Downtown SF is trying to fast-track outdoor fun

A major challenge in putting on regular events is the coordination necessary between city organizations, including the San Francisco Fire Department, Entertainment Commission, SFMTA and Public Works, Chun said, describing the permitting process as time-consuming and expensive. 

“It’s always been a challenge to go through multiple permit processes: One city department will say yes; another will say no or maybe,” said Silver. “It really has not been a standardized process.” 

That’s where newly proposed legislation from Supervisor Aaron Peskin, a candidate for mayor, comes in. The plan aims to streamline the onerous permitting process, while exempting live music from Entertainment Commission review, and dramatically expand the number of downtown entertainment zones to 12, including Annie Street Plaza, Maiden Lane and Natoma Street. 

If approved, the legislation would allow the four downtown community benefit districts, or CBDs, to become master permit-holders for new entertainment zones within their boundaries — and get permit approvals that last five years. CBDs fund neighborhood improvements, such as supplemental cleaning services or beautification projects, by collecting money from properties in the area.