Exploring the Proposed Housing Element Zoning Program: San Francisco's Vision for Increased Housing Density
Jackson Salamunovich • March 5, 2024
San Francisco's Proposed Housing Element Zoning Program
San Francisco is taking steps to address its housing affordability crisis through the Housing Element Zoning Program. This initiative is part of the city's broader Housing for All initiative and aims to increase housing density, particularly along transit and commercial corridors.
Key Features of the Housing Element Zoning Program
The program seeks to meet the state-mandated requirement of planning for approximately 36,000 additional housing units by 2031. To achieve this, the program focuses on:
- Increased Density: Allowing more housing types in neighborhoods with access to economic opportunities and services.
- Accessibility: Ensuring new developments are well-connected to public transportation to reduce vehicle reliance and emissions.
- Community Considerations: Protecting communities at risk of displacement and coordinating new development with infrastructure and services.
The Final Proposed Zoning Map
After extensive community input, the final proposed zoning map emphasizes changes along major transit routes and commercial streets. The map includes higher heights at key intersections, additional Neighborhood Commercial parcels for increased density, and adjustments based on feedback from the community and local officials.
Next Steps and Community Involvement
The final proposed zoning map and draft legislative amendments are being submitted to the Mayor's Office, with the Board of Supervisors expected to review them in early 2024. Community input remains a crucial part of this process.
Learn More
For more information on the Housing Element Zoning Program and to view the interactive zoning proposal map, visit the San Francisco Planning website here.
*Rendering © Bjarke Ingels Group* Updated plans have been released for 35 South Second Street in Downtown San Jose, a mixed-use development designed by Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG) . The project, referred to as the Fountain Alley development , is scheduled for review by the San Jose Planning Director and reflects a shift from an earlier office-and-housing proposal to a predominantly residential program. Project Overview The revised plans call for two residential towers, rising 27 and 28 stories , with a total of 768 apartments and ground-floor retail. The development is part of a broader downtown San Jose master plan led by Westbank and Urban Community , which includes multiple residential and mixed-use sites throughout the city. The project will span approximately 831,600 square feet , including residential units, ground-floor retail, and basement parking. Bicycle parking is planned for 417 spaces, with vehicular parking located in a multi-level subterranean garage. Change in Use Earlier versions of the project included a stronger emphasis on office space. The updated proposal reflects a reconfiguration toward residential use, consistent with other recent revisions within the larger Westbank and Urban Community portfolio in downtown San Jose. A related site at 180 Park Avenue began demolition and excavation in 2022, though work was paused due to an archaeological discovery. Recent reporting indicates that plans for that site have also been revised to focus on residential units rather than office development. Design and Site Details BIG is serving as the project architect, with Bionic as the landscape architect. Renderings show residential towers with balconies, integrated landscaping, and a pedestrian-oriented plaza connecting South Second Street with surrounding streets. Exterior materials are expected to include aluminum, terracotta-toned glass-fiber-reinforced concrete, and curtainwall glass. The development site occupies approximately 1.25 acres along South Second Street, between Santa Clara Street and San Fernando Street, near the Bank of Italy Tower. Housing Mix and Affordability The project is proposed to include: 177 studios 413 one-bedroom units 152 two-bedroom units 26 three-bedroom units Approximately 5% of the units will be deed-restricted for very low-income households, utilizing California’s State Density Bonus law . Next Steps The project is scheduled for review at a Planning Director Hearing on Wednesday, December 17 , to be held virtually via Zoom with opportunities for public comment. Read more and see renderings here ➡ SF YIMBY
New data from RentCafe shows rising competition across San Francisco, Silicon Valley, and the East Bay, with the region’s expanding artificial intelligence sector , tech hiring, and return-to-office trends contributing to stronger rental demand in 2025. Silicon Valley Leads the Region in Rental Demand Silicon Valley recorded the fastest leasing pace in the Bay Area, with apartments renting in an average of 36 days. Comparatively: San Francisco: 42 days East Bay: 44 days Silicon Valley also had the region’s highest occupancy rate at 95.5% , followed by: San Francisco: 94.6% East Bay: 94.1% Applicant demand reflects a competitive landscape shaped in part by continued AI industry expansion: Silicon Valley: 13 applicants per unit San Francisco: 11 applicants East Bay: 10 applicants Slow Construction and High-Tech Job Growth Intensify Competition Apartment inventory growth remains limited throughout the Bay Area: San Francisco: 1.43% growth East Bay: 1.63% Silicon Valley: 2.45% RentCafe notes that reduced construction activity, combined with strong demand generated by AI startups , machine-learning companies , and major tech employers expanding teams , is contributing to a tighter rental market. More Renters Staying in Place Lease renewal rates increased across the region: Silicon Valley: 56.3% East Bay: 52.6% San Francisco: 49.6% Higher renewal rates mean fewer units entering the market — a pressure point amplified by Bay Area job growth in artificial intelligence , software engineering , and cloud computing sectors . Bay Area Performance in National Rankings RentCafe’s 2025 national report shows: Silicon Valley ranked 13th hottest rental market in the U.S. San Francisco ranked No. 42 , up 23 spots from 2024. East Bay ranked No. 53 , up two spots. San Francisco was also identified as the second fastest-rising rental market nationwide, driven by increasing demand from tech and AI professionals , expanding AI research hubs, and larger in-office presence across major employers. How RentCafe Defines the Bay Area Regions San Francisco Region: San Mateo, Redwood City, San Rafael, Petaluma East Bay: Oakland, Walnut Creek, San Ramon, Vacaville Silicon Valley: Palo Alto, Mountain View, San Jose Read more about the rental demand here!
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