March 6, 2008SAN FRANCISCO
PLANNING COMMISSION
Meeting Minutes
Commission Chambers - Room 400
City Hall, 1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place
Thursday, March 6, 2008
1:30 PM
Regular Meeting
COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Olague, Antonini, S. Lee, W. Lee, Moore and Sugaya
COMMISSIONER ABSENT: None
THE MEETING WAS CALLED TO ORDER BY PRESIDENT OLAGUE AT 1:40 P.M.
STAFF IN ATTENDANCE: John Rahaim – Director of Planning, Craig Nikitas – Acting Zoning Administrator, Amit Ghosh – Chief Planner, AnMarie Rodgers, Scott Sanchez, Elaine Forbes, Jonathan Purvis, Kimberly Durandet, Amnon Ben-Pazi, Adrian Putra, Christina Lamorena, Rick Crawford, Corey Teague, and Linda Avery – Commission Secretary.
A. CONSIDERATION OF ITEMS PROPOSED FOR CONTINUANCE
The Commissionwill 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. 2007.1447T (T. SULLIVAN-LENANE: (415) 558-6257)
Amendments relating to Planning Code Sections 102.17, 790.38, and 890.37 [Board File No. 07-1649]- Ordinance introduced by Supervisor Peskin amending Planning Code Sections 102.17, 790.38, and 890.37 to define three types of entertainment use based upon size; amending Sections 1060, 1060.1, 1060.3, 1070, 1070.1, and 1070.3 of the San Francisco Police Codeto define the three types of entertainment use authorized by the Planning Code and to require an application and the permit for a place of entertainment or extended-hours activity to specify one of the three types of entertainment use; adopting findings, including environmental findings and findings required by Section 302 of the Planning Code.
Preliminary Recommendation: Approval
(Continued from Regular Meeting of February 7, 2008)
(Proposed for Continuance to April 10, 2008)
SPEAKER(S): None
ACTION: Continued as proposed
AYES: Olague, Antonini, S. Lee, and W. Lee
NAYES: Moore and Sugaya
2. 2007.1019C (R. CRAWFORD: 558-6358)
2400 Noriega Street- north side, northwest corner of Noriega and 31st Avenue Lot 003 of Assessor's Block 2018 - Request for Conditional Use Authorization under, Planning Code Section 711.81 to develop a Large Institutional Use (Church) above the ground floor and Section 711.2 Use Size greater than 3,999 square feet in an NC-2, Small Scale Neighborhood Commercial District and a 40-X Height and Bulk District. The proposal is to demolish the existing one-story church building (in a converted bank building) and construct a new 3 story building 11,625 square feet in area for the church with 11 off street parking spaces.
Preliminary Recommendation: Approval with Conditions.
(Continued from Regular Meeting of January 31, 2008)
(Proposed for Continuance to April 17, 2008)
SPEAKER(S): None
ACTION: Continued as proposed
AYES: Olague, Antonini, S. Lee, and W. Lee
NAYES: Moore and Sugaya
3. 2007.0703D (G. CABREROS: (415) 558-6169)
850 Francisco Street- north side between Leavenworth and Hyde Streets; Lot 005 in Assessor's Block 0045 - Request for Discretionary Review of Building Permit Application No. 2006.10.18.5416 proposing to revise an issued building permit application for new construction of a four-story, single family residence. The revision consists of construction of two additional basement levels within the footprint of the proposed new construction project. The property is located in an RH-1(D) (Residential, House, One-Family, Detached) Zoning District and a 40-X Height and Bulk District.
preliminary Recommendation: Do not take Discretionary Review and Approve project
(Continued from Regular Meeting of January 24, 2008)
(Proposed for Continuance to March 20, 2008)
SPEAKER(S): None
ACTION: Continued as proposed
AYES: Olague, Antonini, S. Lee, and W. Lee
NAYES: Moore and Sugaya
4. 2007.1113ET (C. NIKITAS: (415) 558-6306)
Amendments to Planning Code Section 303/Protection of Solar EnergySystems- Ordinance introduced by Supervisor Mirkarimi as part of Board File No. 07-1338, that would add Section 303(n) to the Planning Code, to require Conditional Use authorization for any structure that would shade a previously registered Solar Energy System, and requiring the Planning Department to review and manage system registrations.
