Six-Year Permit Battle Delays Jollibee’s San Francisco Store Opening

Jollibee’s new outlet at 934 Market Street opened after a protracted six-year permitting saga that began with a November 2020 application. The chain had to satisfy the city’s noise ordinance for rooftop equipment, obtain historic-preservation approval for modest façade changes, and work with PG&E and BART on utility and crane logistics. Mayor Lurie labeled the timeline “unacceptable” and cited ongoing efforts to digitize and accelerate permits, noting that most are now processed within 30 days.

Supervisor Danny Sauter described the process as a “labyrinth” exacerbated by the site’s location in a historic district. Katy Tang, director of the Office of Small Business, admitted the delay was “ridiculous” but said Jollibee represents an extreme case. The story underscores San Francisco’s reputation for cumbersome building approvals despite recent attempts at reform.