San Francisco Planning Commission Meeting - June 20, 2024

The San Francisco Planning Commission met on Thursday, June 20, 2024, at 20:15 UTC. The meeting covered continuances, a consent calendar, commission matters, department updates, general public comment, and four regular calendar items: the Office Development Annual Limit Program update, major modifications for the Potrero Power Station Block 2, a conditional use authorization and variance for 88 Spear Street, and a conditional use authorization to remove an unauthorized dwelling unit at 21 Flood Avenue. All votes were unanimous (6-0).

Consent Calendar

• Commissioners approved items 5, 6, and 7 on the consent calendar (2001 Van Ness Avenue conditional use authorization, awning amnesty program code amendments, and 1948 Sutter Street conditional use authorization) in a single 6-0 roll call vote without discussion.
• Items 1a/b (1153 Guerrero Street), 2 (320-322 Frederick Street), 3 (58 Buena Vista Terrace), and 4a/b (305 Liberty Street) were continued to July 11, 2024, or indefinitely, approved 6-0.

Public Comments & Testimony

• General Public Comment: One speaker raised questions about demolition calculations under Section 317, citing concerns about the Bernal Heights SUD and the need for written interpretations. The speaker urged the commission to assert legislative authority.
• Item 13 (Office Development Annual Limit): A remote caller urged the commission to schedule a public hearing on the inventory of conversions/demolitions, even though the commission has no formal role.
• Item 14 (Potrero Power Station): Nine letters of support were received from community groups (Dogpatch Neighborhood Association, Potrero Boosters, YMCA) and individuals. Public speakers expressed strong support for the pocket park, UCSF cancer center, and community outreach. No opposition letters or comments were recorded.
• Item 15 (88 Spear Street): A representative from the East Cut Community Benefit District spoke in favor, citing the need for ground-floor activation, cafe space, and the rooftop restaurant. One public commenter suggested considering childcare space.
• Item 16 (21 Flood Avenue): No public comments were made.

Discussion Items

• Item 13 – Office Development Annual Limit Program Update: Zoning Administrator Corey Teague presented an informational update on Proposition C (passed March 2024), which allows adding square footage back to the large cap from conversions/demolitions of 10,000+ sq ft of office space since 1986. Staff will publish a draft inventory by mid-July, accept public comment, and finalize by August 30, 2024. Commissioners requested a future informational hearing on the results and asked about the relationship with Proposition E’s affordable housing requirements. Commissioner Imperial and others supported transparency.
• Item 14 – Potrero Power Station Block 2 Major Modifications: The project sponsor (Enrique Landa) and UCSF presented plans for a seven-story building housing a proton therapy cancer center, clinic, and lab incubator. Four major modifications to the Design for Development standards were requested: priority retail frontage, upper building setback, street wall, and parking/loading entrance standards. Staff recommended approval with a condition requiring planning department review of the pocket park design. Commissioner Imperial proposed that the final park design be brought back as an informational item. The project received unanimous support from commissioners citing creativity, community benefit, and job creation. Approved 6-0.
• Item 15 – 88 Spear Street Conditional Use Authorization and Variance: The project proposes ground-floor office use, interior renovations, a one-story restaurant addition, and a 50-foot marquee (variance from 25-foot code limit). Project sponsor Presidio Bay Ventures explained the need to activate the building and attract tenants. Zoning Administrator Teague noted the marquee is twice code size but found the site conditions unique. Public comment was supportive. Commissioner Williams joked about restaurant affordability. Approved 6-0.
• Item 16 – 21 Flood Avenue Conditional Use Authorization: Removal of a vacant unauthorized dwelling unit (UDU) at the first floor. Staff confirmed three UDUs existed; two in the basement had substandard ceiling height and did not require CU. A fire in 2020 led to code enforcement. Commissioner Williams stressed the importance of site visits to verify no occupancy. Staff affirmed this is departmental policy. Commissioner Imperial asked for more enforcement history details. Approved 6-0.

Key Outcomes

• All motions on items 1-4 (continuances), consent calendar (5-7), minutes (item 9), regular calendar items 14, 15, and 16 passed unanimously (6-0).
• Item 13 was informational; no vote was taken. Commissioners requested a future hearing on the final inventory and public input.
• Item 14 approval included a condition requiring planning staff review of the pocket park design before construction documents.
• Item 15 approval included the marquee variance, granted by the zoning administrator.
• Item 16 approval came with confirmation of a site visit prior to action, reinforcing departmental policy.
• Commissioner Koppel announced his departure from the commission, thanking colleagues and emphasizing his commitment to labor and working-class residents.