April 10, 2008

SAN FRANCISCO
PLANNING COMMISSION
Notice of Meeting
&
Calendar
Commission Chambers - Room 400
City Hall, 1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place
Thursday, April 10, 2008
1:30 PM
Regular Meeting

President: Christina R. Olague
Commissioners: Michael J. Antonini; M. Sue Lee; William L. Lee; Kathrin Moore;
Hisashi Sugaya

Commission Secretary: Linda D. Avery
Commission Calendars are available on the Internet at http://www.sfgov.org/planning
or as a recorded message at (415) 558-6422.

View the meeting online at: http://www.sfgov.org/site/sfgtv_index.asp
Or
View the broadcast live, Thursdays on Cable Channel 78.
And
The re-broadcast on Fridays at 8:00 p.m., Cable Channel 26

THE AGENDA PACKET IS AVAILABLE FOR REVIEW AT THE PLANNING DEPARTMENT
1650 MISSION STREET, 4TH FLOOR RECEPTION

Commission Meeting Procedures

Material submitted by the public for Commission review prior to a scheduled hearing should be received by the Planning Department reception counter at 1650 Mission Street, 4th floor, no later than 5:00 PM the Wednesday (eight days) prior to the scheduled public hearing. Persons unable to attend a hearing may submit written comments regarding a calendared item to: Planning Commission, 1650 Mission Street, Suite 400, San Francisco, CA 94103-2414. Comments received by 11:00 AM on the day of the hearing will be made part of the official record and will be brought to the attention of the Planning Commission at the public hearing. Otherwise, submit material related to a calendared item at the scheduled hearing for distribution. For complete distribution to all Commissioners, necessary staff and case/docket/correspondence files, submit an original plus 10 copies. When sending e-mail correspondence to Commissioners, please copy the Commission Secretary at: linda.avery@sfgov.org

Pursuant to Government Code Section 65009, if you challenge, in court, (1) the adoption or amendment of a general plan, (2) the adoption or amendment of a zoning ordinance, (3) the adoption or amendment of any regulation attached to a specific plan, (4) the adoption, amendment or modification of a development agreement, or (5) the approval of a variance, conditional-use authorization, or any permit, you may be limited to raising only those issues you or someone else raised at the public hearing described in this notice, or in written correspondence delivered to the Planning Commission, at, or prior to, the public hearing.

Commission action on conditional-uses and reclassification may be appealed to the Board of Supervisors within 30 days. Call (415) 554-5184 for more information. Commission actions after Discretionary Review may be appealed to the Board of Appeals within 15 days of action by the Central Permit Bureau. Call (415) 575-6880 for more information. Zoning Administrator action on a variance application may be appealed to the Board of Appeals within 10 days of issuance of the written decision.

The Commission has instituted a policy that, in most cases, they will not call an item for consideration after 10:00 PM. If an item is scheduled but not called or introduced prior to 10:00 PM, the Commission may continue the matter to the next available hearing. Items listed on this calendar will not be heard before the stated time.

Cell Phone and/or Sound-Producing Electronic Devices Usage at Hearings

Effective January 21, 2001, the Board of Supervisors amended the Sunshine Ordinance by adding the following provision: The ringing of and use of cell phones, pagers and similar sound-producing electronic devices are prohibited at this meeting. Please be advised that the Chair may order the removal from the meeting room of any person(s) responsible for the ringing or use of a cell phone, pager, or other similar sound-producing electronic devices (67A.1 Prohibiting the use of cell phones, pagers and similar sound-producing electronic devices at and during public meetings).

For more information related to Planning Commission matters, please call Linda D. Avery, Commission Secretary, at (415) 558-6407.

San Francisco Lobbyist Ordinance

Attention: Individuals and entities that influence or attempt to influence local legislative or administrative action my be required by the San Francisco Lobbyist Ordinance [SF Campaign and Governmental Conduct Code Section 21.00-2.160] to register and report lobbying activity. For more information about the Lobbyist Ordinance, please contact the Ethics Commission at 30 Van Ness Avenue, Suite 3900, San Francisco, CA 94102; telephone (415) 581-2300; fax (415) 581-2317; and web site http//www.sfgov.org/ethics.

