SAN FRANCISCO
PLANNING COMMISSION
Meeting Minutes
Commission Chambers - Room 400
City Hall, 1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place
Thursday, April 8, 2010
1:30 PM
Regular Meeting
COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Miguel, Olague, Antonini, Borden, Lee, Moore, and Sugaya
THE MEETING WAS CALLED TO ORDER BY PRESIDENT MIGUEL AT 1:44 P.M.
STAFF IN ATTENDANCE: John Rahaim – Director of Planning, Larry Badiner – Zoning Administrator, Glenn Cabreros, David Alumbaugh, Cecilia Jaroslawsky, Shelley Caltagirone, AnMarie Rodgers, Erika Lovejoy, and Linda Avery – Commission Secretary.
A. 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. 2010.0126D (G. Cabreros: (415) 558-6169)
60 NORMANDIE TERRACE- east side between Vallejo Street and Broadway; Lot 001H in Assessor's Block 0960 - Request for Discretionary Review of Building Permit Application No. 2007.04.05.8176 proposing to reclad all exterior facades, construct a side horizontal addition at the south elevation and make interior alterations including excavation for additional basement space at the existing four-story-over-basement, single-family residence 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
(Proposed for Continuance to May 13, 2010)
SPEAKERS: Dan Fratten – representing the project sponsor speaking on the request for continuance
ACTION: Continued to June 10, 2010
AYES: Antonini, Borden, Lee, Moore, Sugaya, Olague and Miguel
2. 2007.1457E (J. BATTIS: (415) 575-9022)
1050 Valencia Street - west side between 21st and 22nd Streets at the southwest corner of Valencia Street and Hill Street; Lot 008 of Assessor’s Block 3617 – Appeal of Preliminary Mitigated Negative Declaration for the construction of a mixed-use development with restaurant and residential uses. The proposed project would also include the demolition of an existing 1,670-square foot (sq ft), one-story restaurant building constructed in 1970. The new proposed five-story building would have 16 dwelling units over a 3,500-sq ft ground-floor and basement level full-service restaurant. The existing building has one off-street parking/loading space, which would not change. The 3,315-sq ft project site is within the Valencia Street Neighborhood Commercial Transit (NCT) zoning district and a 55-X height and bulk district in the Mission District neighborhood.
Preliminary Recommendation: Uphold Preliminary Negative Declaration
(Proposed for Continuance to May 27, 2010)
SPEAKERS: None
ACTION: Continued as proposed
AYES: Antonini, Borden, Lee, Moore, Sugaya, Olague and Miguel
3. 2009.0378C (E. Oropeza: (415) 558-6381)
224 Townsend Street - between Ritch and Clyde Streets; Lot 013 in Assessor’s Block 3787 - Request for Conditional Use Authorization to establish a “Public Automobile Parking Garage” use per Planning Code Sections 817.30 and 890.12 all within the Service Light Industrial Use District, and a 65-X Height and Bulk District.
Preliminary Recommendation: Pending
(Continued from Regular Meeting of January 21, 2010)
(Proposed for Indefinite Continuance)
SPEAKERS: None
ACTION: Continued as proposed
AYES: Antonini, Borden, Lee, Moore, Sugaya, Olague and Miguel
B. 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
4. 2010.0065C (G. Cabreros: (415) 558-6169)
1800 VAN NESS AVENUE (including 1754 CLAY STREET) - northeast corner of Van Ness Avenue and Clay Street; Assessor's Block 0619, Lots 009 & 010 - Request for extension of Conditional Use Authorization as approved on January 25, 2007 under Case No. 2004.0339C for a Planned Unit Development pursuant to Planning Code Sections 253.2, 303, 304 and 306. The proposal is to demolish an existing two-story commercial building (formerly occupied by Kinko's) and to construct an 8-story, 62-unit mixed-use building with up to 82 parking spaces and approximately 5,100 square feet of ground-floor commercial space, located in an RC-4 (Residential-Commercial Combined, High Density) District, the Van Ness Special Use District and an 80-D Height and Bulk District. Note: 1754 Clay Street, Lot 10, is a through lot which also fronts on Washington Street.
