Voters might not want big changes along San Francisco's waterfront—but one powerful agent there, the Port of San Francisco, is examining new ways to do the business of building in the face of pressures from sea level rise and opposition politics.
"Port [of San Francisco] staff has produced the 2014 Waterfront Land Use Plan Review (Waterfront Plan Review”[sic]), a draft report for public review and comment," according to the Port of San Francisco website. "This report chronicles the changes and events along the Port of San Francisco waterfront from 1997 to 2014, guided by the Waterfront Land Use Plan."
San Francisco Chronicle Architecture Critic John King got an early look at the plan and wrote an article detailing the report. Among his observations, that "voter skepticism about extra building heights shapes the tone and recommendations of the report," thanks to Proposition B. Port staff began working on the report, however, prior to the voter approval Prop B, "which requires that any plans to increase the heights allowed on port-owned land must go to the ballot."
The report offers several alternatives for "how best to seek voter blessings" and addresses the need to address sea level rise predicted as an outcome of climate change. King quotes the report directly: "Sea level rise will be a game-changer for the port and adjoining neighborhoods over the next 100 years….many port finger piers are likely to be flood prone by 2070-80."
King provides more details on the findings of the plan, especially regarding the development that's already taken place in the port since 1977, and looks ahead to the first public hearings scheduled for the plan.
FULL STORY: Port: Time for a new view of the S.F. waterfront's future
Trial Over San Francisco Waterfront Development Height Limits Begins
The State Lands Commission filed suit shortly after San Francisco voters approved Prop. B in June 2014, requiring waterfront developments exceeding height limits to obtain voter approval rather than go through the Planning Commission process.
State Lands Commission Sues to Overturn San Francisco's Prop B
Not so fast, San Francisco Prop B (the approved measure requiring voter approval for projects exceeding height limits along the waterfront). The State Lands Commission has a legal bone to pick.
San Francisco Waterfront Heights Lawsuit Moves Forward
The lawsuit would not restrict heights—just the opposite. Back in June, San Francisco voters overwhelmingly backed Proposition B to restrict building heights along the waterfront. The State Lands Commission sued.
Pennsylvania Mall Conversion Bill Passes House
If passed, the bill would promote the adaptive reuse of defunct commercial buildings.
World's Largest Wildlife Overpass In the Works in Los Angeles County
Caltrans will soon close half of the 101 Freeway in order to continue construction of the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing near Agoura Hills in Los Angeles County.
U.S. Supreme Court: California's Impact Fees May Violate Takings Clause
A California property owner took El Dorado County to state court after paying a traffic impact fee he felt was exorbitant. He lost in trial court, appellate court, and the California Supreme Court denied review. Then the U.S. Supreme Court acted.
California Grid Runs on 100% Renewable Energy for Over 9 Hours
The state’s energy grid was entirely powered by clean energy for some portion of the day on 37 out of the last 45 days.
New Forecasting Tool Aims to Reduce Heat-Related Deaths
Two federal agencies launched a new, easy-to-use, color-coded heat warning system that combines meteorological and medical risk factors.
AI Traffic Management Comes to Dallas-Fort Worth
Several Texas cities are using an AI-powered platform called NoTraffic to help manage traffic signals to increase safety and improve traffic flow.
City of Costa Mesa
Licking County
Barrett Planning Group LLC
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Mpact Transit + Community
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Tufts University, Department of Urban and Environmental Policy & Planning
City of Universal City TX
ULI Northwest Arkansas
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