Accessible Meeting Policy

Hearings are held at City Hall, 1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place, Room 400, fourth floor, San Francisco, CA. The closest accessible BART station is the Civic Center station located at the intersection of Market, Hyde and Grove Streets. Accessible curbside parking has been designated at points along McAllister Street. Accessible MUNI lines serving City Hall are the 9 San Bruno and 71 Haight/Noriega and the F Line. Accessible MUNI Metro lines are the J, K, L, M, and N. For more information regarding MUNI accessible services, call (415) 923-6142. Requests for American sign language interpreters, sound enhancement systems and/or language translators will be available upon request by contacting Lulu Hwang at (415) 558-6318 at least 48 hours prior to a hearing. A sound enhancement system will be available upon request at the meetings. Please contact Services for the Deaf and Hearing Impaired at 557-5533 (TDD) or 557-5534 (Voice) at least 48 hours prior to the meeting. Late requests will be honored if possible. A person who is deaf or hearing impaired may gain meeting information prior to the meeting by calling 557-4433 (TDD) or 557-4434 (Voice). In addition, the California Relay Service can be used by individuals with hearing and speech impairments by calling 1-800-735-2929 (TDD) or 1-800-735-2922 (Voice). Minutes of the meetings are available in alternative formats. If you require the use of a reader during the meeting, please contact the Library for the Blind and Print Handicapped at 292-2022 at least 48 hours in advance of need. Accessible seating for persons with disabilities (including those using wheelchairs) will be available at meetings. Individuals with severe allergies, environmental illnesses, multiple chemical sensitivity or related disabilities should call our accessibility hotline at (415) 554-8925 to discuss meeting accessibility. In order to assist the City's efforts to accommodate such people, attendees at public meetings are reminded that other attendees may be sensitive to various chemical-based products. Please help the City to accommodate these individuals.

Know Your Rights Under the Sunshine Ordinance

Government's duty is to serve the public, reaching its decisions in full view of the public. Commissions, boards, councils and other agencies of the City and County exist to conduct the people's business. This ordinance assures that deliberations are conducted before the people and that City operations are open to the people's review.

For more information on your rights under the Sunshine Ordinance (Chapter 67 of the San Francisco Administrative Code) or to report a violation of the ordinance, contact Adele Destro, Interim Administrator, 1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place, Room 409, by phone at (415) 554-7724, by fax at (415) 554-7854 or by E-mail at sotf@sfgov.org.

Copies of the Sunshine Ordinance can be obtained from the Clerk of the Sunshine Task Force, the San Francisco Library and on the City's website at www.sfgov.org/bdsupvrs/sunshine..

COMMUNICATIONS

Note: Each item on the Consent or Regular calendar may include the following documents:
1) Planning Department Case Executive Summary
2) Planning Department Case Report
3) Draft Motion or Resolution with Findings and/or Conditions
4) Public Correspondence
These items will be available for review at the Planning Department, 1650 Mission St., 4th floor reception.

1:30 PM _________

ROLL CALL:
President: Christina R. Olague
Commissioners: Michael J. Antonini; M. Sue Lee; William L. Lee;
Kathrin Moore; Hisashi Sugaya