Preliminary Recommendation: pending
(Continued from Regular Meeting of January 24, 2008)
(Proposed for Continuance to March 20, 2008)
SPEAKER(S): None
ACTION: Continued as proposed
AYES: Olague, Antonini, S. Lee, and W. Lee
NAYES: Moore and Sugaya
5a. 2005.0298KECV (S. VELLVE: (415) 558-6263)
1285 SUTTER STREET- southeast corner of Sutter Street and Van Ness Avenue; Lot 008 in Assessor's Block 0691 - Request for Conditional Use Authorization, pursuant to Sections 157, 209.8, 221.1, 253, 253.2 and 303 of the Planning Code to allow off-street parking in excess of the amount permitted as accessory parking, to permit the sale of alcoholic beverages within 1/4 mile of the Polk Street Neighborhood Commercial District, to demolish a movie theatre, and to allow the construction of a building which exceeds 40 feet in height with an exception to the bulk limits. The project proposes to construct up to 107 dwelling units with approximately 15,800 square feet of ground-floor retail/commercial space (Trader Joe's) and up to 170 below-grade off-street parking spaces. The project site is located in an RC-4 (Residential, Commercial Combined, High Density) and the Van Ness Avenue Special Use District and an 130-V Height and Bulk District.
Preliminary Recommendation: Approval with Conditions.
(Continued from Regular Meeting of February 28, 2008)
(Proposed for Continuance to March 20, 2008)
SPEAKER(S): None
ACTION: Continued as proposed
AYES: Olague, Antonini, S. Lee, and W. Lee
NAYES: Moore and Sugaya
5b. 2005.0298KECV S. VELLVE: (415) 558-6263)
1285 SUTTER STREET- southeast corner of Sutter Street and Van Ness Avenue; Lot 008 in Assessor's Block 0691 - Request for Variances, pursuant to Sections 253(c)(6), 307(g), 152, and 140 of the Planning Code to modify the rear yard requirement in the Van Ness Special Use District, to provide one off-street freight loading space where two are required, and for dwelling unit exposure for four dwelling units. The project proposes to construct up to 107 dwelling units with approximately 15,800 square feet of ground-floor retail/commercial space (Trader Joe's) and up to 170 below-grade off-street parking spaces. The project site is located in an RC-4 (Residential, Commercial Combined, High Density) and the Van Ness Avenue Special Use District and an 130-V Height and Bulk District.
(Continued from Regular Meeting of February 28, 2008)
(Proposed for Continuance to March 20, 2008)
SPEAKER(S): None
ACTION: Continued as proposed
AYES: Olague, Antonini, S. Lee, and W. Lee
NAYES: Moore and Sugaya
6. 2007.1267X: (A. Ben-Pazi: (415) 575-9077)
631 Folsom Street- south-eastside between 2nd and Hawthorne Streets, Lot 090 in Assessor's Block 3750 - Request for an exemption pursuant to section 309 to add 52 off-street parking spaces to the previously approved 64 off-street parking spaces in a mixed-use building currently under construction. The building is to have 114 dwelling units, each containing at least two bedrooms and at least 1000 square feet. Under this proposal there will be a total of 116 off-street parking spaces, 108 of which will be stored and accessed by mechanical stackers. 2 of the spaces will be dedicated to car-share vehicles. No physical expansion of the approved building is proposed. This site is within the C-3-S Zoning District, and a 200-S Height and Bulk District.
Preliminary Recommendation:
(Proposed for Continuance to March 27, 2008)
SPEAKER(S): None
ACTION: Continued as proposed
AYES: Olague, Antonini, S. Lee, and W. Lee
NAYES: Moore and Sugaya
B. COMMISSIONERS' QUESTIONS AND MATTERS
7. 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.
Commissioner Antonini
- Congratulated Commission President, Christina Olague because the Board of Supervisors voted yesterday agreeing with her appointment by Board President Peskin for four more years on the Planning Commission.
- Thanked President Olague for her hard work and everything she has done on the Commission.
- Another item – I want to thank the Board of Supervisors because it is my understanding that the Market – Octavia Plan is going to be referred back to Land Use and handed back to the Planning Commission.
- I do not have all the details of it, but I think this is an important part of the process.
- Thanked the Major's Office for their help in this matter and I'm looking forward to re-looking at the proposed modifications for this plan and being able to weigh-in on those changes.
Commissioner Moore
- Congratulated President Olague.
- I have three items that I want to bring to the Commission's attention.
- There is a 24-page memorandum from the Department of the Environment on green building and I encourage everybody to print it out in PDF form. It is a good benchmark of where we are.
