Committee adopts amendments and continues planning‑code changes on roll‑down gates after merchants and retailers testify

Supervisor Asha Safai presented amendments to the planning code to change transparency requirements for roll‑down gates, railing and grilles in nonresidential districts and to create a legalization pathway for existing nonconforming elements. Safai said the change would "allow small businesses more security" and provide a path for businesses — including cannabis retailers and long‑standing family stores — to legalize existing gates within three years after notice, while retaining protections for landmarks and requiring fire‑safety and historic review.

Planning staff (Audrey Maloney) described the planning commission’s four recommended modifications including artwork requirements on solid gates and a three‑year permit timeline for legalizing nonconforming gates. The deputy city attorney confirmed the commission had sufficient discussion and that re‑referral was not required.

Merchants and storefront owners gave numerous on‑the‑record accounts of smash‑and‑grab thefts, repeated window breakage and substantial replacement costs. Cash, owner of Warm Planet Bikes, and Terrence Allen (Castro Merchants) urged the committee to help merchants keep businesses open and safe. Supervisors discussed balancing historic preservation and safety; Supervisor Safai and colleagues agreed to continue the item so staff could incorporate feedback. The committee adopted amendments and continued the item to April 17.