Commission backs repeal of planning code Article 12 to bar oil and gas activities on public land

The Planning Commission unanimously recommended approval of an ordinance introduced by Supervisor Connie Chan that would remove Article 12 from the Planning Code and thereby prevent the permitting of oil and gas exploration, development and processing on City‑owned land.

Kelly Groff, legislative aide for Supervisor Chan, said the ordinance is intended to remove any municipal authority to allow fossil fuel operations on public land and to underscore San Francisco’s climate commitments. “San Francisco prides itself as an environmental leader,” she said, adding that recent spills elsewhere underscore the need to act.

Planning staff proposed a technical modification: amend the definition of heavy manufacturing to explicitly exclude the production or refining of petroleum products so that those uses cannot be located adjacent to sensitive communities. That amendment was accepted and included in the motion to approve.

Commissioners praised the measure as consistent with the general plan’s environmental protection element. Commissioner Moore moved approval with the recommended modifications; the motion passed 6–0. The department will carry the Planning Commission’s recommendation forward to the Board for final legislative action.