1. Member, Board of Supervisors City and County of San Francisco
District 3
Julie Christensen
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Gary McCoy
April 28, 2015 gary.mccoy@sfgov.org
(415) 554-7451
SUPERVISOR CHRISTENSEN TO ANNOUNCE LEGISLATION TO EXPAND RENT
CONTROLLED HOUSING IN DISTRICT 3, INCLUDING CHINATOWN, NORTH
BEACH AND TELEGRAPH HILL
Legislation to allow construction of new accessory dwelling units (ADUs) – which are the most
affordable non-subsidized housing options and create new rent-controlled units – will be allowed
throughout District 3
San Francisco, CA – Today Supervisor Julie Christensen will announce new legislation
tincreasing new rent-controlled housing in San Francisco’s District 3 for the first time since 1979.
These units, known as “Accessory Dwelling Units” or ADUs, will be constructed within existing
buildings and will be rent-controlled if constructed within buildings that are currently rent-
controlled.
“This legislation will not only provide more affordable housing options in an already dense district,
but will also provide affordable options for seniors and those with disabilities by adding rent-
controlled units in the ground floors of much of our existing housing stock,” stated Supervisor
Christensen. “District 3 has experienced a rapid decline in available affordable housing. Retention
of low-income and middle-income units, and units available to seniors has been one of my top
priorities since assuming office in January.”
A wide body of literature has examined the affordability of ADUs and has concluded that these
units are significantly more affordable than other apartments, due to several factors: no new land
is required, the buildings are already built, the entitlement process is shorter, and most supportive
infrastructure is already in place. The creation of these units will add new housing without
changing the feel and character of the neighborhood.
Supervisor Christensen joins with Supervisor Scott Wiener, who has passed legislation to allow
for the construction of ADUs in the Castro and in properties undergoing seismic retrofits citywide,
and recently introduced legislation to allow ADUs to be built throughout District 8. “Our
affordability crisis requires a broad range of housing solutions, and I’m excited to see Supervisor
Christensen bringing this commonsense approach to expanding housing in the city. I hope others
will follow her lead to increase housing in our neighborhoods in a low-impact and sustainable
way.”
Other provisions of the legislation will include: the units must be built within the envelope of
the existing building (ie, no physical expansion of the building's height or bulk), units will typically

2. Member, Board of Supervisors City and County of San Francisco
District 3
be a minimum of 220 square feet, and units cannot be created by subdividing a current unit. Each
unit will be required to have its own kitchen and bathroom.
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