Proposed Small Business Recovery Act would speed permits, expand entertainment uses

City staff from the Office of Economic and Workforce Development outlined a broad package of reforms called the Small Business Recovery Act that would streamline permitting, expand outdoor commercial options and create more pathways for entertainment and culture to operate in storefronts and rooftops.

Ben (OEWD) told the commission the ordinance would expand the 30-day Prop H permit turnaround to ground-floor storefronts citywide and increase access to expedited conditional-use hearings—specifically extending a 90-day expedited conditional-use option to nighttime entertainment and bars. "That process typically guarantees a hearing within 90 days," Ben said, noting the change is aimed at removing a major barrier small businesses face when conditional-use processes can take months.

Among provisions of interest to performers and venues, the ordinance would set the default permissible closing hour for Limited Life Performance (LLP) permits at 11 p.m. (up from the standard 10 p.m. that currently requires a petition), create a 60-day LLP for pop-up retail uses tied to temporary planning authorizations, and allow solo unamplified performers who finish by 10 p.m. to perform without an entertainment permit.

Ben also said the bill would legalize long-standing nighttime-entertainment uses that have been operating with required permits for at least 10 years and would create a two-year temporary outdoor entertainment authorization to support outdoor programming.

Commissioners expressed broad support for efforts to cut red tape and expand cultural opportunities. The Entertainment Commission voted to forward a staff letter supporting the ordinance as it proceeds through planning and Board hearings.

Next steps: staff said the ordinance will appear for informational hearings at Planning and historic-preservation bodies, then Land Use and subsequent Board hearings; staff will share hearing dates on the city landing page.