SPUR has long advocated for in-law units as an efficient and sensitive way to increase density in San Francisco while respecting neighborhood character (see SPUR's 2006 report, Secondary Units). Supervisor Chiu's proposed ordinance would establish a legalization process and allow some Planning Code requirements to be relaxed without taking risks in the area of health and life safety. While legalizing existing in-law units (estimated at 30-50,000) will not increase the availability of housing in San Francisco, it will maintain an existing source of affordable housing, protect tenants, increase property tax revenue to the City and provide a safe and clear path to legal status for property owners.
SPUR supports this proposal.