Supervisors continue debate on Family & Senior Housing Opportunity special use district

The committee held an extended discussion of Item 3, an ordinance to rename and amend the Family Housing Opportunity Special Use District to the Family and Senior Housing Opportunity SUD, to expand unit allowances on some corner lots and refine eligibility. The discussion focused on whether to retain a five‑year ownership look‑back (intended to curb speculation and protect tenants) or to adopt a one‑year rule consistent with more recent streamlining legislation.

Sponsor Supervisor Angardia said the amendments would create more family and senior housing and allow corner-lot mixed‑use anchors like grocery stores with housing above. President Peskin and other members pressed on the look‑back period: Peskin said the five‑year rule was an anti‑speculation measure designed to protect renters, while Angardia and Planning staff said the change to a one‑year look‑back reflected efforts to conform to recently passed housing-production streamlining legislation.

Deputy City Attorney Anne Pearson cautioned that the provisions appear in different code sections for different purposes and recommended caution before making isolated in‑session amendments without confirming conforming changes elsewhere in the legislation. Public commenters were split: tenant‑advocacy testimony urged tabling or opposing the measure pending the mayor's housing proposal and feasibility studies; other community members expressed support for more housing options. The committee voted to continue the item to Feb. 26 to allow further stakeholder discussion and legal review.