San Francisco Approves AutoZone for Third Street
The city planning commission approved the permit in July 2026 for a vacant site that previously housed a Walgreens.
Updated on Oct. 16, 2026 in Remote Work
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The San Francisco Planning Commission approved an AutoZone permit in July 2026 for a vacant property on Third Street. The site has remained empty since the closure of a Walgreens store in 2025.
Why it matters
Landlords Raj and Veena Kaul struggled to fill the space since 2025, leading to concerns regarding blight on the commercial corridor. Neighbors supported the project as a way to address vacant storefronts in the area.
The property owners received approval for a site that has been vacant since 2025. City officials evaluated the proposal based on industrial zoning regulations that limit residential development options above shops.
The players
San Francisco Planning Commission
This local regulatory body is responsible for land use, zoning, and development approvals within the city.
Raj and Veena Kaul
These individuals are the landlords of the commercial property that will host the new auto parts store.
The details
Conditional-use approval required the commission to find the proposal necessary, desirable, and compatible with the surrounding neighborhood. Industrial zoning at the location currently restricts development alternatives, such as housing above retail space.
Timeline
The Walgreens on Third Street closed in 2025.
The San Francisco Planning Commission approved the AutoZone permit in July 2026.
Market Landscape
The approval reflects broader industry efforts to revitalize vacant commercial corridors in San Francisco. This move highlights how zoning constraints often dictate the transition from traditional pharmacy retail to automotive service centers.
Local residents will see a new retail option replace a long-vacant building on the Third Street corridor. A separate nonprofit pharmacy is also scheduled to open soon in the same neighborhood to provide additional services.
The takeaway
Property owners in commercial districts often face long vacancies when site-specific zoning limits potential uses. Addressing blight in these areas typically requires balancing community needs for services like pharmacies against the logistical requirements of major retail tenants.
Further reading
For more context on local business trends, visit San Francisco Remote Work.
More information
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Source note: This article includes information reported by Mission Local.
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