San Francisco adopted legislation requiring all newly city-funded permanent supportive housing expansions to operate as drug-free sites where illicit drug use is prohibited. The ordinance, signed by Mayor Daniel Lurie on July 29, will take effect after 30 days.
Here are five things to know:
1. New city-funded supportive housing must be drug-free. Going forward, city funding for new permanent supportive housing will require operators to prohibit illicit drug use. Residents who use illicit drugs may be relocated to drug-tolerant housing or shelter options, according to a July 29 news release.
2. The city will survey residents. San Francisco’s Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing, in partnership with the Controller’s Office, must survey permanent supportive housing residents within six months to measure demand for drug-free and drug-tolerant housing and develop a strategy to meet those preferences.
3. The legislation cites overdose and public safety data. Legislative findings state that 26% of citywide overdose deaths between June 2024 and July 2025 occurred in permanent supportive housing. The findings also cite data showing some sites generated as many as two police emergencies per day.
4. Medication-assisted treatment remains permitted. Although illicit drug use is prohibited at drug-free permanent supportive housing sites, the ordinance expressly allows medication-assisted treatment administered by a licensed provider. The lawful use of alcohol and marijuana also is not prohibited.
5. The measure passed with a 7-4 vote. District 6 Supervisor Matt Dorsey wrote the legislation, which the San Francisco Board of Supervisors approved July 21 by a 7-4 vote before Mayor Daniel Lurie signed it July 29, according to the release.
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