Supervisors continue debate on Family Housing Opportunity special-use district after wide public comment

Supervisor Mirna Melgar presented an ordinance to create a Family Housing Opportunity Special Use District allowing up to four units (or an alternative ratio) and to relax certain standards for eligible projects. She said the SUD is intended to help West Side homeowners add units, allow multigenerational living, and pursue density equity. "This allows for folks to make it a little bit easier to live multigenerationally in properties that they've owned," Melgar said.

Multiple supervisors proposed clarifying amendments and the committee discussed look-back periods for prior tenant occupancy, how unauthorized units and accessory dwelling units are counted, and whether demolition of rent-controlled housing should require conditional use review. Supervisor Peskin, Supervisor Mandelmann’s staff, and others proposed numerous clarifications intended to protect existing rent-controlled units and prevent speculative demolition.

The hearing drew extensive public comment. Neighborhood groups, preservation organizations and tenant advocates warned the proposal could accelerate demolition of existing rent-controlled units and displace long-term tenants; groups requested recorded buyout documentation and stronger affordability requirements. Others, including housing advocates and some planners, expressed support for the amendments as a way to increase housing supply.

Given outstanding drafting and form issues, deputy city attorney Anne Pearson said additional time was needed to certify amendments as to form. The committee adopted the amendments read into the record, noted several supervisors’ additional amendment language to be submitted, and voted to continue the item for one week to allow finalization of amendments and to place the approved changes into the file for public review.

Next steps: The item was continued for one week for final language approval and will return to committee before being forwarded to the full board.