San Francisco's District 3 Zoning Reform Passes Board 8-2 Amidst Legislative Maneuvers

San Francisco, CA – The San Francisco Board of Supervisors recently approved Supervisor Danny Sauter's "District 3 Thrives" legislation with an 8-2 vote, a bill designed to liberalize commercial zoning in parts of District 3, including North Beach. The passage followed a series of contentious legislative maneuvers by opponents, including the North Beach Business Association (NBBA), where former District 3 Supervisor Aaron Peskin serves as treasurer. The tweet from Susan Dyer Reynolds highlighted the political dynamics, stating, "Putative Oogosho Aaron Peskin is now treasurer of the North Beach Business Association. Based on the chicanery foisted on recent legislation from Peskin’s D3 successor Danny Sauter it appears Peskin’s title is for standing purposes only."

The legislation aims to simplify the process for small businesses to open and expand by consolidating and liberalizing commercial zoning uses, notably abolishing the North Beach Special Use District. Supervisor Sauter emphasized the need for flexibility, telling The Voice, "I think it comes down to, are we going to make it easier for a small business to open or not? I think it does reflect that retail is changing, shopping patterns are changing, and we need to give a little more flexibility." The bill received support from various business and neighborhood groups, including the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce and the Golden Gate Restaurant Association.

However, the North Beach Business Association, an organization boasting approximately 70 high-profile neighborhood businesses, actively opposed the bill and sought repeated amendments. Aaron Peskin, a long-serving predecessor to Sauter and an architect of much of District 3's current zoning, recently joined the NBBA as treasurer. His involvement underscores a broader political tension, as Sauter's reforms seek to dismantle some of Peskin's previous legislative handiwork.

During the legislative process, Supervisor Connie Chan, described as a "protege of Peskin," attempted a procedural move to send the bill back to committee for further amendments. This action, characterized by some as "legislative jiu-jitsu" and a "highly unusual and remarkable attempt to block legislation," ultimately failed with a 5-5 vote. District 2 Supervisor Stephen Sherrill noted the unusual nature of the proceedings, stating, "This is very unusual, and I think it serves to be less about policy at this point, and more about other things."

The "District 3 Thrives" bill is seen as a significant step towards modernizing San Francisco's complex planning code, which critics argue has hindered small business growth. While the legislation passed its first reading, it awaits a second vote, though a reversal at this stage is rare. The outcome highlights the ongoing debate between preserving neighborhood character through strict zoning and fostering economic vitality by easing business regulations in San Francisco.