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City and County of San Francisco
May 25, 2006

SAN FRANCISCO

PLANNING COMMISSION

Meeting Minutes

Commission Chambers - Room 400

City Hall, 1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place

Thursday, May 25, 2006

1:30 PM

Regular Meeting

COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: President Sue Lee; Vice President Dwight Alexander; Shelley Bradford-Bell; Kevin Hughes; William Lee; and Christina Olague

COMMISSIONERS ABSENT: Michael Antonini

THE MEETING WAS CALLED TO ORDER BY PRESIDENT SUE LEE AT 1:40 P.M.

STAFF IN ATTENDANCE: Dean Macris – Director of Planning; Larry Badiner – Zoning Administrator; Paul Lord; Michelle Glueckert; Jonathan Purvis; Ben Fu; Sara Vellve; Rick Crawford; Moses Corrette; David Alumbaugh; Ken Rich; Linda Avery – Commission Secretary

  • CONSIDERATION OF ITEMS PROPOSED FOR CONTINUANCE

The Commission will consider a request for continuance to a later date. The Commission may choose to continue the item to the date proposed below, to continue the item to another date, or to hear the item on this calendar.

1. 2006.0100C (M. SMITH: (415) 558-6322)

470 West Portal - between Portola Drive and 15th Avenue, Lots 008 and 009 in Assessor's Block 2484 and Lot 001 in Assessor's Block 2540 - Request for Conditional Use authorization pursuant to Planning Code Section 209.3(h) to convert an office building that was previously occupied by AT&T to a private secondary school operated by San Francisco Waldorf High School, located in a RH-1(D) [Residential-House, One-Family (Detached)] District and a 40-X Height and Bulk District.

Preliminary Recommendation: Approval with Conditions

(Proposed for Continuance to June 8, 2006)

SPEAKERS: None

ACTION: Continued as proposed

AYES: Bradford-Bell, Hughes, S. Lee, W. Lee and Olague

ABSENT: Alexander and Antonini

2. 2003.1183E (W. WYCKO: (415) 558-5972)

55 Francisco Street Project - Appeal of Preliminary Negative Declaration. The project site at 55 Francisco Street (Assessor's Block 0056, Lot 006), also known as 1789 Montgomery Street, is approximately 48,714 square feet in size and located on the southern side of Francisco Street in the block bounded by Francisco, Montgomery, Chestnut, and Kearny Streets. The project site currently has a three-story, 284-space parking garage and a seven-story office building. The proposed project would involve the addition of three new levels atop the existing parking garage with 51 residential dwelling units (approximately 57,999 gross square feet). The existing office building on the project site would remain as it is. The proposed project would also involve reconfiguration of the existing parking by removing 81 independently accessible public parking spaces and creating valet parking for 203 vehicles on the first two levels of the garage, and providing 59 independently accessible parking spaces on the third level for the proposed dwelling units. The project site is zoned C-2 (Community Business), and is within a 65-X height and bulk district and Waterfront Special Use District #3. The proposed project would require Conditional Use authorization for the proposed Planned Unit Development (PUD).

(Continued from Regular Meeting of March 16, 2006)

(Proposed for Continuance to July 13, 2006)

SPEAKERS: None

ACTION: Continued as proposed

AYES: Bradford-Bell, Hughes, S. Lee, W. Lee and Olague

ABSENT: Alexander and Antonini

3. 2005.1145D (J. PURVIS: (415) 558-6354)

791 SAN BRUNO AVENUE - east side at 20th Street; Lot 17 in Assessor's Block 4075 - Request for Discretionary Review of Building Permit Application No. 2005.04.04.9074 proposing the construction of a three-story-over-garage, single-family dwelling in an RH-2 (Residential, House, Two -Family) Use District, and a 40-X Height and Bulk District.

Preliminary Recommendation: Take Discretionary Review and disapprove.

(Continued from Regular Meeting of April 20, 2006)

DISCRETIONARY REVIEW APPLICATION WITHDRAWN

B. COMMISSIONERS' QUESTIONS AND MATTERS

4. Consideration of Adoption:

  • Draft Minutes of Regular Meeting of March 23, 2006.

