Zoning Page

From Buffer to Business: Entertainment Use Now Permitted at 655 Folsom

  • When: 2025/03/18
  • Address: 655 Folsom Street, San Francisco, CA
  • City: San Francisco
  • State: CA
  • Category: Zoning Code Modification
  • Subcategory: Process updates
  • Asset Class: Commercial
  • Property Type: Retail
  • Size: 14,000 sq ft

This ordinance amends the San Francisco Planning Code to eliminate the 200-foot buffer restriction on Nighttime Entertainment uses in the Western SoMa Special Use District and deletes related references in the SALI and WSOMA Mixed-Use Office districts. It also adds a principal use allowance for both General and Nighttime Entertainment at 655 Folsom Street in the MUR (Mixed-Use Residential) District. The Western SoMa Special Use District no longer prohibits new Nighttime Entertainment uses near RED or RED-MX Residential Enclave areas. References to the buffer restriction have been removed from Sections 836 (SALI) and 840 (WMUO). Section 249.39(c)(7)(A) is revised to strike the buffer requirement entirely. Table 833 is updated to list General Entertainment and Nighttime Entertainment as permitted (P) uses for Assessor’s Block 3750, Lot 050. This change activates a currently vacant MUR-zoned site surrounded by C-3 Downtown Commercial zoning to support nightlife recovery. The amendment affirms CEQA compliance and incorporates findings on General Plan consistency and public necessity under Planning Code Sections 101.1 and 302. It becomes effective 30 days after enactment.

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