The San Francisco Board of Supervisors has approved an amendment to the Planning Code to eliminate the public art requirement for 100% affordable housing projects. This ordinance modifies Section 429 of the Planning Code, removing the requirement for projects to dedicate 1% of construction costs to public art installation for new affordable housing developments. The ordinance allows for the relocation or removal of existing artwork if it has been vandalized or severely compromised and provides a process for obtaining approval from the Planning Department. This amendment aims to reduce financial burdens on affordable housing projects, supporting the city's goal to increase affordable housing supply.
The elimination of the public art requirement removes a financial obstacle for affordable housing developers, making it easier to build and maintain affordable housing units in San Francisco. This change aligns with the city’s broader strategy to increase housing affordability.