- Secondly - I attended a course on retrofitting green, which was very informational because the rest of the public really does not know where San Francisco legislation might be heading.
- Richard Cheng from the Department of the Environment was on the panel. He did a very good overview and I'd like to ask Director John and Mr. Nikitas to help set up a presentation by Mr. Cheng to the Commission to get his insight.
- I am particularly interested for all of us to get more understanding about retrofitting of green building.
- Next thing, last year the Commission was able to get free tickets to attend the Green Products exhibit. April 22 – 26, Equal City 2008 is going to be in San Francisco.
- I approached the Major's Office to help those of us commissioners who are interested to perhaps get free admission to this event.
Commissioner Sugaya
- The Board of Supervisors upheld the certified environment report on 55 Laguna Street.
Commissioner Olague
- I attended the Arts Commission meeting this week and it seems to they are real interest to engage in more dialogue with us.
- Their director is interested in talking to our Director Rahaim. Hopefully they can set up a time to talk more about land use issues.
Commissioner W. Lee
- Last week, we received an e-mail regarding alternatives for 55 Laguna Street. I went through the report and found it very fascinating.
- There was a logic behind it that seems very solid to me. I was hoping that we can have the person who did the study go through it with us.
- It was very interesting as we move into the Eastern Neighborhoods.
John Rahaim, Director
- We will get back to you on that.
Commissioner Antonini
- Conveyed thanks to Commissioners Moore and Sugaya for joining me along with Director Rahaim and Mr. Nikitas yesterday to meet in regards to design questions about a project.
- Thanks to the leadership from Commissioner Moore who took a look at the design. Maybe in the future we can take a look at designs early in the process to be more efficient.
Commissioner Moore
- I would like to just explain to the public that we are not sitting in the back room and redesigning architecture but creating a larger set of questions which frame the design and the location of architecture in a way that is really appropriate to what we are doing here.
- We are the Planning Commission and not an architecture design review board.
C. DIRECTOR'S REPORT (Tape IA)
8. Director's Announcements
John Rahaim, Director
- Mr. Nikitas is organizing a presentation on the City's sustainability efforts. The Department of the Environment would be the focus of that but there are other departments as well.
- The building retrofit is a key issue in terms of climate protection and energy uses.
- Second thing - the issue about projects on Valencia Street and the possibility to do some design guidelines and a charrette.
- We do have funds to do what is called the Mission Public Ramp Plan as part of the Eastern Neighborhoods Plan.
- We would like to do some kind of focus efforts along Valencia Street as was suggested to look at key sites available for development on that street.
- Thirdly - I would be happy to meet with the Director of the Arts Commission. That is a personal interest of mine.
- Finally, my congratulations on behalf of staff to Commissioner Olague for her reconfirmation.
9. Review of Past Week's Events at the Board of Supervisors and Board of Appeals
AnMarie Rodgers
Land Use Committee
A- Administrative Code Amendment for Tourist Hotel. This piece of legislation has been amended to incorporate most of this Commission' recommendations. Recent amendments centered on the process for allowing condominium conversions during the first two years. Passed to the Full Board.
B- Permanent legislation to address the Interim Moratorium on Educational Institutionson Western SoMa. The Board took three actions: (1) clarify the definition of arts activities and require Institutional Master Plans in Neighborhood Commercial and Mixed Use Districts; (2) requiring Conditional Use Authorization for educational institutions in Western SoMa; and (3) resolution that would repeal the Interim Moratorium with the adoption of these two permanent controls. Passed unanimously.
Full Board
A- Certificate of Appropriatenessfor alterations for the Board of Supervisors' Chamber. At the hearing the discussion was centered on the cost of the project and the length of construction. Disapproved.
B- Landmark Designation of 451 Jersey StreetPassed
C- Market – Octavia PlanSupervisor Mirkarimi recognized the work that the Commission had done in these eight years of planning efforts. Supervisor Mirkarimi, Mayor's Office, community members, advocates, property owners and Supervisor Peskin had conversations on the affects of the additional $10 fee on small developers. The result was a revision to the affordable housing fee and instead of a blanket $10 per square foot fee, the current proposal is for a tier fee structure that would apply $8 per square foot in the Van Ness – Market special use district, $4 per square foot in the neighborhood commercial district and $0 additional fee on the residential transit oriented district.
There was another new amendment this week to allow developers in the Van Ness – Market Special Use District to exceed allowable FAR between the 6 to 1 and 9 to 1 category by paying into the City's affordable housing fee instead of the TDR market. This would be set at $30 per square foot. With these amendments, the Board requested that this be sent back to the Land Use Committee for additional comments and they further requested that amendments be sent to the Planning Commission for your review and comments as a professionally courtesy.
Staff has been working with President Olague and the Commission's Secretary to get this scheduled on you calendar for next week. The Board Committee will re-hear that item on March 24.
D- Commissioner Olague was reappointed to the Planning Commission.
E- Appeal hearing on 55 Laguna StreetEIR. Affirmed.
SPEAKER(S)
Marilyn Amini, Re: Market – Octavia Plan
- Supervisor Mirkarimi is sending this back to get an expedited review from the Planning Commission.
- It is critically important to not accommodate that expedited procedure, which would be in violation of the Planning Code and the established standards and procedures for adequate public process.
Hiroshi Fukuda, Re: Market – Octavia Plan
- This has to be reheard in a very detailed manner and I hope that you have an extensive public comment and evaluation period.
Scott Sanchez
Board of Appeals
- Mayor's Office announced the appointment of Tanya Peterson to the Board of Appeals.
- They acknowledged the service that Marge Gambelin has given to the City as she retired last week.
A- Appeal of 722 Columbus– Medical Dispensary. Upheld this Commission's decision to deny the use.
10. (Tape IA) (S. SANCHEZ (415) 558-6326)
ACADEMYOF ART UNIVERSITY- Informational item to discuss current status of the Academy of Art University's future plans for various sites in San Francisco.
SPEAKER(S)
John Bardis
- I urge you to really take a close look of what is being proposed as an Institutional Master Plan because it is not a plan.
ACTION: No action is required of the Commission. Information only.
(Tape IA; IB) (J. PURVIS (415) 558-6354
11. GENERAL ADVERTISING SIGN PROGRAM – Code Enforcement staff will give an informational presentation and annual progress report on the General Advertising Sign Program, including revenues, expenditures, and the status of sign inventory and enforcement.
SPEAKER(S)
Sue Hestor
- This is very interesting that you have a database that the public can not access.
- This is going to come up during Eastern Neighborhoods and you are going to face sign issues.
Marcie Keever
- Thanked the department and the enforcement team for finishing the survey before anticipated and looking forward with the enforcement plan regarding billboards and general advertisement plan.
Robert Klausner
- How much money would be needed to eliminate the back load and violations?
ACTION: No action is required of the Commission. Information only.
D. GENERALPUBLIC 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.
SPEAKER(S)
Sue Hestor, Re: 1140 Potrero Avenue
- Members of the Commission, public and staff should have a discussion of how you are going to deal with a three-car stacker in a single-family dwelling. What is the policy on this?
Steven Currier, Re: 955 Geneva Avenue
- Parking and Traffic is going to have a hearing to move the diagonal parking to parallel parking on both sides.
- Staff mentioned that the Merchants Association recommended approval but there is no such association in the Excelsior.
Marilyn Amini,Re: Market – Octavia Plan
- Urged the Commission to not accommodate the proposed procedure to expedite' Planning Commission's review of the amendments recommended by the Board of Supervisors.
Hiroshi Fukuda,Re: Japantown Plan
- The plan involves demolition of the Laguna Street mall because the owner said that needs to be updated and has expressed the idea of building condominiums there
John Bardis, Re: Market – Octavia Plan
- The courtesy referral' response from the City Attorney troubles me a great deal because it does not seem to be good advice from a lawyer to a client. Instead, she should have said that these are major amendments.
E. PUBLIC COMMENT ON AGENDA ITEMS WHERE THE PUBLIC HEARING HAS BEEN CLOSED
At this time, members of the public who wish to address the Commission on agenda items that have already been reviewed in a public hearing at which members of the public were allowed to testify and the public hearing has been closed, must do so at this time. Each member of the public may address the Commission for up to three minutes.
None
F. CONSIDERATION OF FINDINGS AND FINAL ACTION – PUBLIC HEARING CLOSED
12. 2007.1095C (S. YOUNG: (415) 558-6346)
2040 FILLMORE STREET- east side between California and Pine Streets; Lot 022 in Assessor's Block 0653 - Request for Conditional Use Authorization under Sections 703.4, 303(c), and 303(i) of the Planning Code to establish a Formula Retail Use in the Upper Fillmore Street Neighborhood Commercial Zoning District and a 40-X Height and Bulk District. The proposal is to convert a vacant retail sales establishment(previously occupied by Smith & Hawken ) to another retail sales establishment (dba Ralph Lauren , an apparel, and accessories store). The proposed retail store is considered a Formula Retail Use under Section 703.3 of the Planning Code. The proposal will involve tenant improvements to the existing commercial space with new partitions and merchandise display areas and exterior modifications to the storefront with new windows and doors. There will be no expansion of the existing building envelope.
Preliminary Recommendation: Approval with Conditions
(Continued from Regular Meeting of February 14, 2008)
NOTE: On February 14, 2008, following public testimony, the Commission closed public hearing and passed a motion of intent to disapprove by a vote of +6 -1. Commissioner Antonini voted no. Final Language March 6, 2008.
SPEAKER(S)
Cathy Post, General Manager
- We would appreciate another opportunity to talk to the people who live or work near our proposed new home. We have developed an outreach plan.
Daniel Letkie
- Supported the continuance to give an opportunity to the neighborhood to come and comment on the project.
ACTION: Without hearing, continued to April 3, 2008
AYES: Olague, Antonini, S. Lee, and W. Lee
NAYES: Moore and Sugaya
G. REGULAR CALENDAR
13. 2008.0101D (Tape IB) (A. BEN-PAZI: (415) 575-9077)
1284 MISSION STREET- north-west side between 8th and 9th Streets, Lot 022 is Assessors Block 3701 - Mandatory Discretionary Review pursuant to Section 217(k) of the Planning Code, for a medical cannabis dispensary (MCD) of approximately 1,621 square feet (dba Re-Leaf Herbal Center .) The MCD will not offer on-site smoking. The site is occupied by a 4-story mixed-use building with retail at the ground floor and a residential hotel on the upper floors. The MCD will occupy the presently vacant north-easternmost storefront. No physical expansion of the existing building or commercial space is proposed. The site is within the C-3-G (Downtown General Commercial) Zoning District and a 120-X Height and Bulk District.
Preliminary Recommendation: Do not take DR and approve the project as proposed
SPEAKER(S)
Alex Fanco, Project Sponsor
- This would be a new dispensary and there would be no on-site consumption, cultivation and no exterior changes other than the signage.
- It is accessible by Muni, BART and major highways.
- Having several dispensaries in a commercial zone prevents issues that neighbors do not like such long lines, heavy foot traffic, and other potential user activities.
- This is a Spanish bilingual service provider and the only other dispensary offering Spanish speaking staff is at 1545 Ocean Avenue, nearly 7 miles away.
- The compassion program offers medication to 20 percent of patients at the current location, and significant discounts to veterans, elderly and disabled patients.
- Submitted a petition of 327 signatures and 83 letters supporting this project.
(-)Raymond G. Lavoy
- Concerned that the dispensary is going to aggravate current problems with gang members and no police protection.
(-)Eunice W. Schmith
- The bottom line for our country is prevention rather to continue the assertive. The free medicine attracts organized crime.
Gail Hanley, Operator
- Shared how experience of wife and father in-law finding pain relief on these medications encouraged him to start this business.
Heidi Hanley, Community Liaison
- We have done a tremendously work to reach out to the community and have begun a working relationship with neighbors expressing opposition or concerns about the dispensary.
- This location would offer us the space to be able to provide services such as educational clinic; support groups for disabled, veterans, seniors and critical ill patients; and other community building events.
Oscar, Director of Security
- I take care of parking or any nuisance activities that go on around the dispensary. I try to keep on top of it.
- I also look at the security of our neighbors even for incidents that are not related to the club.
(+)Alan Fong
- I'm in support because they are one of the better dispensaries in the City. They are reliable, friendly, helpful, and the environment is safe.
(+)Jonathan Garcia
- Shared his experience of illness. I'm asking for your support, allowing them to continue helping people.
(+)Robert
- Spoke in support of moving the project to this new location because it would be an improvement to the neighborhood.
ACTION: Did not take Discretionary Review and approved
AYES: Olague, Antonini, S. Lee, W. Lee, Moore and Sugaya
14. 2007.1167D (Tapes IB; IIA) (A. PUTRA: (415) 575-9079)
1843 16TH AVENUE- west side between Noriega Street and Ortega Street; Lot 008 in Assessor's Block 2053 - Request for Discretionary Review of Building Permit Application No. 2007.07.09.6230, proposing construction of a single-story addition with roof deck at the rear of an existing dwelling in a RH-1(D) (Residential, House, One-Family, Detached) District and a 40-X Height and Bulk District.
Preliminary Recommendation: Do not take Discretionary Review and approve the project as proposed.
(Continued from Regular Meeting of February 28, 2008)
SPEAKER(S)
Huang Hong, Discretionary Review Requestor
- Sunlight is very important to us. The shadow study shows that the shadow would be partial but is still going to shadow us.
- We are just asking that one of our windows not be obstructed and they set back 4 feet to let sunshine come in.
- Showed pictures of the house and submitted letters of support.
(-)Chen Mei Chu
- Requested setback to allow sunshine to come through south side window because of emotional darkness experience.
(-)Frances Chen
- Requested to allow setback to one window and prevent darkness in the house.
(-)Eddie Hong
- We bought our house because it was bright, which is important because of the emotional experience that my wife had.
- Asked to consider the setback of one window and not be in shadows.
William Lim, Project Sponsor
- We began this process by contacting the neighborhood to listen to their concerns and do something that fits within the character of the neighborhood.
- We designed an open deck without railing to prevent shadows and the study shows less than 30 percent shadow. The impact is to the minimum.
- We are taking into account what is needed and not impact significantly the neighbors.
Lillian Chou, Owner
- In May, 2007 we approached the neighbors regarding our potential garage addition without any objections or concerns and we have a total of 9 letters of support from our neighbors.
- We need the garage to fit two cars and be able to walk within it for our family safety. We were burglarized twice already.
- The conclusion of the sun study shows that the impact would be to minimum.
(+)Bill Wang
- Spoke in support of the project because they need the extension to keep their family safe.
(+)John Curlie
- Spoke in support because it is a good project that provides safety for the family and the remodeling is inside.
(+)Barbara Johnson
- The owners are updating their house and repairing it. What it is being done to the garage in no way impacts the emotional status of the family next door.
(+)Linda Cala
- I support the project because it fits the character of the neighborhood and also is going to provide safety for the family.
ACTION: Did not take Discretionary Review and approved
AYES: Olague, Antonini, S. Lee, W. Lee, Moore and Sugaya
15. 2007.1432D (Tape IIA) (C. LAMORENA: (415) 575-9085)
51 SEAL ROCK DRIVE- south side between Alta Mar Way and 45th Avenue; Lot 027 in Assessor's Block 1482 - Request for Discretionary Review of Building Permit Application No. 2007.08.03.8753, proposing to replace two rear decks and stairs at the rear of the existing two-story, single-family dwelling in an RH-1 (Residential House, One-Family) Zoning District and a 40-X Height and Bulk District.
Preliminary Recommendation: Do not take Discretionary Review and approve the project.
SPEAKER(S)
Raymond Ng, Discretionary Review Requestor
- I do not think that the balcony is necessary because all they want is to have a better view.
- It would be only 3 feet away and it would take only one step for someone to get onto my balcony. This is about security and privacy issues.
Susan Hughes, Project Sponsor
- Burglars can also get into our house but I hope that we never have to go through that.
- Showed photographs of the house with current conditions.
- The deck would really enhance our living situation with no impacts to our neighbors.
ACTION: Did not take Discretionary Review and approved requiring alignment of decks and no glare from light.
AYES: Olague, Antonini, S. Lee, W. Lee, Moore and Sugaya
16. 2008.0109D (Tape IIA) (R. CRAWFORD: (415) 558-6358)
670 Paris Street- North side between Italy and France Avenues. Assessor's Block 6345 Lot 018 - Request for Discretionary Review of Building Permit Application No.2007 1130 9309 to construct a two-story addition to the rear of the existing two-story dwelling in an RH-1 (Residential, House, One Family) District, and a 40-X Height and Bulk district.
Preliminary Recommendation: Do Not Take Discretionary Review and Approve the Project.
SPEAKER(S)
Geoffrey Myers, Discretionary Review Requestor
- I am asking that the setback be similar and in keeping with the neighborhood.
- One of my main points is that they are basing their project's setback on the shed in my back yard, which is unoccupied and not part of the house.
- This photograph from project sponsor shows that the addition is going to go out further than any of the houses on the block.
- I just want this project to be in scale with the neighborhood and set it back 10 or 12 feet.
Dale Sessions, Project Sponsor
- What we are proposing is still in keeping with the neighborhood.
