YIMBY Groups Sue San Francisco Over Housing Plan

Lawsuit alleges city's Family Zoning Plan falls short of state housing goals

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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A coalition of housing activists, including YIMBY Law, California Housing Defense Fund, and Californians for Homeownership, have filed a lawsuit against the city of San Francisco. They argue that the recently approved Family Zoning Plan does not effectively make way for the 36,000 new homes and apartments required under state housing law.

Why it matters

The lawsuit highlights the ongoing debate in San Francisco over housing policy, with one side arguing the city isn't doing enough to increase housing supply, while the other says the city isn't protecting existing residents from displacement. The outcome of this lawsuit could have significant implications for the city's ability to meet state-mandated housing goals.

The details

The lawsuit alleges that the Family Zoning Plan, approved by the Board of Supervisors in early December, adds new restrictions like limits on unit size and parking that could undermine housing production. A previous report by the city's chief economist found the plan overestimated the number of homes that could be built and did not account for high market conditions. The opposing lawsuit, filed last month by neighborhood and small business groups, argues the upzoning could displace low-income renters and harm historic buildings.

  • The lawsuit was filed on Thursday, February 12, 2026.
  • A settlement hearing in the opposing lawsuit is set for February 19, 2026.

The players

YIMBY Law

A housing advocacy group that filed the lawsuit against San Francisco's Family Zoning Plan.

California Housing Defense Fund

A housing advocacy group that joined the lawsuit against San Francisco's Family Zoning Plan.

Californians for Homeownership

A housing advocacy group that joined the lawsuit against San Francisco's Family Zoning Plan.

Mayor Daniel Lurie

The mayor of San Francisco who approved the Family Zoning Plan that is being challenged in the lawsuit.

Neighborhoods United SF

A group that filed a separate lawsuit against the Family Zoning Plan, arguing it could displace low-income residents and harm historic buildings.

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What they’re saying

“We are here today on the precipice of St. Valentine's Day out of love: love for the San Franciscans who can't afford where they live, who are forgoing essential items like health care and saving for the future. The Family Zoning Plan is inadequate, it's not a real upzoning.”

— Sonja Trauss, Executive Director, YIMBY Law (KQED)

“When the time came to fulfill the promises that San Francisco made in its housing element, the city came up short. And so we're here to make sure that San Francisco follows through on those and actually gets enough housing built.”

— Nick Eckenwiler, Staff Attorney, California Housing Defense Fund (KQED)

“As the cost of housing continues to rise, the Family Zoning Plan is going to help ensure that the next generation of San Franciscans can afford to raise their kids here.”

— Charles Lutvak, Spokesperson for Mayor Daniel Lurie (KQED)

What’s next

The lawsuit filed by YIMBY Law, California Housing Defense Fund, and Californians for Homeownership will proceed, with a potential settlement hearing in the opposing lawsuit scheduled for February 19, 2026. The outcome of these legal challenges could significantly impact San Francisco's ability to meet state-mandated housing goals.

The takeaway

The competing lawsuits over San Francisco's housing plan highlight the ongoing tension between increasing housing supply and protecting existing residents from displacement. This debate reflects the broader challenges cities face in balancing the need for more homes with preserving the character of neighborhoods and supporting vulnerable communities.