Commission splits 4–2 on Peskin’s HOME SF exclusion for Article 10 historic districts; approves related HOME SF amendment

The San Francisco Historic Preservation Commission on Feb. 15 split over competing approaches to changes in the HOME SF local density‑bonus program, ultimately voting 4–2 to recommend Supervisor Aaron Peskin’s ordinance to exclude Article 10 historic districts from HOME SF and to reject the planning department’s narrower modification.

Veronica Flores of the Planning Department outlined two ordinances on the agenda. The first, introduced by Supervisor Aaron Peskin, would amend HOME SF to exclude Article 10 historic districts from participation. Staff recommended a narrower amendment that would exclude only individually listed resources or contributors to those districts, arguing that the narrower approach would meet the ordinance’s intent while avoiding unintentionally excluding otherwise eligible properties. Staff also circulated a revised draft resolution clarifying CEQA findings.

Stan Hayes of the Telegraph Hill Dwellers and other neighborhood speakers urged full exclusion of Article 10 districts, saying a historic district “is not just an isolated set of select historic buildings” but the character of an entire area, and warning that narrow exclusions could permit out‑of‑scale construction that harms district integrity.

Commissioners debated tradeoffs. Commissioner Nagas Warren moved to support the planning department’s recommended modification; Commissioner Foley moved to support Supervisor Peskin’s original ordinance. Foley’s motion passed 4–2, with Commissioners Black and Nagas Warren voting no. The commission recorded that staff had estimated roughly 210 parcels could be affected by the exclusion, though staff called that an approximation that would be refined during project‑level review.

Separately, on Item 7B — an ordinance introduced by Supervisor Dorsey proposing an alternative HOME SF pathway that would allow projects to subject new dwelling units to rent‑increase limitations (rent control) — the commission voted unanimously to recommend approval. Planning staff emphasized that projects under any pathway would still be subject to CEQA environmental review and potential mitigation for significant impacts.

Commissioners emphasized the policy tradeoffs: excluding districts from HOME SF could protect local character but might push developers to use the state density‑bonus program, where the commission has less discretion over concessions and height. Staff said HOME SF requires new construction/demolition (it cannot be used for additions) and allows sponsors to request 0–2 additional stories in exchange for higher on‑site inclusionary rates.

The commission’s recommendations are advisory and will be forwarded to the Board of Supervisors and the mayor’s office as the legislative process continues.