Mayor Lurie’s proposed “family zoning” initiative has attracted both optimism and skepticism, with critics claiming it may merely serve as a euphemism for increased density and expansive development on the city’s west side. However, what if we challenged this perception and envisioned a more genuine interpretation of “family zoning”? What if we rallied for the kind of family-friendly zoning that has transformed San Francisco into a more affordable, healthy, and engaging environment for its residents?
San Francisco is already recognized as a pioneer in “zoning for health,” a practice aimed at employing zoning regulations to restrict unhealthy businesses like fast-food establishments and liquor stores while promoting healthier options, especially in low-income neighborhoods. However, these initiatives often adopt a restrictive “Just Say No” approach, focusing on limitations rather than offering constructive solutions for what should be developed instead.
The concept of “family zoning” represents an opportunity to advocate for a more expansive vision of healthy housing. To foster neighborhoods that encourage walking, social interactions, and engagement, a smart mix of retail, workspace, housing, and parks must be prioritized. Healthy housing encompasses more than just parks or fitness amenities; it includes environments that naturally promote social connection and enjoyment.
In addition to mixed-use developments, there is a need for “loose-use” spaces—flexible areas where people of all ages can cook, play, exercise, and relax. These adaptable spaces can accommodate diverse activities throughout the day and vary according to the demographics of their residents. For instance, the car-free, play-centric rental community Culdesac Tempe in Arizona features walking paths, fountains, and BBQ areas, creating an inviting environment that could inspire similar developments in San Francisco. Additionally, The Stacks project in Washington, D.C. is repurposing abandoned industrial zones into walkable communities filled with affordable housing and shared spaces designed for families and young residents.
To promote healthier behaviors and engender a sense of community, San Francisco should partner with developers to create low-cost, high-utility spaces that get people outside and socially engaged. Here are some innovative suggestions for communal areas that could transform urban living:
1. **Free-play spaces**: Small areas can be converted into multi-faceted playgrounds, marked by vibrant colors that designate different activities—green for basketball, blue for pickleball, and so on.
New York City has successfully implemented this approach with playgrounds designed for various sports and games. Starting in neighborhoods like Ingleside and Oceanview, which have fewer park options, would be a significant step forward.
2. **Fitness circuits**: The Bay Area parks of the 1970s flourished with parcourse stations—wooden structures designed for exercise. Unfortunately, many updated parks have since removed these features. Bringing back these fitness circuits would make exercise more enjoyable for families and individuals of all ages.
3. **Flex rooms**: There is a pressing need for more apartment complexes to provide co-working spaces, giving residents a chance to connect over coffee and collaboration. These areas can be easily transformed into game rooms or homework hubs after traditional work hours, fostering both productivity and social interaction.
4. **Communal cookout areas**: Every new apartment complex should incorporate a visibly located, accessible area for communal grilling, with fire-safe charcoal grills and ample seating. These should be situated near main entrances to encourage social interaction, rather than tucked away out of sight.
5. **Libraries for things**: Revitalizing the concept of tool libraries and bike-repair stations could promote skill-sharing and community connection. Furthermore, expanding this idea to include sharing necessary kitchen appliances, pantry staples, sporting goods, and school supplies would provide essential support to residents while fostering a culture of cooperation.
The implementation of loose-use spaces can take both new constructions and existing unused spaces in “family-zoned” neighborhoods into account. The city can ensure that parklets offer more than just restaurant seating and that other public areas become vibrant hubs of activity. Incentives, such as tax breaks for developers who include shared spaces in their designs, could cultivate a healthier neighborhood environment.
Moreover, the extension of Lurie’s PermitSF initiative could expedite approvals for projects incorporating loose-use spaces, facilitating a faster and more cost-effective development process. Developers frequently hesitate to invest in community amenities that are perceived as non-essential to their unit economics and profitability, making the inclusion of such spaces even more critical.
As the family zoning proposal navigates through the legislative process, requiring approval from the Board of Supervisors, it will face inevitable opposition from NIMBY factions. However, now is the prime moment to influence the conversation surrounding housing in the city. Supporting initiatives that intertwine health with housing developments could lead to healthier living spaces and improve overall community well-being in San Francisco.
Thomas Goetz, an Impact Fellow at the UC Berkeley School of Public Health and co-founder of Building H, advocates for these visionary changes, aiming to create neighborhoods that entice people back into outdoor spaces and promote interpersonal connections.
image source from：sfstandard
