San Francisco’s Planning Commission approved Therapy’s special permit Thursday for a gift shop at 32 Clement St., a storefront vacant for two years, despite opposition to the chain’s 11th location; the merchants association says it plans to appeal.
Opponents argued Therapy’s planned 11th location would make it formula retail, defined in San Francisco as a business with 11 or more locations and subject to conditional-use approval. An enforcement complaint was filed in March after Chen reportedly put up an awning and sign and displayed merchandise before securing permits; city planners issued an April notice citing the site’s zoning as a medical office rather than retail.
Chen acknowledged she prepared to open without fully understanding the planning code, calling it a mistake, and said she tried to remedy the issue after receiving notice. According to the planning department, Therapy collected more than 700 signatures in support; an opposing Change.org petition urging denial drew over 400.
