San Francisco Will Vote on New Therapy Stores Permit
The Planning Commission will decide Thursday whether a retail chain can move into a space previously zoned for medical use.
Updated on Sept. 24, 2026 in Openings & Closings
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The San Francisco Planning Commission is set to vote on Thursday, Sept. 24, on a conditional use permit for a new Therapy Stores location at 32 Clement St. The decision will determine whether the retailer, which operates ten locations, can convert the former medical office.
Why it matters
The proposal has triggered local resistance from merchants who argue the Inner Richmond corridor is already saturated with gift shops. Business owners in the area are watching the outcome for how the commission weighs chain expansion against the concerns of established retailers.
Owner Jing Chen acquired the property for nearly $2 million in December 2025, while the city planning department issued a notice of three code violations at the site this April. The commission's upcoming decision follows a review of an 83-page planning department report.
The players
Jing Chen
The property owner who purchased 32 Clement St and filed for the conditional use permit.
Therapy Stores
A retail chain that currently operates ten locations and seeks to expand into the Inner Richmond.
San Francisco Planning Commission
The local regulatory body responsible for reviewing land use applications and site development permits.
The details
City regulations mandate that businesses with 11 or more locations must secure a special permit to operate in certain zones. Because 32 Clement St was historically zoned for medical office use, the current proposal requires a conditional use authorization to transition the space into retail. The planning department staff has recommended that the commission approve the application despite the opposition from neighborhood merchants.
Timeline
December 2025: Jing Chen purchased the building at 32 Clement St.
April 2026: The city issued a notice of three code violations for the property.
May 2026: Chen filed for the conditional use authorization.
Thursday, Sept. 24: The planning commission will vote on the permit application.
Market Landscape
This application highlights the city's regulatory scrutiny toward retail chain expansion in established neighborhood corridors. The case tests the application of the conditional use permit requirement, which serves to balance corporate growth with the existing character of local business districts.
Operators in the Inner Richmond should monitor this decision as a signal for how the city manages retail density and zoning transitions. Businesses looking to convert space in commercial corridors should be prepared for potential community opposition and rigorous permitting reviews.
The takeaway
The case underscores the importance of navigating local zoning and community sentiment before finalizing property acquisitions. Operators should review their own site's zoning history to anticipate potential compliance hurdles when planning for expansions or renovations.
What happens next
The planning commission vote is scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 24, which will determine if the project can proceed.
Further reading
For more on local retail trends, visit the San Francisco Openings & Closings section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Mission Local.
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