Commission Approves Developer Tree Fee-Out Over 900+ Opposing Letters

San Francisco's Planning Commission voted to let developers pay a fee instead of planting required street trees — overriding what one public commenter called 100% opposed public sentiment — then unanimously cleared a separate reform that could shave months off the permitting process for small businesses seeking modest expansions.

• Street tree in-lieu fee passes 4-2 despite over 900 opposing written submissions and unanimous opposition from in-person public commenters

• All ADUs and newly legalized unauthorized dwelling units exempted from street tree planting requirements under approved modification

• Permit streamlining for small businesses approved 6-0, codifying a 1988 zoning practice and delegating minor modification authority to the Planning Director

• Adaptive Reuse of Historic Buildings ordinance clears final Board of Supervisors vote, opening a new pathway for converting historic structures

Why it matters: San Francisco's tree canopy has dropped to 12.8% — among the lowest of major U.S. cities — and with significant upzoning on the horizon under the family zoning plan, this ordinance fundamentally restructures how the city adds trees. Instead of requiring developers to plant street trees project by project, the new framework lets them pay into a dedicated fund that the Bureau of Urban Forestry would use for strategic, city-directed planting.