San Francisco Planning Commission Meeting – September 7, 2023

The San Francisco Planning Commission held a regular meeting on Thursday, September 7, 2023, at 1:15 PM UTC (9:15 AM PDT). The meeting included continuance of several items, approval of consent calendar items, discussion of a major citywide planning code amendment to expand commercial uses, a public hearing on the draft Environmental Impact Report for the San Francisco Gateway Project, and a conditional use authorization for a residential project with a history of an Ellis Act eviction. The commission voted on multiple items, with several motions passing unanimously and some with dissenting votes.

Consent Calendar

• Item 4 (3995 Alemany Boulevard): Approved unanimously (7-0) for a conditional use authorization to expand a Formula Retail Use.
• Items 5 & 6 (225 Gough Street, 11 Franklin Street #602): Approved unanimously (6-0, with recusals) for conditional use authorizations.
• Item 7 (2900 Franklin Street): Approved unanimously (6-0, with recusal) for a Verizon Wireless facility.

Public Comments & Testimony

• On Item 8 (255 10th Avenue): Supervisor Chan’s legislative aide read a letter urging the commission to maximize housing unit availability instead of allowing conversion to a single-family home. Several community members expressed concern about the loss of residential care facilities and the trend toward “mega mansions.”
• On Item 15 (Citywide expansion of commercial uses): Over 50 letters were received, mostly in support. Speakers included representatives from the Chinatown Community Development Center (opposing professional services in Chinatown), the Small Business Commission (supporting the overhaul), and the San Francisco Land Use Coalition (raising concerns about restaurant density and outdoor patios).
• On Item 16 (SF Gateway EIR): Multiple community members from Bayview Hunters Point testified about historical environmental injustice, health impacts, and inadequate analysis of cumulative impacts. Building trades representatives supported the draft EIR, citing mitigation measures and job opportunities.
• On Item 17 (79 28th Street): Neighbors and tenant advocates spoke against the project, citing the previous Ellis Act eviction of an elderly couple and the loss of affordable rent-controlled units. The current owners testified about their lack of knowledge of the property’s history.

Discussion Items

• Continuances (Items 1–3): Item 1 (eliminating public art requirement for 100% affordable housing) was continued to November 2, 2023. Items 2 (parcel delivery services definition) and 3 (51 Prosper Street) were continued indefinitely or to a future date. Commissioner Ruiz recused from Item 1.
• Item 8 (255 10th Avenue – Residential care facility conversion): Vice President Moore pulled the item from consent. Commissioners debated the loss of a residential care facility and the opportunity to add density. The project was approved 5-2, with Commissioners Imperial and Moore opposed.
• Item 9 (815 Powell Street – Sixt car rental at Fairmont Hotel): Commissioner Moore argued the size and use were inappropriate for the iconic corner, preferring a café or smaller retail. A motion to continue failed 2-5. The project was approved 6-1, with Commissioner Moore dissenting.
• Item 15 (Citywide expansion of commercial, restaurant, and retail uses): This was a comprehensive planning code amendment introduced by Mayor Breed. Staff presented modifications, including retaining the distinction between retail and non-retail professional services. The commission voted 6-0 to approve the ordinance with staff recommendations, passing along commissioner comments on size limits and neighborhood-specific concerns.
• Item 16 (San Francisco Gateway Project – Draft EIR): The commission held a public hearing on the draft EIR for a 2.1 million sq. ft. PDR project at 749 Toland Street and 2000 McKinnon Avenue. The comment period was extended to October 16, 2023. Commissioners noted the need for further analysis of cumulative impacts, visual impacts, and the effect of parcel delivery services on citywide traffic.
• Item 17 (79 28th Street – Conditional Use Authorization): The project proposed a rear addition to expand a single-family dwelling and legalize an unauthorized unit. Despite a history of an Ellis Act eviction and community opposition, the commission approved the project 7-0, noting the design was appropriate and the current owners were not responsible for the prior eviction.

Key Outcomes

• Continuance votes: Items 1, 2, and 3 were continued as proposed (unanimous with recusals).
• Consent Calendar approvals: Items 4, 5, 6, 7 approved unanimously (with recusals for 5, 6, 7).
• Item 8: Approved 5-2 (Commissioners Imperial and Moore dissenting).
• Item 9: Approved 6-1 (Commissioner Moore dissenting).
• Item 15: Approved 6-0 (Commissioner Ruiz recused). The commission forwarded the ordinance to the Board of Supervisors with staff recommendations and additional comments on professional services, size limits, and neighborhood carve-outs.
• Item 16: No action taken; public comment period extended to October 16, 2023. Staff will prepare responses to comments and schedule an informational hearing.
• Item 17: Approved 7-0.
• General Public Comment: Heard on various topics including the need to codify the residential flat policy, support for streamlining housing approvals, and concerns about large project review procedures.