SPEAKERS: None

ACTION: Approved

AYES: Bradford-Bell, Hughes, S. Lee, W. Lee and Olague

ABSENT: Alexander and Antonini

  • Draft Minutes of Regular Meeting of May 4, 2006.

SPEAKERS: None

ACTION: Approved

AYES: Bradford-Bell, S. Lee, W. Lee and Olague

EXCUSED: Hughes

ABSENT: Alexander and Antonini

  • Draft Minutes of Regular Meeting of May 11, 2006,

SPEAKERS: None

ACTION: Approved

AYES: Hughes, S. Lee, W. Lee and Olague

EXCUSED: Bradford-Bell

ABSENT: Alexander and Antonini

5. Commission Comments/Questions

  • Inquiries/Announcements. Without discussion, at this time Commissioners may make announcements or inquiries of staff regarding various matters of interest to the Commissioner(s).
  • Future Meetings/Agendas. At this time, the Commission may discuss and take action to set the date of a Special Meeting and/or determine those items that could be placed on the agenda of the next meeting and other future meetings of the Planning Commission.

President Sue Lee

  • I'd like to comment or make a suggestion to staff and to perspective project sponsors.
  • Three weeks ago we had a presentation by ICF Consulting on the changing demographics of the city.
  • It indicated we have a growing population that is not English speaking, that is foreign born and they are people who are interested in our process.
  • It is our obligation as a public agency to provide language assistance and notices and communications in various languages so they understand what's going on.
  • So when we have something like this [the continuance of item 15 with concerned neighbors that did not speak English or understand the process of continuing the item to another day] we can avoid situations like this.
  • I think that, particularly on a tenant site, which is a hot issue all over town, it is really important because people feel emotional about it and they take time away from their routines. It is a big deal for them to show up and to be told there is a continuance.
  • We need to do a better job communicating that.

Zoning Administrator Badiner responded

  • It is our practice to require the cell phone antenna companies to have an individual meeting in advance. That meeting is required to be noticed in multiple languages.
  • I think English, Chinese, and Spanish.
  • There is an ordinance that was put in place about a year and a half ago that requires all of our notices go out with an information sheet in multiple languages telling people how to contact us if they can't understand the notice and if they have questions.
  • We have people, multi-language speakers that call in and ask questions.
  • We are attempting to do that.
  • The past item [item 15] was continued at this point.
  • Even the English speakers would not have had notice of that.

Commissioner Bill Lee

  • It might be helpful if the Planning Department submitted a document to the Commission regarding access. Like accessibility.
  • Every Department under the ordinance requires every Department to have a written process in communicating with people with second languages.
  • Maybe you should send a copy to all the commissioners and that will add clarity to the areas with people who have a lack of speaking English that they have access to their own language.

Commissioner Hughes

  • I am curious, is there a requirement to submit a long-range plan for private property owners?

Zoning Administrator Badiner responded

  • Educational facilities and hospitals over a certain size have to have a Master Plan and update it on a regular basis.

C. DIRECTOR'S REPORT

6. Director's Announcements

7. Review of Past Week's Events at the Board of Supervisors and Board of Appeals

8. (P. LORD: (415) 558-6311)

Status report presented by the Chair of Western SOMA Citizens Planning Task Force.

D. GENERAL PUBLIC COMMENT – 15 MINUTES

At this time, members of the public may address the Commission on items of interest to the public that are within the subject matter jurisdiction of the Commission except agenda items. With respect to agenda items, your opportunity to address the Commission will be afforded when the item is reached in the meeting. Each member of the public may address the Commission for up to three minutes.

SPEAKERS:

Sue Hester

RE: Requesting that the Commission take up the DR policy before Commissioner Hughes' term expires on July 1 and he is replaced.

Dick Millet

RE:

E. CONSENT CALENDAR

All matters listed hereunder constitute a Consent Calendar, are considered to be routine by the Planning Commission, and will be acted upon by a single roll call vote of the Commission. There will be no separate discussion of these items unless a member of the Commission, the public, or staff so requests, in which event the matter shall be removed from the Consent Calendar and considered as a separate item at this or a future hearing.

9. 2005.1000D (M. GLUECKERT: (415) 558-6543)

679-685 3RD STREET - Mandatory Discretionary Review of Miscellaneous Permit Application Number MB0500081, Zoning Referral from the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control, Case Number 2005.1000D, for the property located at 685 Third Street, on the northeast side of Third Street between Brannan Street and Townsend Street, Lot 015 in Assessor's Block 3788, under Planning Commission Resolution Number 14844, to procure the transfer of a Type 47 Liquor License for a full-service restaurant, Origami, to sell alcoholic beverages for consumption on-site. No physical expansion of the project site is proposed. The property is located in an SLI (Service / Light Industrial) District, the proposed BVSUD, the South End Historic District, and a 50-X Height and Bulk District.

Preliminary Recommendation: Do not take Discretionary Review and approve proposal

SPEAKERS: None

ACTION: Did not take discretionary review and approved

AYES: Bradford-Bell, Hughes, S. Lee, W. Lee and Olague

ABSENT: Alexander and Antonini

  • F.REGULAR CALENDAR

10a. 2005.0543D (J. PURVIS: (415) 558-6354)

791 SAN BRUNO AVENUE – east side at 20th Street; Lot 17 in Assessor's Block 4075 - Mandatory Discretionary Review, under Planning Commission policy requiring review of all housing demolition permits, of Demolition Permit Application No. 2005.04.04.9078, proposing the demolition of a one-story, single-family dwelling in an RH-2 (Residential, House, Two -Family) Use District, and a 40-X Height and Bulk District.

Preliminary Recommendation: Take Discretionary Review and disapprove.

(Continued from Regular Meeting of April 20, 2006)

SPEAKERS:

ACTION: Did not take discretionary review and approved

AYES: Bradford-Bell, Hughes, S. Lee, and W. Lee

NAYES: Olague

ABSENT: Alexander and Antonini

10b. 2005.0971D (J. PURVIS: (415) 558-6354)

791 SAN BRUNO AVENUE - east side at 20th Street; Lot 17 in Assessor's Block 4075 - Mandatory Discretionary Review, under Planning Commission policy requiring review of all replacement structures following residential demolition, of Building Permit Application No. 2005.04.04.9074 proposing the construction of a three-story-over-garage, single-family dwelling in an RH-2 (Residential, House, Two -Family) Use District, and a 40-X Height and Bulk District.

Preliminary Recommendation: Take Discretionary Review and disapprove.

(Continued from Regular Meeting of April 20, 2006)

SPEAKERS:

ACTION: Did not take discretionary review and approved

AYES: Bradford-Bell, Hughes, S. Lee, and W. Lee

NAYES: Olague

ABSENT: Alexander and Antonini

11a. 2005.0769D (J. PURVIS: (415) 558-6354)

877 HAMPSHIRE STREET - east side between 20th and 21st Streets; Lot 25 in Assessor's Block 4089 - Mandatory Discretionary Review, under Planning Commission policy requiring review of all residential demolition permits, of Demolition Permit Application No. 2005.08.04.9508, proposing the demolition of a one-story, single-family dwelling in an RH-2 (Residential, House, Two-Family) Use District, and a 40-X Height and Bulk District.

Preliminary Recommendation: Do not take Discretionary Review and approve the demolition permit.

SPEAKERS: None

ACTION: Without hearing, continued to June 8, 2006

AYES: Bradford-Bell, Hughes, S. Lee, W. Lee and Olague

ABSENT: Alexander and Antonini

11b. 2005.0775D (J. PURVIS: (415) 558-6354)

877 HAMPSHIRE STREET - east side between 20th and 21st Streets; Lot 25 in Assessor's Block 4089 - Mandatory Discretionary Review, under Planning Commission policy requiring review of all replacement structures following residential demolition, of Building Permit Application No. 2005.08.04.9510 proposing the construction of a three-story-over-garage, two-family dwelling in an RH-2 (Residential, House, Two-Family) Use District, and a 40-X Height and Bulk District.

Preliminary Recommendation: Do not take Discretionary Review and approve the building permit.

SPEAKERS: None

ACTION: Without hearing, continued to June 8, 2006

AYES: Bradford-Bell, Hughes, S. Lee, W. Lee and Olague

ABSENT: Alexander and Antonini

12a. 2005.0857CD (B. FU: (415) 558-6613)

324 Cortland Avenue - south side, between Bocana and Bennington Streets, Lot 022 in Assessor's Block 5677 - Request for Conditional Use authorization under Planning Code Sections 161(j) and 303 to allow a reduction in the off-street parking requirement for dwelling units for the construction of a new two unit, three-story residential/commercial mixed-use building, with no parking spaces, within a NC-2 (Small-Scale Neighborhood Commercial) District with a 40-X Height and Bulk designation. The project also requires a Mandatory Discretionary Review, under the Planning Commission's policy requiring review of housing demolition, for the demolition of an existing dwelling unit.

Preliminary Recommendation: Approval with Conditions.

SPEAKERS:

MOTION: Intent to disapprove

AYES: Hughes, and W. Lee

NAYES: Alexander, Bradford-Bell, S. Lee and Olague

ABSENT: Antonini

RESULT: Motion failed

MOTION: To approve

AYES: Alexander, Bradford-Bell and W. Lee

NAYES: Hughes, S. Lee and Olague

ABSENT: Antonini

RESULT: Motion failed

ACTION: Approved with the removal of one bedroom and additional amendments Commissioner Olague required

AYES: Bradford-Bell, S. Lee, W. Lee and Olague

NAYES: Alexander and Hughes

ABSENT: Antonini

MOTION #: 17247

12b. 2005.0857CD (B. FU: (415) 558-6613)

324 Cortland Avenue - south side, between Bocana and Bennington Streets, Lot 022 in Assessor's Block 5677 - Mandatory Discretionary Review, under Planning Commission policy requiring review of all housing demolition permits, of Building Permit Application No. 2005.09.01.1919 proposing the demolition of the existing residential and commercial mixed-use two-story building that contains a studio dwelling unit, and construct a new two unit, three-story residential/commercial mixed-use building, with no parking spaces. Although submitted as an alteration, the Zoning Administrator has determined the project to be a de facto demolition. Therefore, the project, pursuant to Planning Commission Residential Demolition policy, requires review of demolition of housing.

Preliminary Recommendation: Do not take Discretionary Review and approve the building permit.

SPEAKERS: Same as those listed for item 12a.

MOTION: To not take discretionary review and approve

AYES: Alexander, Bradford-Bell, and Olague

NAYES: Hughes, S. Lee and W. Lee

ABSENT: Antonini

RESULT: Motion failed

ACTION: Took discretionary review and approved with amendments as stated in item 12a.

AYES: Bradford-Bell, S. Lee, W. Lee and Olague

NAYES: Alexander and Hughes

ABSENT: Antonini

13a. 2005.1207D (S. VELLVE: (415) 558-6263)

1735-1737 WEBSTER STREET - west side between Bush and Sutter Streets, Lots 116 and 117 in Assessor's Block 0677 - Mandatory Discretionary Review, under the Planning Commission's policy requiring review of dwelling unit mergers, of Building Permit Application No. 2006.01.26.3121 proposing to merge two condominium units into one single-family dwelling in a structure located in an RM-1 (Mixed, Low Density) District, and 40-X Height/Bulk District.

Preliminary Recommendation: Take Discretionary Review and disapprove the permit.

SPEAKERS:

ACTION: Did not take discretionary review and approved

AYES: Alexander, Bradford-Bell, Hughes, S. Lee, W. Lee and Olague

ABSENT: Antonini

13b. 2006.0064V (S. Vellve: (415) 558-6263)

1735-1737 WEBSTER STREET- west side between Bush and Sutter Streets, Lots 116 and 117 in Assessor's Block 0677 - Rear yard and non-complying structure variances sought to construct an approximately 7-foot deep rear horizontal addition on the ground floor underneath an existing deck, a new rear egress stair and landing, and a trellis above the deck at the third level. As the addition, stairs and trellis would be located within the required rear yard, and attached to a non-complying structure, variances from Planning Code Sections 134 and 188 are necessary. The subject property is located in an RM-1 (Mixed, Low Density) District and 40-X Height/Bulk District.

SPEAKERS: Same as those listed in item 13a.

