San Francisco has passed an ordinance allowing the continuation of nonconforming public parking lots in the Central SoMa Mixed Use-Office (CMUO) and Mixed Use-Residential (MUR) districts through December 31, 2026. Previously, these parking lots were set to be phased out under zoning changes that prioritized transit-oriented development. Due to economic conditions and stalled development projects, the city has provided this temporary extension to maintain accessibility and prevent lot abandonment. Operators may also apply for a five-year conditional use authorization to continue operations beyond 2026, provided they meet specific conditions such as car-share space allocation, bicycle parking, and landscaping improvements.
This ordinance ensures that public parking remains available in Central SoMa and other key mixed-use districts while the city recovers from economic slowdowns. By preventing premature lot closures, San Francisco supports local businesses, maintains urban accessibility, and mitigates the impact of underutilized or vacant parcels.