Sauter Eliminates North Beach Zoning Restrictions
Published October 30, 2025
The Facts
The Board of Supervisors voted 8-2 on October 28 to eliminate the North Beach Special Use District, passing Supervisor Danny Sauter's ordinance that removes decades-old zoning restrictions. The change allows storefronts to merge into larger spaces and gives more flexibility to the types of businesses allowed to open.
The vote was nearly unanimous, with only Supervisors Connie Chan and Shamann Walton voting against the measure.
The Context
The North Beach Special Use District restrictions were originally authored by former Supervisor Aaron Peskin. The rules dramatically limited the size of retail stores, strictly regulated residential uses above ground floors, and restricted bars and restaurants. These regulations caused North Beach to struggle with vacant storefronts, rising prices, and limited business diversity, and now they're all gone thanks to Supervisor Danny Sauter.
The GrowSF Take
This decisive vote shows the Board's commitment to eliminating bureaucratic barriers that prevent business growth and economic vitality. While opponents framed the discussion around protecting small businesses, the real effect of these old restrictions was artificially limiting options for entrepreneurs and maintaining unnecessary regulatory complexity.
The 8-2 margin shows that most Supervisors recognize that streamlining zoning rules creates opportunity and vibrancy. Sauter's systematic approach to identifying and eliminating dysfunctional regulations is exactly the kind of practical leadership San Francisco needs.