San Francisco supervisor Mandelmann introduces permanent regulations for residential care facilities

The San Francisco Planning Commission convened on July 4, 2025, to discuss critical legislation aimed at preserving residential care facilities in the city. The meeting highlighted the urgent need to address the rapid decline of these essential facilities, which provide housing and care for vulnerable populations, including the elderly and individuals with disabilities.

Commissioners unanimously approved a motion to adopt staff recommendations that included a grandfathering clause for all applications submitted by the meeting date. This clause aims to protect existing facilities from being converted or demolished without proper oversight. The decision reflects a growing concern over the loss of residential care facilities, which has seen a nearly 30% decline since 2012, resulting in the loss of hundreds of assisted living beds.

Jacob Bentliff, representing Supervisor Mandelmann, presented an ordinance designed to establish permanent controls on the conversion of these facilities. He noted that the city has lost 43 residential care facilities since 2012, with an additional 11 closures reported in the past two years. The ordinance seeks to prevent further losses by requiring conditional use permits for any changes to existing facilities.

The proposed legislation also aims to streamline the process for opening new assisted living facilities by removing conditional use requirements for larger facilities in specific zoning districts. This change is intended to facilitate the expansion of care options in a city where the demand for such services is increasing.

The commission acknowledged that while legislative changes are necessary, they must be accompanied by adequate funding and reforms within the care delivery system to effectively address the needs of San Francisco's aging and disabled populations. The meeting concluded with a commitment to continue exploring solutions that will ensure the preservation and expansion of residential care facilities in the city.