San Francisco Planning Commission Meeting - January 18, 2024

The San Francisco Planning Commission held a regular meeting on Thursday, January 18, 2024, beginning at approximately 12:15 PM. The meeting was streamed live but not televised live due to a prior event running long. The commission took up a range of items including consent calendar continuances, election of officers, and several regular calendar items involving planning code amendments, conditional use authorizations, and a discretionary review. All votes were unanimous (7-0) unless noted.

Consent Calendar

• Items 1-4 (1846 Grove Street, 1701 Fillmore Street, 2450 San Bruno Avenue, 1526 Powell Street) were continued to February 29, 2024, on a motion by Commissioner Braun, seconded and passed 7-0.
• Item 16 (2955 Sacramento Street) was withdrawn.

Election of Officers

• Commissioner Coppel nominated Commissioner Sue Diamond for President and Commissioner Moore for Vice President. The motion passed 7-0. Commissioner Diamond assumed the presidency, and Commissioner Moore continued as Vice President. Former President Tanner expressed gratitude and acknowledged the commission's collegiality.

Public Comments & Testimony

• General Public Comment: A speaker urged the commission to actively plan the city, noting the lack of a land use element in the General Plan and the importance of proactive planning despite implementation challenges.
• Item 10 (Density Controls): Corey Smith (Housing Action Coalition) and Jana Tolley (SF YIMBY) supported the staff recommendation to maintain form-based density in historic districts while protecting historic resources. Jeremy Paul emphasized the importance of the state historic building code for adaptive reuse.
• Item 11 (Unauthorized Unit Removal): No public speakers. Staff noted public comments from Georgia Shurdish and Anastasia Yovanopoulos suggesting additional safeguards; these were considered but not adopted.
• Item 12 (Potrero Power Station): No public comments.
• Item 13 (2515 Folsom Street): Speakers included RBA (support), Deborah Hawley (representing adjacent neighbors objecting to roof deck, penthouse, and parapet), and Tim Doherty (resident supporting minor modifications). The project sponsor's attorney responded to concerns.
• Item 14 (767 Bush Street): No public comments.
• Item 15 (3751 21st Street): DR requester Deborah Nelson opposed the flat roof on a rear extension citing privacy and potential future deck. Project sponsor Lucas Eastwood offered to eliminate the deck and raise window sills. The Dolores Heights Improvement Club argued the rear extension was illegal and required a sloped roof.

Discussion Items

• Item 10: Density Controls in Community Business Districts [BF 231079] – The commission considered a Planning Code amendment sponsored by Supervisor Peskin to reinstate numeric density limits in C2 districts east of Columbus and north of Washington. Staff recommended limiting the reinstatement to historic districts (Northeast Waterfront and Jackson Square) and allowing adaptive reuse projects to use form-based density. After discussion, the commission voted 7-0 to approve the ordinance with staff modifications, forwarding comments to the Board of Supervisors.
• Item 11: Conditional Use Authorization for Removal of Unauthorized Unit [BF 231185] – Sponsored by Supervisor Melgar, the ordinance would allow removal of a UDU without a CUA if not rented in 10 years and owner resides in primary unit for 3 years, plus rent control. Staff recommended two modifications: limiting the open space/exemption to projects requiring a variance, and requiring the unit to meet minimum floor-to-ceiling height if possible. The commission voted 7-0 to approve with staff modifications, acknowledging the need for further discussion between the sponsor and planning.
• Item 12: Potrero Power Station Mixed-Use Project – EIFD Amendment – The commission considered a resolution recommending approval of an amendment to the Development Agreement to create an Enhanced Infrastructure Financing District (EIFD) to fund infrastructure, affordable housing, and parks. Staff and project sponsor reported progress including a workforce housing building groundbreaking. The commission voted 7-0 to adopt the resolution.
• Item 13: 2515 Folsom Street – Conditional Use Authorization – Request to demolish a single-family home and construct a four-unit building (three 3-bedroom, one 2-bedroom) with parking. The project was fully code compliant and had 27 support letters. Opponents sought modifications to reduce shadow impacts. After discussion, Commission President Diamond encouraged continued neighborly gestures, and the commission voted 7-0 to approve with conditions and suggested the sponsor work with staff and neighbors on additional modifications.
• Item 14: 767 Bush Street – Conditional Use Authorization – Request to remove a vacant laundromat (closed 2016) and establish a restaurant. Staff found the project met all four findings (comparable services, closure rate, essential needs, poverty rate). The commission voted 7-0 to approve.
• Item 15: 3751 21st Street – Discretionary Review – A DR request by neighbors opposed a flat roof on a rear extension, fearing a future deck. The project sponsor eliminated a previously approved deck and offered other mitigations. Staff found no exceptional or extraordinary circumstances. The commission voted 7-0 to not take DR and approve the permit as proposed, noting the roof would be an unoccupied green roof.

Key Outcomes

• Items 1-4 continued to February 29, 2024 (7-0).
• Election of Officers: President Diamond and Vice President Moore elected (7-0).
• Item 10: Approved with staff modifications (7-0).
• Item 11: Approved with staff modifications (7-0).
• Item 12: Approved resolution recommending EIFD amendment (7-0).
• Item 13: Approved with conditions (7-0), with request for further neighbor discussions.
• Item 14: Approved (7-0).
• Item 15: DR denied, permit approved (7-0).
• Remote public comment: Scheduled for discussion at a future hearing (agenda item added for two weeks later).

Note: The meeting was not televised live due to a prior event running long, but was streamed. All votes were unanimous. The meeting adjourned after item 15.