» Land Use, Permits and Appeals

Eminent Domain concerns the right of the government or other authorized entity to force a sale of private property for “public use.” The law of eminent domain is grounded in both federal and state constitutions, and as long as certain statutorily… Read More

San Francisco property owners should think twice before commencing construction projects without proper permits and approvals. On March 21, 2023, the San Francisco Board of Supervisors passed Ordinance No. 220878, which significantly increases fines… Read More

The last day of February marks the end of the first reporting period for San Francisco’s new Commercial Vacancy Tax. The tax was approved in March of 2020 by more than 70% of San Francisco voters, and is codified in Article 29 of the San Francisco… Read More

The Housing Accountability Act (HAA) limits the ability of a local government to deny housing development projects so long as the project complies with all applicable, objective general plan and zoning standards. However, the HAA also contains a pote… Read More

San Francisco is facing an upcoming deadline to submit its new Housing Element to the state by January 31, 2023. If it fails to meet this deadline, savvy developers may be at the ready to submit projects under the “builder’s remedy” on February… Read More

This November, San Francisco and Berkeley voters will see the “Empty Homes Tax” initiatives (EHTs) on the ballot for consideration. If passed, the EHTs would impose a substantial tax on each person that maintains a “vacant” “residential uni… Read More

With relatively little fanfare, two years ago the Board of Supervisors adopted strict new rules to regulate ‘Intermediate Length Occupancy’ (ILO) units. An ILO unit is defined as a dwelling unit that is rented for more than 30 days but less than… Read More

Many San Francisco property owners are rightfully concerned when City agencies contact them about potential violations at their property. The enforcement process is confusing, and many enforcement notices threaten monetary penalties (or worse). Enfor… Read More