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. 2005.1066E (D. LEWIS: (415) 575-9095)
2800 SLOAT BOULEVARD - north side of Sloat, between 46th and 47th Avenues, Lot 001 in Assessor's Block 2515 - Appeal of Preliminary Mitigated Negative Declaration for a project proposing the demolition of three existing commercial buildings and a 34-space parking lot, and the construction of three new mixed-use, five-story, 60-foot-tall buildings totaling approximately 120,000 gross square feet (gsf). The project would include 56 dwelling units, approximately 23,000 gsf of ground-floor commercial uses, and 93 off-street parking spaces. The three existing commercial buildings on the project site proposed for demolition include a retail shop (Aqua Surf Shop), restaurant/café (John's Ocean Beach Café), and a motel (Robert's Motel). The project site is within the NC-2 (Small-Scale Neighborhood Commercial) zoning district and a 100-A height and bulk district.
Preliminary Recommendation: Uphold Preliminary Mitigated Negative Declaration
(Continued from Regular Meeting of February 14, 2008)
(Proposed for Continuance to April 24, 2008)

2. 2008.0274D (E. JACKSON: (415) 558-6363)
736 VALENCIA STREET - west side, between 18th and 19th Streets, Lot 005 in Assessor's Block 3588 - Staff Initiated Discretionary Review of Building Permit Application number 2006.02.08.4114. The proposal is to construct a new mixed-use building containing 8 dwelling units with commercial space and 8 off-street parking spaces on the ground floor. The applicant requests that the Planning Commission remove the springing condition requiring community impact fees and BMR units that was previously imposed on the project. The subject property is located within the Valencia NCD (Neighborhood Commercial District) with a 50-X Height and Bulk designation.
Preliminary Recommendation: Take Discretionary Review and remove the springing condition.
(Proposed for Continuance to April 24, 2008)

3. 2004.1245E (N. TURRELL: (415) 575-9047)
300 GRANT AVENUE (AKA 272 AND 290 SUTTER STREET) - Assessor's Block 0287, Lots 013, 014 - Appeal of a Preliminary Mitigated Negative Declaration. The 10,500 square-foot project site is located at 300 Grant Avenue (aka 272-290 Sutter Street) on the northeast corner of Grant Avenue and Sutter Street in the Financial District neighborhood. The proposed project would involve the demolition of two buildings containing approximately 35,600-square feet of retail space and construction of an approximately 114,354 gross square foot, 12-story, 130-foot tall building containing up to 56 residential units, 15,000 square feet of retail space, and 34 to 40 off-street parking spaces. The retail entrance to the proposed project would be at the corner of Grant Avenue and Sutter Street, while the residential lobby entrance would be at the corner of Grant Avenue and Harlan Place. Access to the parking garage would be from Harlan Place off Grant Avenue. The site is zoned C-3-R (Downtown Retail) within an 80-130-F height and bulk district, and the Downtown Area Plan of the General Plan.
Preliminary Recommendation: Uphold Preliminary Mitigated Negative Declaration
(Continued from Regular Meeting of December 6, 2007)
NOTE: On July 12, 2007, following public testimony, the Commission entertained a motion to uphold the Preliminary Mitigated Negative Declaration (PMND) by a vote of +2 -4, the motion failed. Commissioner S. Lee was excused. The Commission continued the matter to September 6, 2007 by a vote +5 -1,
(Continued from Regular Meeting of February 21, 2008)
(Proposed for Indefinite Continuance to May 15, 2008)

4a. 2004.1245EKVX (J. MILLER: (415) 558-6344)
300 GRANT AVENUE (AKA 272 AND 290 SUTTER STREET) - northeast corner at Sutter Street, Lots 13 and 14 in Assessor's Block 287, in a C-3-R (Downtown Retail) District and an 80-130-F Height and Bulk District - Request for review under Planning Code ("Code") Section 309 of the construction of a new, 11-story mixed-use building containing approximately 43 dwelling units, approximately 15,000 square feet of ground- and second-floor retail space, and up to 40 off-street parking spaces in a two-level underground garage, requiring the authorization of exceptions to Code standards for height above 80 feet, building bulk, rear yard, and off-street parking, as well as the granting of Variances of Code standards for usable open space and dwelling-unit exposure.
Preliminary Recommendation: Approval with Conditions
(Continued from Regular Meeting of February 21, 2008)
(Proposed for Continuance to May 15, 2008)

