Prior to the amendment, the Planning Code had more stringent requirements and restrictions on the conversion of non-residential uses to residential use in C (Commercial) zoning districts.

The ordinance proposes to 1) facilitate residential uses Downtown by authorizing the conversion of non-residential uses to residential use in C zoning districts and exempting such projects from certain requirements; 2) economically revitalize Downtown by adding new uses and allowing more flexibility for retail and services; 3) streamline sign permitting; 4) streamline historic preservation review; 5) provide alternatives to on-site open space in certain districts; 6) amend the Building Code to add standards for adaptive reuse of non-residential buildings; 7) permit formula retail and waive size limitations for such uses in a portion of Showplace Square Area.

The impact includes increased flexibility for residential development Downtown, economic revitalization of the Downtown area, streamlined administrative processes, and facilitation of adaptive reuse of buildings.

The rationale behind the proposed changes is to facilitate residential adaptive reuse, improve economic conditions in Downtown, and streamline certain administrative and historic preservation processes to remove unnecessary bureaucratic obstacles.

The amendment process included motions and voting by the Land Use and Transportation Committee with the ordinance being recommended as amended. All committee members voted in favor.

The accountability for the amendment is held by the elected supervisors who voted on the amendments and are listed in the document: Supervisor Myrna Melgar, Supervisor Dean Preston, and Supervisor Aaron Peskin.