Supervisor Mandelmann proposes ordinance to support adult venues in LGBTQ neighborhoods

The San Francisco County Board of Supervisors convened on July 4, 2025, to discuss a significant ordinance aimed at amending the planning code regarding adult venues, particularly those associated with the LGBTQ community. Sponsored by Supervisor Mandelmann, the ordinance seeks to redefine and permit adult venues, including bathhouses, in various commercial and residential districts, particularly in areas historically linked to LGBTQ culture.

The proposed changes come in response to outdated regulations that have hindered the establishment of such venues since the AIDS crisis in the 1980s. In 2020, the Board had already taken steps to update public health requirements for adult venues, allowing for safer operations. The new ordinance builds on these efforts by creating a specific category for adult venues in the planning code, which would allow them to operate under health code standards without the restrictive zoning that has previously limited their presence in neighborhoods like the Castro and SoMa.

Key provisions of the ordinance include allowing adult venues to operate 24/7 in designated areas, provided they meet noise, lighting, and security standards. Additionally, the ordinance expands the areas where these venues can be established, particularly within the Tenderloin and the Castro, to support local businesses like Eros, a legacy bathhouse that has faced challenges due to zoning restrictions.

The Planning Commission and the Small Business Commission have both unanimously recommended the ordinance, which aims to foster safe, affirming spaces for the LGBTQ community and support economic recovery post-pandemic. The ordinance reflects a broader commitment to addressing historical stigmas and promoting inclusivity within San Francisco's vibrant cultural landscape.