Committee urges state to prioritize affordable housing at Fell Street DMV site, forwards resolution

Supervisor Dean Preston introduced a resolution supporting development of permanently affordable housing at the state‑owned DMV field office site at 1377 Fell Street and urging state agencies (DMV, Department of General Services) to prioritize housing either in combination with a rebuilt DMV or by relocating the DMV and converting the site to housing.

Preston said the site is roughly 100,000 square feet, transit-rich, and historically considered for housing: a 2008 RFP had sought housing uses, and the DMV recently issued a request for interest indicating openness to either mixed use (DMV plus housing) or a full housing conversion. He credited Assemblymember Phil Ting and his staff for facilitating talks with state agencies.

During public comment, Jake Price of the Housing Action Coalition urged attention to an RFI requirement that would preserve 110 parking spaces — a constraint that could raise costs and complicate affordable delivery. Planning Director Rich Hillis told the committee that a mixed‑use scenario with DMV on site could yield roughly 200 units, while a swap/relocation could allow about 350 units, and that the state appears open to both approaches.

Supervisor Preston moved to send the resolution to the full Board with a committee report; the committee voted (3 ayes) and the resolution will go forward for Board consideration.