S.F. upzoning plan heads to the Board of Supervisors. Here's what to know.

San Francisco's upzoning plan is approaching a pivotal committee meeting on October 20, where supervisors will propose final amendments to facilitate increased housing density. The plan aims to allow taller buildings in the northern and western neighborhoods but faces opposition from residents concerned about displacement. Supervisor Myrna Melgar intends to exclude rent-controlled buildings from the plan, while other supervisors seek to enhance its family-friendliness with larger unit requirements. The amendments come in response to a state mandate requiring San Francisco to create capacity for 36,000 new housing units, a substantial increase from previous cycles. District 1 Supervisor Connie Chan has proposed a list of 11 changes, including removing inhabited housing from the plan.

Critics argue that simply increasing density may not address affordability, as construction costs remain high. The state imposed this requirement after a significant jump in housing unit goals, reflecting a broader push for urban development. Compliance with the state's housing targets is essential for the city to maintain its zoning authority.