The Board of Supervisors unanimously passed two pro-tenant ordinances yesterday, but a measure to block Ellis Act evictions still sits in limbo. John Avalos’ extension of “just cause” to non-rent controlled units finally passed (amended to only apply to units subject to foreclosure), which will make a huge difference for tenants that need it the most. Ross Mirkarimi’s amendment to the SRO Visitor Policy to include Census workers also passed, helping to count San Francisco’s hardest-to-reach renters. But David Chiu’s ordinance to regulate interior garages in North Beach has again been continued, due to concerns that swing-vote Supervisor Bevan Dufty has about the legislation. The Board passed a technical fix at yesterday’s meeting, but it remains to be seen whether the final product will be in its current form. The measure would go a long way to stopping Ellis Act evictions before they start, because catching speculators when they apply for a garage permit can affect whether they go through with their plans. Dufty says he’s concerned that requiring a conditional use permit would be onerous on property owners who are not “bad actors,” and the question may come down to what level of scrutiny can get a veto-proof majority. Stay tuned …
