Land Use and Transportation Committee

What's happening

• The committee will consider an ordinance that bans the sale, offer, and delivery of lithium‑ion batteries that lack required certification to any address in San Francisco.
• The ordinance creates enforcement procedures, penalties, and authorizes the City Attorney and Fire Department to enforce the ban.

Why it matters

It protects residents from fire hazards caused by uncertified batteries and gives the city tools to enforce safety standards.

Who is affected

How to act

What's happening

• The committee was scheduled to consider an ordinance that would let the Planning Director administratively modify or revoke certain conditions of approval for non‑residential projects when zoning no longer requires a conditional use.
• The ordinance also clarifies when enlarging a nonconforming use does not need a new conditional use authorization.

Why it matters

It would streamline changes to non‑residential projects, reducing the need for full hearings and speeding development.

Who is affected

How to act

What's happening

• The committee heard a presentation on the city’s progress toward meeting the 2031 Regional Housing Needs Assessment for affordable workforce housing.
• The hearing discussed the impact of removing impact fees and inclusionary requirements and explored funding strategies to close the affordable‑housing gap.

Why it matters

It highlights the city’s shortfall in affordable housing and examines ways to fund more homes for low‑ and middle‑income residents.

Who is affected

How to act

What's happening

• The committee was to consider an ordinance that expands the landmark designation for the Turk and Taylor Streets Intersection, adding the entire building at 101‑121 Taylor Street and extending its period of significance.
• The amendment also affirms the Planning Department’s CEQA determination.

Why it matters

It formally protects a historic site linked to LGBTQ+ activism, ensuring its preservation for future generations.

Who is affected

How to act

What's happening

• The ordinance proposes prohibiting smoking on outdoor patios of bars and taverns.
• It would eliminate indoor smoking exceptions for bars without employees, historically compliant semi‑enclosed smoking rooms, and hotel rooms.
• It would repeal suspended and superseded provisions that regulate smoking in certain locations.

Why it matters

It reduces second‑hand smoke exposure and aligns local rules with California state law.

Who is affected

How to act

What's happening

• The committee will consider an ordinance that updates the Transportation Code to change the Interdepartmental Staff Council on Traffic and Transportation and remove outdated temporary street‑use provisions for schools.
• The ordinance also updates cross‑references in the Administrative and Fire Codes and affirms the Planning Department’s CEQA determination.

Why it matters

It clarifies how the city manages traffic‑related staff council duties and removes obsolete rules about using streets for school activities, keeping city policies current.

Who is affected

How to act