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Community Opportunity to Purchase Act (COPA)
The Community Opportunity to Purchase Act (COPA) gives qualified non-profit organizations the right of first offer and/or the right of first refusal to purchase certain properties offered for sale in the City.
COPA was created to prevent tenant displacement and promote the creation and preservation of affordable rental housing.
The following properties are subject to COPA (see Program Rules for more Information):
- Buildings with 3 or more residential units
- Vacant land that could be developed into 3 or more residential units
COPA Program Information
- Current COPA Legislation (amended June 2024)
- COPA Program Rules
- COPA FAQs
- COPA Notice of Special Restrictions (Any building purchased under COPA must be restricted as affordable housing. This “NSR” form applies to projects that do not receive City financing.)
Qualified Nonprofits
Under COPA, MOHCD certifies nonprofit organizations to exercise a Right of First Offer and/or a Right of First Refusal under COPA according to the criteria identified in the legislation and program rules. Download the current list of Qualified Nonprofits.
Small Sites Program
Some buildings may qualify for funding through San Francisco’s Small Sites Program. Qualified Nonprofits can apply for financing to help with the purchase of a building or site being acquired under COPA guidelines. Please see the Small Sites webpage for more information on that program, including information for tenants.
Seller Requirements and Resources
Sellers of all buildings in San Francisco with 3 or more residential units, or land that could be developed into 3 or more residential units must notify tenants of the intent to sell. The COPA Tenant Notification Form complies with the legislation.
COPA requires that by no later than fifteen (15) days after any sale of a building, all sellers will provide MOHCD with a signed declaration, under penalty and perjury, affirming that the sale of that Building complied with the requirements of COPA. Download the COPA Seller Declaration Form.
COPA confers certain benefits to sellers, which are detailed in the COPA Seller Information Sheet.
Instructions for Submitting Declarations
Sellers or Sellers' agents should submit Seller Declarations to the following e-mail address: copa.mohcd@sfgov.org
If hard copy is preferred, please send to the following address:
Mayor’s Office of Housing and Community Development
Attn: COPA Seller Declaration Form
1 South Van Ness Ave, 5th Floor
San Francisco, CA 94103
Submitted Seller Declarations
MOHCD is required by COPA legislation (Admin Code §41B.10(a)) to publish all addresses included in submitted Seller Certifications. The link below provides a list of declarations submitted to MOHCD by sellers from the effective date of the legislation forward.