Preliminary Recommendation: Approval with Conditions
SPEAKERS: In support: Tui Catalano – representing the project sponsor, and Linda; In opposition: Paul Scoveck and Chase Fenton
ACTION: Approved as modified per staff’s eight recommendations and encourage the Project Sponsor to explore options for short-term leasing and/or using window space for possible art displays and work with non-profits prior to start of construction
AYES: Antonini, Borden, Moore, Sugaya, Olague and Miguel
NAYES: Lee
MOTION: 18070
C. COMMISSIONERS’ QUESTIONS AND MATTERS
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.
Commissioner Antonini:
Thanked Mr. Peter Albert and others from the City Family and a representative from a Sports Field firm for their participation in the site visits to possible sports sites. He is happy to report that it is possible to do fields that could be duel use for parking and athletic activities. The representative is interested in possibly doing a trial field. It could be natural grass, or artificial, or a combination of both. This might be something that has application there for a future 49er stadium and other uses throughout the city.
At the same time I was in touch with Nannie Turrell, who was involved in the India Basin development. That is a separate environmental report from the Candlestick Point/Hunters Point area and it is moving forward too. I was not able to attend the meeting last night, but I did speak to a number of the neighborhood leaders who are very supportive of the concept of having a bridge that might connect the area from Cargo Street across to what is called the Alcosta site to possibly avoiding a lot of traffic impact on Innes area which is somewhat constricted.
Finally, in regards to 555 Washington, in talking to the project sponsor, it is my understanding that there is no problem over the funds that are in question. There had been a payment made at the preliminary study – there never was one. It’s a question of whether to apply this to the EIR or not. I was assured by the project sponsor that there is no interest at all in walking away from this and they would certainly pay it if it is decided. I am also in receipt of a letter asking that the appeal be continued. Perhaps things could be worked out on some of these issues.
Commissioner Olague:
A while ago I asked for a hearing and most commissioners agreed on what the city is planning for Market Street and the area around Market Street. I work in that area so I walk there daily and it just seems to be an area in transformation and I’d like to have some more information as to what’s going on. I hear that mid-Market might be revised. I don’t know if Redevelopment is still involved. There is Yerba Buena. There is a project we’re looking at between 5th and 6th on Market. So I would like to schedule that hearing if we can sooner than later.
Director Rahaim:
We’ll schedule something on that probably in about a month – early to mid May. The difficulty is that there is not much going on.
Commissioner Olague:
Even if there is not much going on, maybe we can just have a discussion and maybe some creative ideas on the transformation of that area; and what is going on in that area; I’m curious what’s going on with Yerba Buena even.
Commissioner Lee:
I’d like to publicly acknowledge Director Rahaim. Last Friday I met with the top aide to Commissioner in Bangalore, which is our sister city. He indicated to us that he was impressed with your presentation on what San Francisco is doing. Bangalore just expanded and they have major infrastructure planning, land use, environmental, energy use [concerns]. And I thought it was important that someone that had never met you before the conference in Honolulu, but heard your presentation there and had a side conversation with you and then on Friday I met with them with other members of the sister city from Bangalore and they were very impressed with what you had to say. He hopes you can visit Bangalore and give the same presentation you gave in Honolulu to them.
Commissioner Miguel:
During the past week I met with people interested in projects on Ord Street, Lombard Street, Taraval Street and some others as well as attending a noon forum at SPUR today on what could be done with large empty spaces in San Francisco.
D. DIRECTOR’S REPORT
6. Director’s Announcements
Director Rahaim:
I had the good fortune of attending a seminar at the East West Center in Honolulu last week. As you know the East West Center is a center devoted to promoting cooperations between Asian countries and the U.S. There were some very interesting participants from Bangalore and various other countries. There were four American planning directors besides myself, and a variety of experts, including academics, the World Bank, Community Development organizations, and the Urban Land Institute. There was a very interesting discussion about the affects of globalization on cities in the world. If I had to say if there was one theme that ran across the three-day session, it was the issue of regionalism and how all of the cities in these areas are struggling with that same problem as we are – of central cities being part of a larger region and the difficulty of governing and moving forward with their agendas. It was a very rewarding three days – not relaxing, but rewarding.
The fifth workshop of the Mission Public Realm plan is next Wednesday, April 14 at 6 p.m., at the Women’s Building. This is the fifth in a series. On April 19th at 6 p.m. at the Department is the Eastern Neighborhoods monthly meeting of the CAC. Those are both on the calendar of our home page of the Department’s web page with links to those particular items.
