the negative declaration (neg deck) process, which has been criticized for its inefficiency. Sarah Dennis, a representative from Tish Inspire, emphasized the need for a hearing to explore ways to streamline these reviews, suggesting that the current 110-page neg deck is excessive and burdensome for developers.

The meeting also shed light on the evolving approach of the historical preservation group, which is now considering not just the architectural significance of buildings but also their historical relevance to various communities. This shift has raised concerns among developers about the potential for increased regulatory hurdles that could further complicate the development process.

Phyllis, also from Tish Inspire, shared insights on the current state of housing projects in San Francisco, noting that rising costs and stringent impact fees have made many previously viable projects financially unfeasible. She pointed out that nearly all residential projects are struggling to "pencil out" due to these economic pressures, with many entitled projects now up for sale.

Corey Smith from the Housing Action Coalition echoed these sentiments, arguing that the city’s policies are intentionally making it harder to build housing. He criticized the Board of Supervisors for obstructing development efforts, which he believes contributes to the city's high housing costs. Smith highlighted the importance of the upcoming Affordable Home Now ballot measure, which aims to address these issues.

Several speakers, including Christopher Nailing and Mark Macy, reinforced the notion that the entitlement process is overly complicated, deterring developers from pursuing new housing projects. They called for simplification of the approval process to increase housing supply and lower costs.

The meeting concluded with a call to action for the Planning Commission to reconsider current policies and fees that hinder development. As San Francisco grapples with a housing shortage, the discussions underscored the critical need for collaborative efforts to create a more conducive environment for housing development, ensuring that the city can meet the growing demand for affordable living options.