ACTION: The Zoning Administrator closed public hearing and granted the variances

14a. 2005.1084CV (R. CRAWFORD (415) 558-6358)

1811 34TH Avenue - at the northwest corner with Noriega Street. Assessor's Block 2071, Lot 001 - Request for Conditional Use authorization under, Planning Code Section 209.3 for development of a Child Care facility for 13 or more children in an RH-1 (Residential House, One Family, District) and a 40-X Height and Bulk District.

Preliminary Recommendation: Approval with Conditions

(Continued from Regular Meeting of May 18, 2006)

SPEAKERS:

ACTION: Approved with the removal of condition #4

AYES: Alexander, Hughes, S. Lee, W. Lee and Olague

ABSENT: Antonini and Bradford-Bell

MOTION #: 17250

14b. 2005.1084CV (R. CRAWFORD (415) 558-6358)

1811 34TH Avenue - at the northwest corner with Noriega Street, Assessor's Block 2071, Lot 001 - Request for a Variance from, Planning Code Section 151, for no off street parking spaces where 4 spaces are required in an RH-1 (Residential House, One Family, District) and a 40-X Height and Bulk District.

Preliminary Recommendation: Approval with conditions

(Continued from Regular Meeting of May 18, 2006)

SPEAKERS: Same as those listed for item 14a.

ACTION: The Zoning Administrator closed public hearing and granted the variance

15a. 2005.0938CR (M. SMITH: (415) 558-6322)

Sunset Reservoir - bounded by Ortega Street, 24th Avenue, Quintara Street, and 28th Avenue, Lot 001 in Assessor's Block 2107 - Request by Sprint/Nextel Communications for Conditional Use Authorization pursuant to Planning Code Section 234.2(a) to allow for the construction of a freestanding wireless telecommunications facility consisting of three (3) antennas mounted to a 60' tall monopole, located in a P (Public) District, and an OS (Open Space) Height and Bulk District. Per the City & County of San Francisco's Wireless Telecommunications Services (WTS) Facilities Siting Guidelines the site is a Preferred Location Preference 1 site as it is a public-use structure.

Preliminary Recommendation: Approval with Conditions

SPEAKERS: [Only in the proposal to continue]

Eileen Boken – SPEAK

  1. We oppose the item and support the continuance on several conditions that the sponsor provides current contact information.
  2. In the Planning Department file, one of the contacts is Corey Alvin. When I called him at the number on the sheet, the number is no longer in service.
  3. I would like the sponsor to state what they will do in the next 2 weeks fo address the neighbors concerns.

Warwick Stevenson

  1. Would appreciate a continuance.
  2. There is a lot of concern about the project and the community would like more information

[Unidentified speaker]

  1. Supports the continuance
  2. As proxy for the neighborhood, they have a lot of concerns.

Wendy Lee

  1. If you change the meeting, I would appreciate you sending another notice.
  2. Otherwise there will be a lot of people from the neighborhood that would not know about the meeting.

ACTION: Without hearing, continued to June 8, 2006

AYES: Bradford-Bell, Hughes, S. Lee, W. Lee and Olague

ABSENT: Alexander and Antonini

15b. 2005.0938CR (M. SMITH: (415) 558-6322)

SUNSET RESERVOIR - bounded by Ortega Street, 24th Avenue, Quintara Street, and 28th Avenue, Lot 001 in Assessor's Block 2107 - Request by Sprint/Nextel Communications for a finding of consistency with the General Plan pursuant to Section 4.105 of the City/County Charter to allow for the construction of a freestanding wireless telecommunications facility consisting of three (3) antennas mounted to a 60' tall monopole, located in a P (Public) District and an OS (Open Space) Height and Bulk District.

Preliminary Recommendation: Approval with Conditions

SPEAKERS: None

ACTION: Without hearing, continued to June 8, 2006

AYES: Bradford-Bell, Hughes, S. Lee, W. Lee and Olague

ABSENT: Alexander and Antonini

16. (M. CORRETTE: (415) 558-6295)

INFORMATIONAL PRESENTATION: CULTURAL RESOURCE SURVEY - Presentation on the process of an historic resources survey, with an overview of the Planning Department's Survey Program established in 2000. Presentation will explain what a survey is, the Department's survey process, the role of the Survey Advisors and the endorsement process. The presentation will also cover how survey information is used by both the City and by property owners.