Finally, I will be attending the American Planning Association conference starting Saturday in New Orleans. I will be participating in an all day session on Saturday, training new planning directors – I guess I’m an old planning director; and I’ll participate in a couple of other sessions as well. I will return to the office on Wednesday.
Commissioner Sugaya requested that minutes from CAC meetings be forwarded to commissioners.
7. Review of Past Week’s Events at the Board of Supervisors, Board of Appeals, and Historic Preservation Commission.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
Land Use Committee:
Comprehensive Street Frontage Controls and the Landscaping Ordinance were held over for a re-hearing because they were amended last week. There were no changes this week and they were forwarded to the full Board.
Eastern Neighborhoods – The Committee heard the same presentation you heard last week. No action was taken.
Fee Reform and Fee Deferral – The set of three ordinances are sponsored by the Mayor’s Office. All 12 of your recommendations have been incorporated into the legislation. There have been no further changes as of yet. Supervisor Maxwell stated that she wanted to see two things before she could give her support: 1) assurance that there are no delays to the provision of infrastructure due to any fee deferral; and 2) she wants the establishment of a seed fund that would help enable the infrastructure planning during the deferral period. The hearing concluded without action and Chair Maxwell indicated that she would bring the items back on April 19 or later.
Full Board of Supervisors:
Supervisor Chiu’s Parking Requirements for Garage Instillations – This was the final adoption action this week. It has completed the Board action. It retains the off-street parking minimum/maximum SUD, the curb-cut bans and restrictions in Chinatown alleys and other streets.
Integration of the Results of the Market & Octavia Historic Resource Survey Zoning Map Amendment – the ordinance would make height changes along Market Street between Noe and Church. The Board made one change from when your heard this. They lowered the height on one parcel near the Noe/Market Street intersection to 55 feet. With that, the amended ordinance was passed on a first read
The Green Landscaping Ordinance – You heard this on February 18 and made three modifications. Two of those modifications were incorporated along with one recommendation from the Urban Forestry Council who recommended that trees that are required in parking lots be a species that could be expected to shade 50% of the parking lot in 15 years. With those amendments, the Board approved it at first reading.
Introductions:
Supervisor Dufty introduced an ordinance that would amend the Planning Code to allow new full-service in small self-service restaurants in the Castro area with a CU. It would also permit self-service specialty food establishments as-of-right, and prohibit all fast-food establishments
BOARD OF APPEALS:
There was no hearing this week.
Historic Preservation Commission:
Two hearings ago the HPC had before them the Mission Dolores Neighborhood Association Survey. The Commission went against the staff recommendation and adopted the survey that was proposed by the consultants for the Neighborhood Association with some modifications. The motion was so different from what staff had proposed that staff put it back on their calendar yesterday so the Commission could review the [new] draft motion. I mention this only because of the danger of doing so because [with the new draft motion before them] there was the temptation to change the motion after the fact. They could only amend the motion if the motion before them did not include everything they had put in it. Some of the members of the public also wanted amendments/changes [that had not been included in the original motion]. It is very important that the Commission [and the public] be aware that the Commission could only amend the draft motion to include the actions they took at the original hearing.
Soccer Fields at Golden Gate Park – Staff from the Recreation and Park Department gave an informational presentation and there was no Commission action. The Commission directed that the matter come back at the next meeting for their possible action.
E. 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.
SPEAKERS:
Sue Hestor
Re: The DR process and Public 311 Notices
F. REGULAR CALENDAR
8a. 2007.0903UD (D. ALUMBAUGH (415) 558-6601)
TREASURE ISLAND/YERBA BUENA ISLAND REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT - Presentation by the Treasure Island Development Authority and Treasure Island Community Development on the Draft Treasure Island + Yerba Buena Island Design for Development.
Preliminary Recommendation: Informational presentation only
SPEAKERS: Michael Timeoff, Keith Orlesky, Leo chow, Karen Knowles-Pearce
ACTION: This was an informational presentation and Commission action was not taken
8b. 2007.0903U (D. ALUMBAUGH (415) 558-6601)
TREASURE ISLAND/YERBA BUENA ISLAND REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT AREA BOUNDARY - Request from the Treasure Island Development Authority to the Planning Commission to adopt findings related to the deletion of the lands on Yerba Buena Island owned by the United States Coast Guard from the boundaries of the proposed Treasure Island/Yerba Buena Island Redevelopment Project Area.
