Commission allows up to 12 higher-volume special events a year at 5M park with conditions

The Entertainment Commission on Oct. 18 approved an amendment to the limited-live-performance (LLP) permit for the 5M site (430 Natoma Street) that allows the permit holder to host up to 12 "special events" per calendar year with a higher special-event sound limit, subject to staff conditions.

Deputy Director Azevedo said the permit holder requested up to 12 special events and staff worked with the applicant to define special events as those with 500 or more attendees. Under the amendment senior sound inspectors will set the special-event sound limit at a measurement distance of 250 feet from the property plane in accordance with Municipal Police Code Article 10.60.16. Conditions adopted by the Commission include: special events shall not exceed six hours per day between 9 a.m. and 10 p.m.; no more than four special events shall occur in a single month; and the permit holder must provide the Commission and SFPD Southern Station with a calendar of special events at least one month in advance.

Jocelyn Manalo, community engagement manager for Brookfield Properties’ 5M site, described community programming at the park (yoga, dance, classes) and said the additional capacity will allow larger cultural events such as Undiscovered SF. Public commenters — including a local project manager with ChabadSF, the Undiscovered SF event producer and nearby business and cultural practitioners — spoke in support, citing neighborhood activation and economic recovery. Several commissioners expressed support for continuing to activate the site.

Commissioner Perez recused himself from this item; the remaining commissioners voted aye and the amendment passed. Staff will follow up on implementation steps and calendar-noticing requirements.