SF Supervisor Proposes New Restrictions On Chain Stores

A San Francisco supervisor is proposing restricting new chain stores along Van Ness Avenue. The proposal follows the enactment of similar restrictions in North Beach and Hayes Valley, and the Planning Commission's approval of restrictions on Grant Avenue in Chinatown.

Supervisor Jake McGoldrick says he wants to require new chain stores on the busy boulevard to obtain special use permits. Some supporters say some parts of Van Ness Avenue are beginning to resemble strip malls because of the predominance of chain stores. They also say they want to ensure the area remains business-friendly for small businesses.

The City has defined a "chain store" as one with ten or more locations nationwide. McGoldrick says he expects thousands of new homes will be built in the Van Ness Avenue area during the coming years and he wants to make certain new residents and the City can have input into how the character and quality of the area develops.

There's no word on when the Board might take up the proposal.