MEDIA RELEASE

SAN FRANCISCO – The San Francisco Planning Commission unanimously approved the Small Business Priority Processing Pilot Program today, a program designed to make it easier and quicker for small businesses to get planning permits.

“Small businesses are significant job creators that drive our local economy,” said Mayor Edwin Lee. “This new Small Business Priority Processing Pilot Program is another great example of how we are using innovation to cut through the red tape to make government more responsive and efficient and help our neighborhood businesses grow and succeed in our City.”

The program, developed in collaboration with the Planning Commission, the Small Business Commission, the Mayor’s Invest in Neighborhoods Program and the Office of Small Business, saves business owners time by guaranteeing qualifying projects a Commission hearing within 90 days of application, a process that can otherwise take as long as six months. The program also includes dedicated City staff, and a shorter, simpler internal review process.

“Making the process simpler for small business owners not only saves them time but potentially thousands of dollars which can be used to invest back into their business,” said President of the Planning Commission, Rodney Fong.

For example, when owners apply for Conditional Use authorization, they typically sign and pay for leases during the time their application is pending. While waiting, this can cost a business owner $12,000 to $34,000 or more just in rent.

“We need to ensure that small businesses are given every opportunity to thrive in our city,” said President of the Small Business Commission, Steve Adams. “Programs like these help ensure that our neighborhoods remain vibrant and distinct with small businesses.”

The Small Business Commission also recommended approval of the program 6 – 0 on March 25, 2013.

Approximately 95 percent of San Francisco’s registered businesses are considered small businesses (less than 100 employees). Small businesses account for half of the City’s employment and tens of millions of dollars in sales tax revenue.

The two-year pilot program will take effect immediately.



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Media Contact: Joanna Linsangan
415.575.9119 | joanna.linsangan@sfgov.org