OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

San Francisco Planning Commission Meeting - September 19, 2024

Planning Commission — Thursday, September 19, 2024
BodySan Francisco, California
SessionPlanning Commission
DateThursday, September 19, 2024
StatusFILED
Video Record
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Transcript — Verbatim
0:07

Okay, good afternoon and welcome to the San Francisco Planning Commission hearing for Thursday, September 19th, 2024.

0:14

When we reach the item you are interested in speaking to, we ask that you line up on the screen side of the room or to your right.

0:20

Each speaker will be allowed up to three minutes.

0:23

And when you have 30 seconds remaining, you will hear a chime indicating your time is almost up.

0:28

When your allotted time is reached, I will announce that your time is up and take the next person cue to speak.

0:33

Please speak clearly and slowly, and if you care to state your name for the record.

0:37

I will remind members of the public that the Commission does not tolerate any disruption or outbursts of any kind.

0:43

Also, I ask that we silence any mobile devices that may sound off during these proceedings.

0:47

And at this time, I'd like to take roll.

0:49

Commission Chair Moore.

0:52

Present.

0:52

Commissioner Braun.

0:54

Here.

0:55

Commissioner Campbell.

0:56

Here.

0:57

Commissioner Imperial?

0:58

Here.

0:59

Commissioner McGarry.

1:00

Present.

1:01

Commissioner So?

1:02

Here.

1:02

And Commissioner Williams.

1:03

Here.

1:04

Thank you, Commissioners.

1:05

First, on your agenda is consideration of items proposed for continuance.

1:07

Item 1, case number 2024, 006438 C UA 135, Kisling Street, conditional use authorization is proposed for continuance to October 10th, 2024.

1:18

Items 2A and B for case numbers 2023, hyphen 003652 C UA and VAR at 3901 Noriega Street, conditional use authorization and variants are proposed for and indefinite continuance.

1:32

I have no other items proposed to be continued, so we should take public comment.

1:37

Members of the public, this is your opportunity to address the Commission on either of these items proposed for continuance.

1:46

Again, you need to come forward.

1:49

Seeing none, public comment is closed, and your continuance calendar is now before you, Commissioners.

1:55

Commissioner Brown.

1:57

Move to continue items.

1:59

Move to continue items as proposed.

2:01

Second.

2:02

Thank you, Commissioners.

2:03

On that motion to continue items as proposed.

2:05

Commissioner Campbell?

2:06

Yes.

2:06

Commissioner McGarry?

2:07

Yes.

2:08

Commissioner So?

2:09

Aye.

2:09

Commissioner Williams.

2:11

Aye.

2:11

Commissioner Braun.

2:12

Aye.

2:13

Commissioner Imperial.

2:14

Aye.

2:15

And Commissioner Chair Moore?

2:16

Aye.

2:16

So move, Commissioners.

2:17

That motion passes unanimously seven to zero.

2:19

Zoning administrator would say you.

2:21

I will continue indefinitely the variance item to be.

2:25

Thank you.

2:28

Commissioners, that will place us under your consent calendar.

2:33

All matters listed here under constituted consent calendar are considered to be routine by the planning commission and may be acted upon by single roll call vote of the commission.

2:41

There will be no separate discussion of these items unless a member of the Commission, the public or staff so requests, in which event the matter shall be removed from the consent calendar and considered as a separate item at this or a future hearing.

2:52

Item 3, case number 2015, hyphen 000 332, CUA, hyphen 02 at 1531 through 1581 Howard Street, conditional use authorization.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Land Use███████████████████19%
Procedural███████████████15%
Legacy Business███████████████15%
Public Comment███████████11%
Affordable Housing████████8%
Elections██████6%
Public Engagement██████6%
Personnel Matters█████5%
Health Services█████5%
Summary of Proceedings

San Francisco Planning Commission Meeting - September 19, 2024

The San Francisco Planning Commission held its regular meeting on Thursday, September 19, 2024, at 2:15 PM. The meeting covered a wide range of items including continuances, consent calendar approvals, a contested election of officers, and several major land use and conditional use authorizations. The commission voted on a new president, approved a senior housing special use district, rescinded a child care condition, and approved a dialysis center, among other items. A contentious vote on the replacement of a legacy business at 200 Capp Street passed 4-3.

Consent Calendar

  • Items 3, 4, and 5 were approved by a unanimous 7-0 vote. Item 6 (Central Soma Area Plan initiation) was pulled from consent by Commissioner Imperial and considered separately.

Election of Officers

  • The commission held an election for president following the departure of former President Sue Diamond. After public comment, Commissioner McGarry nominated Commissioner Lydia So, and Commissioner Imperial nominated Vice President Catherine Moore. The vote was 4-3 in favor of Commissioner So as president (Commissioners Campbell, McGarry, So, Braun in favor; Williams, Imperial, Moore against). Commissioner Braun then nominated Commissioner Moore for vice president, which passed unanimously 7-0. Commissioner So became the new president, and Commissioner Moore continued as vice president.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Election of Officers: Several public speakers supported Commissioner So, citing her experience on multiple commissions and representation of the AAPI community. Others supported Commissioner Moore, emphasizing her 18 years on the commission and expertise on housing element upzonings. One speaker requested deferral for a rules discussion.
  • New Asia Senior Housing SUD: Multiple speakers, including representatives of Chinatown community organizations, expressed strong support for the 100% affordable senior housing project, noting the need for affordable housing and a banquet hall for cultural events.
  • 740 Sanchez Street: A neighbor from Dolores Heights spoke in support, noting the project’s sensitivity and adherence to the special use district.
  • 1830 Ocean Avenue Dialysis Center: Patients and medical professionals spoke in support, emphasizing the need for continued dialysis access. A resident from the condominium above opposed, citing concerns about mechanical noise and property management.
  • 200 Capp Street (Kiitos Bar): Extensive public comment. Supporters cited activation of vacant space and economic benefits. Opponents, including former owners of the legacy business Uptown and community members, accused the landlord of predatory practices, forced displacement, and Ellis Act evictions. Some spoke of the bar’s cultural significance.

Discussion Items

  • Central Soma Area Plan Initiation: Commissioner Imperial requested removal from consent to ensure community engagement. The commission voted unanimously to initiate the general plan amendment and schedule a hearing on or after October 9, 2024, with staff to conduct outreach to stakeholders.
  • New Asia Senior Housing Special Use District (758-772 Pacific Avenue): The department recommended approval of the SUD to allow up to 155 feet height for 175 affordable senior units. The project includes a restored banquet hall. Commissioners praised the project as a model for community-driven development. The motion to approve with an amendment to the title passed 7-0.
  • 2024 Code Corrections Ordinance: Staff presented the annual ordinance to fix errors and clarify code language. A public commenter requested an additional amendment for a self-storage project at 2270 McKinnon. The commission voted 7-0 to approve with staff modifications, directing staff to work with the applicant on the proposed amendment.
  • 345 Spear Street Child Care Condition Rescindment: The commission considered a request to remove a condition requiring a nonprofit child care provider. The current for-profit provider, Bright Horizons, has operated since 2003. The department recommended approval to avoid enforcement action that could close the center. The motion passed 6-1, with Commissioner Williams dissenting.
  • 740 Sanchez Street CUA and Variance: A conditional use authorization for a vertical addition exceeding 3,000 square feet and a variance for rear yard encroachment. The project was supported by the department and a neighbor. Commissioners noted the contextual design and difficulty of adding an ADU. The motion passed 7-0, and the zoning administrator granted the variance.
  • 1830 Ocean Avenue Dialysis Center: A conditional use authorization for a health services use (dialysis clinic) with early morning hours (5 AM). The department recommended approval, noting the activation of a vacant Target space and relocation of an existing clinic. Public testimony raised concerns about noise and traffic, but the applicant addressed mechanical systems and coordinated with SFMTA for a new passenger loading zone. The motion passed 7-0.
  • 200 Capp Street (Kiitos Bar): A conditional use authorization to replace the legacy business Uptown bar with a new bar. The department recommended approval despite opposition. Commissioners debated the lack of protection for legacy businesses and the difficulty of denying based on the landlord’s reputation. The motion to approve passed 4-3 (Commissioners Campbell, McGarry, Braun, So in favor; Williams, Imperial, Moore against).

Key Outcomes

  • Election of Officers: Lydia So elected President (4-3); Catherine Moore re-elected Vice President (7-0).
  • Central Soma Initiation: Initiated (7-0), hearing scheduled for on or after October 9, 2024.
  • New Asia Senior Housing SUD: Approved (7-0), including title amendment to “758 and 772 Pacific Avenue Affordable Senior Housing SUD.”
  • 2024 Code Corrections Ordinance: Approved with staff modifications (7-0), with direction to consider additional amendment.
  • 345 Spear Street Child Care Condition: Rescinded (6-1).
  • 740 Sanchez Street CUA and Variance: Approved (7-0) with conditions; variance granted.
  • 1830 Ocean Avenue Dialysis Center: Approved (7-0) with conditions.
  • 200 Capp Street Kiitos Bar: Approved (4-3) with conditions.

Meeting Transcript

Okay, good afternoon and welcome to the San Francisco Planning Commission hearing for Thursday, September 19th, 2024. When we reach the item you are interested in speaking to, we ask that you line up on the screen side of the room or to your right. Each speaker will be allowed up to three minutes. And when you have 30 seconds remaining, you will hear a chime indicating your time is almost up. When your allotted time is reached, I will announce that your time is up and take the next person cue to speak. Please speak clearly and slowly, and if you care to state your name for the record. I will remind members of the public that the Commission does not tolerate any disruption or outbursts of any kind. Also, I ask that we silence any mobile devices that may sound off during these proceedings. And at this time, I'd like to take roll. Commission Chair Moore. Present. Commissioner Braun. Here. Commissioner Campbell. Here. Commissioner Imperial? Here. Commissioner McGarry. Present. Commissioner So? Here. And Commissioner Williams. Here. Thank you, Commissioners. First, on your agenda is consideration of items proposed for continuance. Item 1, case number 2024, 006438 C UA 135, Kisling Street, conditional use authorization is proposed for continuance to October 10th, 2024. Items 2A and B for case numbers 2023, hyphen 003652 C UA and VAR at 3901 Noriega Street, conditional use authorization and variants are proposed for and indefinite continuance. I have no other items proposed to be continued, so we should take public comment. Members of the public, this is your opportunity to address the Commission on either of these items proposed for continuance. Again, you need to come forward. Seeing none, public comment is closed, and your continuance calendar is now before you, Commissioners. Commissioner Brown. Move to continue items. Move to continue items as proposed. Second. Thank you, Commissioners. On that motion to continue items as proposed. Commissioner Campbell? Yes. Commissioner McGarry? Yes. Commissioner So? Aye. Commissioner Williams. Aye. Commissioner Braun. Aye. Commissioner Imperial. Aye. And Commissioner Chair Moore?

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