February 10, 2005

SAN FRANCISCO

PLANNING COMMISSION

Notice of Meeting
&
Calendar

Commission Chambers - Room 400
City Hall, 1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place

Thursday, February 10, 2005
2:00 PM

Regular Meeting

President: Sue Lee
Vice-President:  Dwight S. Alexander

                        Commissioners: Michael J. Antonini; Shelley Bradford Bell; Kevin  Hughes;
William L. Lee; Christina Olague

Commission Secretary: Linda D. Avery

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 1660 Mission Street, 5th 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, 1660 Mission Street, Suite 500, 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 impairrments 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, 1660 Mission St., 5th floor reception.

2:00 PM   _________

ROLL CALL:      Commission President:           Sue Lee 

                        Commission Vice-President:   Dwight S. Alexander

Commissioners:                      Michael J. Antonini; Shelley Bradford Bell; Kevin  Hughes;  William L. Lee; Christina Olague

• 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.

            1a.        2001.0249EKCV                                   (K. AMDUR: (415) 558-6351)

                        605 KEARNY STREET - west side between Sacramento and Commercial Streets, Lot 007 in Assessor's Block 0226 - Determination of Compliance under the California Environmental Quality Act, as described in the Final Mitigated Negative Declaration for the addition of one four-story residential unit to an existing 2-story commercial building. Conditional Use authorization is required for the construction of a building greater than 35 feet tall in this zoning district.  Both parking and a rear yard/site coverage variances would be required and will be considered concurrently by the Zoning Administrator. Required open space would be provided on a rooftop terrace. The site is in the Chinatown Community Business (CCB) Zoning District and a 50-N Height and Bulk District.

                        Preliminary Recommendation: Adopt the CEQA Findings

                        (Continued from Regular Meeting of November 18, 2004)

NOTE: On December 9, 2004, following public testimony, the Commission  continued the  matter to February 10, 2005 by a vote of  +6 –0.  Commissioner William Lee was absent.

(Proposed for Continuance to February 24, 2005)

            1b.        2001.0249EKCV                              (K. AMDUR: (415) 558-6351)

                        605 KEARNY STREET - west side between Sacramento and Commercial Streets, Lot 007 in Assessor's Block 0226 - Request for a Conditional Use authorization for a building exceeding 35 feet in height. The proposal is to add one four-story dwelling unit to an existing one-story commercial building on a small, approximately 700 square foot, 29.5-foot deep lot.  The commercial unit on the ground floor would remain. The building would be 50 feet in height with the proposed addition.  The addition, like the existing commercial building, would cover the entire small site.  No parking would be provided.  Both parking and a rear yard/site coverage variances would be required and will be considered concurrently by the Zoning Administrator. Required open space would be provided on a rooftop terrace. The site is in the Chinatown Community Business (CCB) Zoning District and a 50-N Height and Bulk District. 

                        Preliminary Recommendation: Approval with Conditions

                        (Continued from Regular Meeting of November 18, 2004)

NOTE: On December 9, 2004, following public testimony, the Commission  continued the  matter to February 10, 2005 by a vote of  +6 –0.  Commissioner William Lee was absent.

(Proposed for Continuance to February 24, 2005)

            1c.        2001.0249EKCV                                            (K. AMDUR: (415) 558-6351)

                        605 KEARNY STREET - west side between Sacramento and Commercial Streets, Lot 7 in Assessor's Block 226 - Request for a Variances for rear yard/site coverage and parking for a building. The proposal is to add one four-story dwelling unit to an existing one-story commercial building on a small, approximately 700 square foot, 29.5-foot deep lot.  The commercial unit on the ground floor would remain.  The addition, like the existing commercial building, would entirely cover the small lot, where 75% maximum site coverage is permitted as of right. No parking is proposed, where one new space is required. The site is in the Chinatown Community Business (CCB) Zoning District and a 50-N Height and Bulk District. 

                        (Continued from Regular Meeting of November 18,  2004)

NOTE: On December 9, 2004, following public testimony, the Zoning Administrator  continued the  matter to February 10, 2005.

             (Proposed for Continuance to February 24, 2005)

2.         2004.1190D                                                          (D. SIROIS: (415) 558-6313)

1523 21^ST AVENUE - west side, Kirkham & Lawton & Church, Lot 003, Assessor’s Block 1867 - Request for Discretionary Review of Building Permit Application 2004.04.19.1671, to construct a two-story horizontal addition to the rear of the existing single-family dwelling located in an RH-1 (Residential, Single-Family) District and in a 40-X Height and Bulk District.

Preliminary Recommendation: Take Discretionary Review and approve project with modifications.