- [Showed a computer generated perspective of the project]
- We had stepped it with an open deck to still get sunlight into our neighbor's yard and the window would not be fully blocked.
(+)Decresia Flores
- The space is very tight and needs a lot of major repairs.
- Previously submitted letters of support from the neighbors.
ACTION: Did not take Discretionary Review and approved
AYES: Olague, Antonini, S. Lee, W. Lee, Moore and Sugaya
17. 2005.1044D (R. CRAWFORD: (415) 558-6358)
2A Quintara Street- East end between 9th and 10th Avenues. Assessor's Block 2129, Lot 002B - Request for Discretionary Review of Building Permit Application No.2005 0407 9360, construct a new two-story dwelling on a vacant lot in an RH-1 (Residential, House, One-Family) District and a 40-X Height and Bulk district.
Preliminary Recommendation: Do Not Take Discretionary Review and Approve the Project.
DISCRETIONARY REVIEW WITHDRAWN
18. 2007.1385D (C. TEAGUE: (415) 575-9081)
1721 20TH STREET- south side between Wisconsin Street and Arkansas Street; Lot 001B in Assessor's Block 4098 - Request for Discretionary Review of Building Permit Application number 2007.06.01.2741, proposing to add a 4th floor addition in a RH-2 (Residential, House, Two-Family ) Zoning District and a 40-X Height and Bulk District.
Preliminary Recommendation: Do not take Discretionary Review and approve the project.
DISCRETIONARY REVIEW WITHDRAWN
19. 2007.0973DDD (Tape IIA; IIB) (A. Hollister: (415) 575-9078)
1420 MontgomeryStreet- east side between Greenwich and Filbert Streets, Lot 037 in Assessor's Block 0085 - Request for Discretionary Review of Building Permit Application No. 2007.03.29.7588, proposing to add rooftop features to the existing subject building. A new roof deck consisting of wood decking and stone paving would be installed. The roof deck would include 42-inch-high glass railings, two 48-inch-high windscreens, an outdoor kitchen counter, a gas fire table, and four rectangular metal planters. Other rooftop features would include three skylights on 36-inch-high curbs, two 12-inch-high skylights, mechanical equipment, and a 28-panel photovoltaic array (solar panels). The existing stair and elevator penthouses would remain and would not be expanded. The subject property is in an RH-3 (Residential, House, Three-Family) District and a 40-X Height and Bulk District.
Preliminary Recommendation: Take Discretionary Review and approve plans with modifications
SPEAKER(S)
Pat Chang, Representing Paul Weaver – Requestor
- Paul Weaver is recovering from a serious spinal operation and has recorded his statement. I have it here to read today regarding his request for continuance.
- [Read letter requesting continuance]
Jeremy Paul, Project Sponsor Representative
- This project has been pushed on and off.
- The requestor left a detailed message to be contacted at his office. Therefore, there should not be an objection to be here if he is capable to go to his office.
Sue
- Spoke in support of the continuance.
Stewart
- I called Paul Weaver's office and he is in the hospital.
Jewell
- I support the continuance because the requestor and project are not here.
Nancy Shanahan
- Mr. Weaver's condition is such that he is not able to sit for a long time and this request is very important for him.
ACTION: Without hearing, continued to March 27, 2008
AYES: Olague, Antonini, S. Lee, W. Lee, Moore and Sugaya
H. 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))
SPEAKER(S)
None
Adjournment: 5:33 P.M.
THESE MINUTES WERE PROPOSED FOR ADOPTION AT THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION ON THURSDAY, April 17, 2008.
SPEAKER(S): None
ACTION: Approved
AYES: Olague, Antonini, S. Lee, W. Lee and Sugaya
ABSENT: Moore
NOTE: Per Section 67.18 of the Administrative Code for the City and County of San Francisco, Commission minutes contain a description of the item before the Commission for discussion/consideration; a list of the public speakers with names if given, and a summary of their comments including an indication of whether they are in favor of or against the matter; and any action the Commission takes. The minutes are not the official record of a Commission hearing. The audiotape is the official record. Copies of the audiotape may be obtained by calling the Commission office at (415) 558-6415. For those with access to a computer and/or the Internet, Commission hearings are available at www.sfgov.org. Under the heading Explore, the category Government, and the City Resources section, click on SFGTV, then Video on Demand. You may select the hearing date you want and the item of your choice for a replay of the hearing.