Preliminary Recommendation: Approval
SPEAKERS: Same as those listed for item 8a
ACTION: Approved
AYES: Antonini, Borden, Lee, Moore, Sugaya, Olague and Miguel
MOTION: 18071
9. 2008.0494C (C. JAROSLAWSKY: (415) 558-6348)
2115-2117 TARAVAL STREET - south side between 31st and 32nd Avenues; Lot 046 in Assessor’s Block 2394 - Request for Conditional Use Authorization under Planning Code Sections 161 (j) and 317, 711.39, and 790.86 to demolish a mixed-use building, including two dwelling units and construct a new, four-story, mixed-use structure with two commercial spaces and two dwelling units, without on-site parking, within the NC-2 (Neighborhood Commercial – Small Scale), Taraval Street Restaurant and Fast-Food Sub-District and a 50-X Height and Bulk District.
Preliminary Recommendation: Approval with Conditions
(Continued from Regular Meeting of March 25, 2010)
SPEAKERS: Kim Long – representing the project sponsor; and Alex Straus spoke in opposition
ACTION: Following public testimony and some commission deliberation, the item was continued to 6/10/2010 for continued design work. The public hearing will remain open
AYES: Antonini, Borden, Lee, Moore, Sugaya, Olague and Miguel
10a. 2009.0412CV (G. Cabreros: (415) 558-6169)
1338 Filbert Street - north side between Larkin and Polk Streets; Lots 031, 032, 033 and 034 in Assessor's Block 0524 - Request for Conditional Use Authorization pursuant to Sections 157, 204.5, 303 and 317 of the Planning Code proposing to merge ten dwelling units to four dwelling units and to allow two accessory parking spaces above the amount allowed as-of-right by the Planning Code for a total of eight parking spaces within an RH-2 (Residential, House, Two- Family) District and a 40-X Height and Bulk District,
Preliminary Recommendation: Approval with Conditions
(Continued from Regular Meeting of March 11, 2010)
SPEAKERS: In opposition: Teri Sklar and Steve Atkinson; In support: Penelope Clark – Russian Hill Neighbors
ACTION: Approved
AYES: Antonini, Borden, Lee, and Miguel
NAYES: Moore and Olague
ABSENT: Sugaya
MOTION: 18072
10b. 2009.0412CV (G. Cabreros: (415) 558-6169)
1338 FILBERT STREET - north side of the street between Larkin and Polk Streets; Lots 031, 032, 033 and 034 in Assessor's Block 0524 - Request for Rear Yard, Open Space and Noncomplying Structure Variances to alter the four existing structures and to construct a three-story horizontal addition to the four structures along the east side property line and to construct an underground parking garage in an RH-2 (Residential, House, Two-Family) Zoning District and a 40-X Height and Bulk District. The four existing structures are also known as the Filbert Street Cottages, City Landmark No. 232.
(Continued from Regular Meeting of March 11, 2010)
SPEAKERS: Same as those listed for item 10a
ACTION: The Zoning Administrator closed the public hearing and granted the variances subject to the standard conditions of approval and a condition that allows construction from 8 to 5, Monday – Friday, with quiet work on weekends; and that the project sponsor would provide a contact person to the Zoning Administrator and the neighborhood
11a. 2009.0443DD (S. Caltagirone: (415) 558-6625)
1269 Lombard Street - south side of between Polk and Larkin Streets; Lot 023 in Assessor's Block 0501 - Mandatory Discretionary Review per Section 317 of the Planning Code of Demolition Permit Application No. 2009.06.09.0027 proposing to demolish the existing single-family, two-story building located at the rear of the lot on a property located within an RH-2 (Residential House, Two-Family) District and a 40-X Height/Bulk District. A separate request for Discretionary Review has also been filed by a member of the public against the demolition application.