(Proposed for Continuance to March 3, 2005)

3.         2004.0876C                                                      (G. NELSON:  (415) 558-6257)

2000 VAN NESS AVENUE - northeast corner at the intersection of Van Ness Avenue and Jackson Street; Lot 005 in Assessor's Block 0595 - Request for Conditional Use authorization pursuant to Section 209.6(b) of the Planning Code to install a total of six (6) antennas and related equipment cabinets on the roof of an existing 100-foot tall commercial structure, known as the Medical Arts Building, as part of AT&T’s wireless telecommunications network within an RC-4 (Residential-Commercial Combined) District, the Van Ness Special Use District and an 80-D Height and Bulk District.  Per the City & County of San Francisco’s Wireless Telecommunications Services (WTS) Facilities Siting Guidelines the proposal is a Preferred Location Preference 4 as it is a wholly commercial structure. 

                        Preliminary Recommendation: Pending

            (Proposed for Continuance to March 10, 2005)

4.         2005.0007D                                                                  (G. CABREROS: (415) 558-6169)

2506 UNION STREET -   north side between Scott and Divisadero Streets, Lot 005 in Assessor's Block 0945 - Request for Discretionary Review of Building Permit Application 2004.07.15.8925 proposing to construct a three-story horizontal addition at the rear of the existing single-family residence in an RH-1 (Residential House, One-Family) District and a 40-X Height and Bulk District.

Preliminary Recommendation: Pending                                                                           

            (Proposed for Continuance to March 17, 2005)

B.         COMMISSIONERS’ QUESTIONS AND MATTERS

1. Consideration of Adoption:
2. Draft Minutes of Regular Meeting of December 9, 2004
3. Draft Minutes of Planning Director Subcommittee for December 16, 2004
4. Draft Minutes of Regular Meeting of December 16, 2004
5. Draft Minutes of Special Meeting of January 6, 2005
6. Draft Minutes of Regular Meeting of January 6, 2005

            6.         Commission Comments/Questions

C.         DIRECTOR’S REPORT

7.         Director’s Announcements

8.         Review of Past Week’s Events at the Board of Supervisors and Board of Appeals

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.          REGULAR CALENDAR 

                                                                                      (D. MACRIS: (415 558-6411)

1. – Consideration of approval of a draft resolution adopting the Planning Department’s Proposed Work Program and Budget for Fiscal Year 2005-2006.

10.                                                                                                 (G. NELSON (415) 558-6257)

UC BERKELEY EXTENSION REUSE POLICY GUIDE: INFORMATIONAL PRESENTATION - Informational presentation to review the recently released Planning Department document: "A Policy Guide to Considering Reuse of the UC Berkeley Extension Laguna Street Campus," and a brief overview of the Guide's place in the Better Neighborhoods Market and Octavia Neighborhood Plan process.  Staff will brief the Commission on the contents of the Guide and issues surrounding the possible redevelopment of this six-acre parcel bounded by Hermann, Buchanan, Laguna and Haight Streets.

            Preliminary Recommendation: No Action

11.        2004.1008D                                                     (W. HASTIE: (415) 558-6381)

91 BENNINGTON STREET - north side between Cortland and Eugenia Avenues, Lot 18 in Assessor's Block 5666 - Mandatory Discretionary Review, under Planning Commission policy requiring review of all dwelling unit mergers, of Permit Application No. 2004.0602.5366; the proposal is to expand the existing ground floor retail business (Red Hill Books) which will significantly reduce the square footage of the dwelling unit located behind the retail space and result in the de facto removal of that unit and substitution for a smaller unit. The subject property is zoned NC-2 (Small-Scale Neighborhood Commercial) District and is in a 40-X Height and Bulk District.

                                                            Preliminary Recommendation: Do not take Discretionary Review and approve the project as submitted.

(Continued from Regular Meeting of February 3, 2005)

 

12.        2004.1246D                                                     (E. TOPE: (415) 558-6316)

2716-2718 PINE STREET - north side between Divisadero and Broderick Streets; Lot 012 in Assessor's Block 1028 - Mandatory Discretionary Review, under the Planning Commission’s policy requiring review of dwelling unit mergers, of Building Permit Application No. 2004.10.05.5956S, proposing to merge three dwelling units to two dwelling units in an RH-2 (Residential, House, Two-Family) District and a 40-X Height and Bulk District. 

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

 

13.        2004.1091C                                                               (S.Young:  (415) 558-6346)

1639 IRVING STREET - south side between 17^th and 18^th Avenues; Lot 010 in Assessor's Block 1772 -  Request for Conditional Use authorization under Section 730.42 of the Planning Code to convert approximately 1000 square feet of vacant commercial retail space located at the ground floor of an existing three-story commercial building, to a full-service restaurant (primarily serving Asian inspired snacks and desserts) in the Inner Sunset Neighborhood Commercial District (NCD) and a 40-X Height and Bulk District.  The project will involve tenant improvements that include a small dining area with a capacity of serving approximately 25 customers, preparation area, and service counter.  No exterior modifications will be made to the existing building envelope. 

                        Preliminary Recommendation: Approval with Conditions

14.                                                                                      (L. AVERY: (415) 558-6407)

PLANNING COMMISSION RULES AND REGULATIONS - The Planning Commission will hold a public hearing to discuss and possibly amend  their rules and regulations.

F.         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: