The Facts

Jollibee finally opened July 31 at 934 Market Street, nearly six years after its first permit application.

The restaurant needed historic-preservation approval for minor exterior changes, permission for an underground utility line, coordination with BART over crane operations, and noise compliance for rooftop equipment, according to The Standard.

The Context

Qualifying storefront businesses are supposed to get permit decisions within 30 days under Proposition H, which voters passed in 2020. But the law only requires departments try to meet that deadline.

Mayor Lurie’s PermitSF reforms aim to coordinate departments and move permits online, but the city still has no migration schedule for complex commercial developments requiring several agencies.

The GrowSF Take

Six years to replace a shoe store with a restaurant is ridiculous. Site-specific complications explain some delay; they do not excuse a system that sends one business among commissions, departments, utilities, and transit agencies without one accountable decision-maker.

Also, what exactly about this building would you consider historic? The historic preservation rules in this city are out of control. This is utilitarian brutalism unworthy of historic preservation—it isn't the Barbican!

The Board should now eliminate Historic Preservation Commission hearings for minor alterations to unrated buildings. Fried chicken does not threaten San Francisco’s heritage.