Yesterday the SF Planning Commission voted to deny Chipotle its bid to open a new location at Church and Market.

As the Bay Area Reporter reports, the Commission voted 5 to 1 against the chain, which was seeking to take over the former Home space at 2100 Market. The Commission's staff had calculated that, were Chipotle to get approval, it would bring the percentage of formula retail storefronts in the immediate area to 36%. That's well above the 20% threshhold that automatically triggers a recommendation of denial. Yesterday's hearing was also open to public comment, with local residents and merchants showing up to argue both for and against the chain.

Lots of strong feelings at @sfplanning commission about Chipotle/Chipolte wanting to move into Castro

— Neal J. Riley (@realdealneal) June 21, 2013

Indeed, the Chipotle has had both its supporters and its detractors. One online petition in favor of the chain's plans garnered 475 signatures, while one in opposition totaled 837. Responding to a Haighteration story earlier this year, many commenters cited the two nearby taquerias on Church Street as reason enough to declare the Chipotle unnecessary, while some argued that having something in the Home space would be better than nothing at all. The site has been empty for nearly two years. Chipotle now has 30 days to appeal the decision, though it has not yet announced whether it plans to do so. If it doesn't, the address may soon be back on the market. But will any non-formula business be able to afford its $19,500 monthly rent? Stay tuned...