4b. 2004.1245EKVX (J. MILLER: (415) 558-6344)
300 GRANT AVENUE (AKA 272 AND 290 SUTTER STREET) - northeast corner at Sutter Street, Lots 13 and 14 in Assessor's Block 287, in a C-3-R (Downtown Retail) District and an 80-130-F Height and Bulk District - Request for Variance of Planning Code standards for usable open space and dwelling-unit exposure in conjunction with the construction of a new, 11-story mixed-use building containing approximately 43 dwelling units, approximately 15,000 square feet of ground- and second-floor retail space, and up to 40 off-street parking spaces in a two-level underground garage.
(Continued from Regular Meeting of February 21, 2008)
(Proposed for Continuance to May 15, 2008)

5. COMMISSION'S RULES AND REGULATIONS - Discussion and possible action to amend the Commission's Rules and Regulations to address imposing time constraints on submittal of documents and material for review by the Commission and the public; discuss and possibly establish rules or policies that address other areas of interest of the Commission.
(Continued from Regular Meeting of April 3, 2007)
(NOTE: At the Regular Meeting of April 3, 2008, following testimony and Commission' discussion, the Commission continued this matter to April 17, 2008.)

6. 2008.0025D (S. PERDUE; (415) 558-6625)
30 WOODLAND AVENUE - east side between Parnassus Avenue and Willard Street; Lot 035 in Assessor's Block 2630 - Request for Discretionary Review of Building Permit Application No. 2007.06.29.5640, proposing to install dormers at the roof of a three-story, two-unit building within an RH-3 (Residential, House, Three-Family) District and a 40-X Height/Bulk District.
Preliminary Recommendation: Do not take Discretionary Review and approve the application.
DISCRETIONARY REVIEW APPLICATION WITHDRAWN

B. COMMISSIONERS' QUESTIONS AND MATTERS

7. ELECTION OF VICE PRESIDENT: The Commission may take action to elect a Vice President to complete the one-year term (through 2008) with the ability to continue to hold office as the Commission's Rules and Regulations and the Charter allows.
(Continued from Regular Meeting of March 27, 2008)

8. 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.

C. DIRECTOR'S REPORT

9. Director's Announcements

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

11. (S. SANCHEZ (415) 558-6326)
ACADEMY OF ART UNIVERSITY ENFORCEMENT AND INSTITUTIONAL MASTER PLAN UPDATE (IMP) - Informational presentation on the status of pending enforcement cases and preparation of IMP by the Academy of Art University. Item to be presented as new information is available.

12. (C. NIKITAS: (415) 558-6306)
UPDATE ON THE STATUS AND DESIGN OF THE SAN FRANCISCO CITY COLLEGE CHINATOWN - NORTH BEACH CAMPUS - Informational presentation

13. (C. NIKITAS: (415) 558-6306)
UPDATE ON THE STATUS OF BUILDING CODE AMENDMENTS TO REQUIRE GREEN BUILDING FEATURES IN NEW CONSTRUCTION AND MAJOR ALTERATIONS - Informational presentation

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.

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.

F. CONSIDERATION OF FINDINGS AND FINAL ACTION - PUBLIC HEARING CLOSED

14. 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 April 3, 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.
NOTE: On March 6, 2008, without a hearing the Commission continued the matter to April 3, 2008 by a vote of +4 -2. Commissioners Moore and Sugaya voted no.

G. REGULAR CALENDAR

15. 2007.1359CE (E. OROPEZA: (415) 558-6381)
1501 15th STREET (AKA 400 SOUTH VAN NESS AVENUE) - the southwest corner of South Van Ness Avenue and 15th Street; Lot 054 in Assessor's Block 3553 - Request for Conditional Use Authorization pursuant to Planning Code Sections 223(j) and 303 to allow the construction of a automobile wash, the proposed project is for the construction of a 32-foot tall, two-story commercial building, and under Planning Code Sections 228.3 and 303 to allow the conversion of a gasoline service station to another use, within the C-M (Heavy Commercial) District, A 50-X Height and Bulk District and the proposed Eastern Neighborhoods Plan Area.
Preliminary recommendation: Disapproval