Preliminary Recommendation: Do not take Discretionary Review and approve
SPEAKERS: In support of DR: Joe Butler – representing the DR requestor, Frank Merrell, Fred Lemmel; In support of the project: Brett Gladstone – representing the project sponsor, Charles Blosties – project architect, Tom Burwell, Rodrigo Santos, Tim Kasta, Carolyn Rodgers, Frederic Knapp, Rod Handeland, P. J. Handeland
ACTION: The Commission took DR and denied the demolition
AYES: Borden, Moore, Sugaya, Olague and Miguel
NAYES: Antonini
ABSENT: Lee
DRA: 0146
11b. 2010.0165DD (S. Caltagirone: (415) 558-6625)
1269 Lombard Street - south side of between Polk and Larkin Streets; Lot 023 in Assessor's Block 0501 - Mandatory Discretionary Review per Section 317 of the Planning Code of Building Permit Application No. 2009.06.09.0028, proposing to construct two new single-family buildings, located at the front and rear of the lot on a property located within an RH-2 (Residential House, Two-Family) District and a 40-X Height/Bulk District. A separate request for Discretionary Review has also been filed by a member of the public against the new construction project.
Preliminary Recommendation: Do not take Discretionary Review and approve
SPEAKERS: Same as those listed for item 11a
ACTION: Without hearing, continued to 5/27/2010
AYES: Antonini, Borden, Sugaya, and Miguel
NAYES: Moore and Olague
ABSENT: Lee
11c. 2009.0443V (S. Caltagirone: (415) 558-6625)
1269 Lombard Street - south side of between Polk and Larkin Streets; Lot 023 in Assessor's Block 0501 - Request for Front Yard and Rear Yard Variances per Sections 132 and 134 of the Planning Code for Building Permit Application Nos. 2009.06.09.0027 and 2009.06.09.0028, proposing to demolish the existing single-family, two-story building and construct two new single-family buildings, located at the front and rear of the lot on a property located within an RH-2 (Residential House, Two-Family) District and a 40-X Height/Bulk District.
SPEAKERS: Same as those listed for item 11a
ACTION: Without hearing, the Zoning Administrator continued this item to 5/27/2010
12. (A. RODGERS: (415) 558-6395)
Car-share requirements and guidelines - The Commission will consider a draft Zoning Administrator Bulletin and a proposed Commission policy statement on car-share. The Commission will also hear a summary of existing car-share controls. The draft Zoning Administrator Bulletin would establish protocols for the Department’s administration of car-sharing requirements, distinguish between different types of car-share spaces, and provide guidelines for the physical configuration of car-share spaces. The Commission will also consider establishing new policies on car-share and development through the proposed Planning Commission Policy Resolution. The draft Commission resolution, if adopted, would establish city policy concerning new developments and car-share, specifically it would establish guidelines for the displacement of car-share spaces by new development, offer guidance to the public on situations where the Commission may establish requirements that are beyond those identified in Section 166 and announce the Commission’s interest in exploring a citywide system for on-street car-share parking network. For more information, please visit: http://www.sf-planning.org/index.aspx?page=2347
Recommendation: Approval
SPEAKERS: Sue Hestor, Rick Hutchinson, Carla Leskincy
ACTION: Following public testimony and some Commission deliberation, the Commission continued this item to 6/10/2010
AYES: Borden, Moore, Sugaya, Olague and Miguel
ABSENT: Antonini and Lee
13. 2006.0536E (E. LOVEJOY: (415) 575-9026)
LOWER CRYSTAL SPRINGS DAM IMPROVEMENT PROJECT - Informational Presentation and Public Hearing on the Draft Environmental Impact Report.The San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC) proposes to implement the Lower Crystal Springs Dam Improvements (LCSDI) project to lift the operating restrictions on Crystal Springs Reservoir imposed by the California Department of Water Resources, Division of Safety of Dams (DSOD), and to restore the reservoir’s historical storage capacity. Proposed improvements to the dam and spillway would enable floodwater associated with the Probable Maximum Flood and other very large and infrequent floods to pass safely over the Lower Crystal Springs Dam. In addition, following completion of the proposed improvements, the SFPUC proposes to modify operations of Crystal Springs Reservoir such that the maximum normal water surface elevation would be restored to historic levels. All project components are located in an unincorporated area of San Mateo County on lands owned by the City and County of San Francisco. Written comments will be accepted at the Planning Department’s offices until the close of business on April 16, 2010.
Preliminary Recommendation: No Action Required
SPEAKERS: None
ACTION: This was an informational presentation and public hearing of the Draft EIR. No Commission action was taken.
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: None
Adjournment: 8:57 p.m.
Adopted: May 13, 2010
