S
an Francisco is taking temporary measures to safeguard its oldest shops and restaurants from eviction. The Board of Supervisors has adopted an 18-month interim protection plan that requires landlords in certain areas to obtain a conditional use authorization via public hearing before filling or demolishing retail storefronts once occupied by longtime businesses. This will allow the city to study and pass permanent legislation to protect legacy businesses operating for 30 years or more.

    The measure was prompted by concerns over the displacement of mom-and-pop businesses, such as a restaurant on Fillmore Street that had operated for almost 50 years. Supervisor Aaron Peskin, who is also running for mayor, initially proposed the protection plan for the Upper Fillmore Corridor after a tech investor bought up several buildings with plans to revitalize them.

    Peskin has expanded the protections to other commercial corridors, citing the need for added review as the city moves to adopt a plan to upzone transit and commercial arteries for more housing on its west side. Without these protections, he said, legacy and small businesses in targeted areas could face pressure from redevelopment. The city's legacy business registry includes 400 shops, restaurants, and other businesses.

    The temporary measure will be sent to Mayor London Breed for signature within the next 10 days. Planning Department officials had previously considered requiring developers to provide relocation assistance for impacted businesses, including payments of up to 18 months of rent or other forms of support.