Committee advances ordinance to protect Seal Rock Inn’s encroachment permit and waive occupancy fee

The Budget and Finance Committee on a 3–0 vote forwarded to the Board of Supervisors an ordinance that would grandfather the Seal Rock Inn’s existing major encroachment permit and waive the city’s annual right-of-way occupancy fee tied to commercial use. Chair Supervisor Connie Chan introduced the measure as a way to preserve a long-standing Outer Richmond business and neighborhood hub.

Chan said the 1961 encroachment allowed restaurant dining areas, planters and stairs in the public right-of-way and that the Department of Public Works did not historically require the occupancy fee. She framed the ordinance as removing a prohibition on commercialization in the encroachment permit and thanked Public Works staff for collaborating on the legislation.

Members of the Elam family, who operate the Seal Rock Inn, and several neighborhood residents described the motel’s 27 guestrooms and former restaurant as a community resource used by veterans, visitors and area residents for decades. Public commenters said the restaurant closure during the COVID-19 emergency and ongoing operating costs threatened the business and urged the supervisors to clear regulatory barriers to reopening.

After public comment the committee voted to forward the item with a positive recommendation. The ordinance now goes to the full Board for consideration; the committee record shows a unanimous committee recommendation to forward.