16. 2008.0275I (D. SIDER: (415) 558-6697)
HEARING ON A REVISED INSTITUTIONAL MASTER PLAN (IMP) FOR SAN FRANCISCO GENERAL HOSPITAL - Generally located at 1001 Potrero Avenue, east side between 20th and 24th Streets; Assessor's blocks 4090, 4140, 4154, and 4213. SFGH proposes to revise the IMP currently on file with the Planning Department to reflect changes including the proposed design of a new acute care hospital, related campus master plan elements, and the replacement of existing emergency generators associated with the balance of the SFGH Campus. Pursuant to Planning Code Section 304.5(e), a public hearing is required to solicit public comment on any proposed revision to an Institutional Master Plan. The property is in a P (Public) Use District and a 105-E Height and Bulk District.
Preliminary Recommendation: No action is required. This hearing is for the purpose of receiving Commission and public comment only.

17. 2007.0603E (D. JAIN: (415) 575-9051)
SAN FRANCISCO GENERAL HOSPITAL (SFGH) SEISMIC COMPLIANCE HOSPITAL REPLACEMENT PROGRAM - Public Hearing on Draft Environmental Impact Report - The project site is located at 1001 Potrero Avenue (Assessor's Block 4154, Lot 001). The proposed project involves the construction of a new approximately 422,144 gross-square-foot, 7-story-plus-2-basement-level, 284-bed, acute care hospital to comply with seismic safety requirements of Senate Bill 1953. The proposed new hospital would be constructed on the west lawn of the SFGH Campus, located along Potrero Avenue between Buildings 20 and 30. Acute care services currently located in the existing Main Hospital (Building 5) would be relocated to the new hospital, and the vacated space in the existing Main Hospital would be reused for non-acute care medical and administrative uses. The SFGH Campus, including the proposed new hospital site, is in a P (Public) Use District and a 105-E Height and Bulk District. The proposed project would require a Conditional Use Authorization for a Planned Unit Development (PUD) addressing height measurement modification, bulk, and parking, among other approvals.
Preliminary Recommendation: No action is required. This hearing is for the purpose of receiving Commission and public comment only.

18. 2008.0103T (A. RODGERS: (415) 558-6395)
REQUIREMENTS FOR OFF-STREET PARKING AND LOADING [BOARD FILE 080095] - On January 15, 2008, Supervisor Peskin introduced an Ordinance amending the San Francisco Planning Code by amending Section 151 to reduce the required number of parking spaces for housing for seniors and physically handicapped persons, affordable housing, group housing, SRO units and residential care facilities; amending Section 154 to revise the minimum dimensions for off-street parking spaces, to encourage space-efficient parking and to no longer require independently accessible parking and define independently accessible parking to include parking accessed by automated garages or car elevators and valet parking; amending Section 155 to delete a requirement for independently accessible parking and require parking design to prevent bicycle and transit lane conflicts; amending Section 157 to provide for a demonstration that car-share parking cannot satisfy the need for non-accessory parking as a conditional use; amending Section 167 to provide for optional parking in all new residential buildings or conversions to residential buildings of 10 units or more; amending Section 303(c)(2)(B) to provide for consideration of whether a use seeking a conditional use permit is providing car-share parking; amending Section 790.10 to include a car-share parking space as part of a community residential parking use; amending Section 890.10 to include a car-share parking space as part of a community commercial parking garage use. The proposed Ordinance is before the Commission so that it may recommend adoption, rejection, or adoption with modifications to the Board of Supervisors.
Preliminary Recommendation: Approval with modifications

19. 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 on size; amending Sections 1060, 1060.1, 1060.3, 1070, 1070.1, and 1070.3 of the San Francisco Police Code to 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 with modifications
(Continued from Regular Meeting of March 6, 2008)

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))

Adjournment: