Public commenter urges Planning Commission to scrutinize state density bonus rules, citing affordability impacts

Sue Hester urged the San Francisco Planning Commission to examine state density bonus requirements and the effect they are having on housing affordability in the city. She told commissioners that the rules "reduce affordability levels in San Francisco" and asked the commission to direct staff to provide specific information on how density bonuses are being applied.

Hester said she reviewed a list staff member Kate Connor provided and identified that projects using state density bonuses are concentrated primarily in Districts 6 and 9, with District 5 third. She asked the commission to clarify the percentage of very low- and low-income units required under the bonuses, whether required affordable units are being built on-site or satisfied off-site, and the geographic distribution of those projects.

Hester also raised design and neighborhood impacts, saying she was concerned that developers were building above height limits, creating shadows on parks (she cited Mission Dolores Park), and using the bonus to enable more market-rate units to be built. She asked commissioners to "ask real questions, please."

The commission did not take action on Hester's request during the special hearing; the comment was submitted during the public-comment period that preceded a closed session. The transcript used the term "dentistry bonus" in one passage; the commenter’s surrounding descriptions and common local policy language indicate she was referring to state "density bonus" rules. The commission has not yet directed staff publicly on what follow-up will be provided regarding Hester’s request.