SPEAKERS:

ACTION: Informational only. No action taken

17. (D. ALUMBAUGH: (415) 558-6601)

INFORMATIONAL INTERAGENCY PRESENTATION ON TRANSBAY TERMINAL AREA. - The Department, along with the Mayor's Office, the TJPA, the SFRA and consultants, has examined the relationship between Downtown growth and the new Transbay inter-modal terminal.

SPEAKERS:

ACTION: Informational only. No action taken

18a. 2006.0373T (K. RICH: (415) 558-6345)

Japantown Special Use District - [Board File No. 060266] - Consideration of an Ordinance introduced by Supervisor Mirkarimi which would amend the text of the Planning Code by adding Section 249.31 to create the Japantown Special Use District and establish controls and procedures governing any change of use within that district and making findings of consistency with the priority policies of Planning Code Section 101.1 and the General Plan.

Preliminary Recommendation: Approval with Modifications

(Continued from Regular Meeting of May 18, 2006)

SPEAKERS:

ACTION: Approved as amended to include the following language:

Within 2 years of the effective date of this Section, the Planning Department shall transmit to the Clerk of the Board of Supervisors a summary of statistics relating to the implementation of the SUD, which may be the basis for subsequent amendments to this Section. Those statistics shall include, but not necessarily be limited to filings for Conditional Use authorization and use of the Commission's Discretionary Review powers with respect to the following (1) how many applications filed, (2) outcome of filings, and (3) whether those filings were made based on (a) a requirement contained in this Section, (b) notice required under this Section, or (c) other Sections of this Code.

AYES: Alexander, Hughes, S. Lee, W. Lee and Olague

ABSENT: Antonini and Bradford-Bell

RESOLUTION: 17248

18b. 2006.0373Z (K. RICH: (415) 558-6345)

Japantown Special Use District - [Board File No. 060266] Consideration of an Ordinance introduced by Supervisor Mirkarimi amending the Zoning Map to establish a Japantown Special Use District and making findings of consistency with the priority policies of Planning Code Section 101.1 and the General Plan, for an area generally bounded by Bush Street, Geary Boulevard, Laguna Street and Fillmore Street. The subject properties are Assessor's Blocks 675, 676, 677, 684, 685, 686, 700 and 701.

Preliminary Recommendation: Approval

(Continued from Regular Meeting of May 18, 2006)

SPEAKERS: Same as those listed for item 18a.

ACTION: Approved

AYES: Alexander, Hughes, S. Lee, W. Lee and Olague

ABSENT: Antonini and Bradford-Bell

RESOLUTION: 17249

G. PUBLIC COMMENT

At this time, members of the public may address the Commission on items of interest to the public that are within the subject matter jurisdiction of the Commission except agenda items. With respect to agenda items, your opportunity to address the Commission will be afforded when the item is reached in the meeting with one exception. When the agenda item has already been reviewed in a public hearing at which members of the public were allowed to testify and the Commission has closed the public hearing, your opportunity to address the Commission must be exercised during the Public Comment portion of the Calendar. Each member of the public may address the Commission for up to three minutes.

The Brown Act forbids a commission from taking action or discussing any item not appearing on the posted agenda, including those items raised at public comment. In response to public comment, the commission is limited to:

(1) Responding to statements made or questions posed by members of the public; or

(2) Requesting staff to report back on a matter at a subsequent meeting; or

(3) Directing staff to place the item on a future agenda. (Government Code Section 54954.2(a))

SPEAKERS:

Sue Hester
  • My my my
  • So is my ear
  • Ok if you say so
Jeff Heller
  • What do you mean
  • I don't know
  • These are just place holders until I listen to the tape (or whatever)

Adjournment: 8:20 p.m.

THESE MINUTES ARE PROPOSED FOR ADOPTION AT THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION ON THURSDAY, JUNE 15, 2006 JULY 13, 2006.

SPEAKERS: None

ACTION: Approved

AYES: Alexander, W. Lee, Hughes, Olague

EXCUSED: Moore, Sugaya

Last updated: 11/17/2009 10:00:21 PM