UPDATE: The San Francisco Board of Supervisors has just approved Mayor Daniel Lurie’s Family Zoning Plan in a narrow 6 to 4 vote, igniting a fierce debate over the city’s housing future. This groundbreaking legislation aims to facilitate the construction of 36,200 additional homes by January 31, 2031, but faces looming threats of litigation from multiple parties.
The plan represents what some are calling the most significant transformation of land use regulations in San Francisco in over 50 years. The new rules are designed to promote denser residential development, primarily in western and northern neighborhoods to comply with state housing mandates. However, the approval has sparked immediate backlash from various groups, raising concerns that it could displace residents and alter neighborhood character.
Despite the board’s decision, the controversy surrounding the Family Zoning Plan is far from over. Legal challenges are anticipated, with opponents pledging to contest the legislation in court. Alan Wong, the recently sworn-in Supervisor, was absent for the initial vote due to a medical appointment but has expressed support for the plan.
Critics, including local business owners and neighborhood groups, argue that the upzoning will lead to increased rents and the demolition of existing homes. Christin Evans, co-owner of a bookstore in the Haight-Ashbury area, stated, “The upzoning will raise property values, inevitably leading to displacement of lower-income people.”
Meanwhile, supporters, including housing advocacy groups such as YIMBY Action, argue that the plan is a crucial step toward addressing the city’s housing crisis. They contend that increasing housing supply will ultimately enhance affordability and reduce displacement, particularly for working families and lower-wage workers. “Zoning was a big piece, and that part I’m really excited about,” said Jane Natoli of YIMBY Action.
The state mandates that San Francisco accommodate a total of 94,300 housing units by 2031, including a buffer for anticipated growth. However, planning officials estimate that the Family Zoning Plan may only lead to the construction of between 8,504 and 14,646 units by 2045, falling significantly short of the state’s requirements.
As the ongoing debate heats up, potential ballot measures aimed at protecting renters from displacement are on the horizon, spearheaded by local activists. Lori Brooke, founder of Neighborhoods United SF, is advocating for further environmental reviews of the zoning plan, asserting that it inadequately addresses the impacts of increased density.
The board’s decision reflects a broader struggle in California’s housing policy, balancing the urgent need for more housing against the preservation of community integrity. As Aaron Peskin, former president of the Board of Supervisors, warned, the plan could lead to taller buildings that compromise the character of San Francisco’s waterfront.
With the clock ticking toward the state deadline, city officials are under pressure to finalize plans that meet legal standards while addressing the concerns of diverse community stakeholders. Stephen Sherrill, one of the supervisors who voted in favor of the plan, emphasized that it is a critical milestone for creating a more inclusive city.
As this story develops, residents, advocates, and officials will be closely watching how the Family Zoning Plan unfolds in the coming months. The future of San Francisco’s housing landscape hangs in the balance, and the implications for its residents could be profound.
