Converting Garages in San Francisco
In a city where housing is increasingly scarce and expensive, and where commercial rents are skyrocketing, converting garage spaces to new housing and storefronts can help make space for residents and neighborhood-serving small businesses. Converting garages can also improve neighborhood livability by restoring features like front gardens, green backyards, front porches, storefronts, building lobbies, street trees, and even…
Excelsior-Outer Mission is the Latest San Francisco Neighborhood to Embrace Car-Free Living
On November 27, Mayor Lee signed an ordinance creating San Francisco’s newest Neighborhood Commercial zoning district – and the latest to drop minimum parking requirements. The Outer Mission – Excelsior Neighborhood Commercial District includes the commercial area along Mission Street from Silver Avenue to the Daly City line. The district was previously zoned NC-2 and…
Corner Retail and Secure Bicycle Parking Legislation Approved
Two ordinances, Sponsored by Supervisor David Chiu with Livable City, became law on September 1. One ordinance exempts secure bicycle parking in buildings from Floor-Area Ratio (FAR) limits. Currently automobile parking is exempt, and this change will provide parity for bicycle parking, creating an incentive for both voluntarily providing secure bicycle parking, and for providing…
Parking Reform for a Livable City
One of the most effective ways to reduce traffic congestion and pollution, and encourage a shift to sustainable transportation modes, is through parking reform – smarter pricing and management of available parking, and reducing parking subsidies and requirements. Livable City’s parking reform strategy seeks to harness the power of markets and technology to further social,…
