Lurie rolls out next phase of San Francisco's permit overhaul

• The initiative speeds up approvals for new housing construction, business openings, live music and entertainment and more by removing strict rules, consolidating the application process and moving more of it online.

Zoom in: The newest wave of proposed permitting changes would:

• Allow residents to park in their own driveways without being required to install fences or screens. Existing restrictions on parking that blocks the sidewalk will remain in effect.
• Ease restrictions for historic buildings, which often sit vacant under strict preservation rules.
• Reduce the number of approval hearings required for installing public commemorative plaques.
• Reduce permitting fees for development projects of $100 million or more and change the application fee timing to streamline construction.
• Encourage more accessory dwelling unit construction by aligning local zoning rules with state law.

• Remove parking plan requirements for excavation permits.

Between the lines: Lurie on Tuesday also announced new customer service changes, including a streamlined process for solar and battery applications, expedited "over-the-counter" permits for some restaurant remodels, new protocols for permit applications requiring revisions, and removing the pre-application meeting requirement for large housing projects.

The bottom line: "Today, we are getting rid of the nonsense and focusing on common sense," Lurie said in a statement.

What's next: The Board of Supervisors is expected to consider the measures in the coming weeks.