Zoning Variance Hearing

Remote Public Comment (see Instructions under Related Resources)

Notice is hereby given to the general public that applications involving the properties and/or issues described below have been filed with the Planning Department for review as set forth in the City Planning Code. The Zoning Administrator will hold a PUBLIC HEARING on these items and on other matters on Wednesday, December 6, 2023, beginning at 9:30 a.m. in City Hall, 1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place, Room 400.

2023-003524VAR (KIMBERLY DURANDET) 165 EDGEWOOD AVENUE, Lot 008 in Assessor's Block 2641, in an RH-1(D) Zoning District, and a 40-X Height and Bulk District: REAR YARD: The proposal is to raise the roof, construct a dormer window, and add a bay window to a residential building that is located in the rear yard. PLANNING CODE SECTION 134 requires that the property maintain a 30% rear yard from the rear property line. While the proposed bay window is within the permitted buildable area, the proposed dormer and roof work fall within the required rear yard. Therefore, a variance is required.

2022-000363VAR (JIA HONG SITU) 274 RANDALL STREET, Lot 016 in Assessor's Block 6653, in an RH-2 Zoning District, Central Neighborhoods Large Residence Special Use District, and a 40-X Height and Bulk District: REAR YARD: The proposal is to construct a horizontal expansion at the rear of the first and second floors and add rear decks to all three floors of an existing, 3-story, single-family building. PLANNING CODE SECTION 134 requires the property to maintain a rear yard that is 45% of the lot depth or average of adjacent buildings, but in no case less than 25% or 15 feet, whichever is greater. While the rear decks and stairs meet the dimensions of a permitted obstruction, the proposed rear building expansion extends 1 foot into the required rear yard. Therefore, a variance is required.

2023-007496VAR (EDGAR OROPEZA) 638 RHODE ISLAND STREET, Lot 005 in Assessor's Block 4030, in an RH-2 Zoning District, and a 40-X Height and Bulk District: REAR YARD: The proposal is to construct a horizontal addition to and raise the roof height of the two-story, single-family building at the rear of the property. Additionally, the proposal is to demolish and replace the existing stairs at the rear of the front building, and to add a roof deck to the front building. PLANNING CODE SECTION 134 requires the subject property to maintain a rear yard of approximately 25 feet measured from the rear property line. A Zoning Administrator interpretation also requires a minimum separation of 25 feet between the front and rear building. The proposal would expand the building within the rear yard and reduce the arear between the buildings. Therefore, a variance is required.

2022-007994VAR (KURT BOTN) 6 SAN PABLO AVENUE, Lot 002 in Assessor's Block 3013, in an RH-1 (D) Zoning District, and a 40-X Height and Bulk District: REAR YARD: The proposal is to construct a three-story stair and landing that will extend into the required rear yard to allow access to a proposed roof deck, to an existing three-story, single-family building. PLANNING CODE SECTION 134 requires the subject property to maintain a rear yard of 30% of the lot depth, but in no case less than 15 feet. The proposed stair and landing is within the required rear yard. Therefore, a variance is required.

2022-006225VAR (DAKOTA SPYCHER) 151 BERNARD STREET, Lot 015A in Assessor's Block 0156, in an RH-3 Zoning District, and a 65-A Height and Bulk District: REAR YARD: The proposal is to expand the 3rd floor to match the full building envelope, add a stair penthouse and deck at the roof level, construct rear fire escapes, and add a 1-car garage to the existing building. PLANNING CODE SECTION 134 requires that the property maintain a rear yard that is 45% of the lot depth or average of adjacent buildings, but in no case less than 25% or 15 feet, whichever is greater. The rear expansion of the 3rd floor and fire escapes would encroach into the required rear yard. Therefore, a variance is required.

2023-001821VAR (DAKOTA SPYCHER) 9-11 KENNETH REXROTH PLACE, Lots 040 and 041 in Assessor's Block 0146, in the North Beach NCD, and a 40-X Height and Bulk District: REAR YARD REASONABLE MODIFICATION: The project proposes to construct a 4-story horizontal addition for a new elevator along the south and west property lines. The project also proposes to construct a new 3-story staircase at the rear. PLANNING CODE SECTION 134 requires the subject property to maintain a rear yard of 25% of the lot depth, but in no case less than 15 feet. The proposed elevator and staircase will fall entirely within the required rear yard. Therefore, a reasonable modification is required.

2023-004710VAR (ELIZABETH GORDON-JONCKHEER) 223 LAUSSAT STREET, Lot 009A in Assessor's Block 0860, in an RH-3 Zoning District, and a 40-X Height and Bulk District: REAR YARD: The proposal is to demolish the rear deck and stairs and replace with a slightly smaller deck and alternative stair design. PLANNING CODE SECTION 134 requires the subject lot to maintain a rear yard equal to 45 percent of the total lot depth, unless reduced to the average of qualifying adjacent rear building walls, but not less than 25% or 15 feet, whichever is greater. The subject property, with a lot depth of approximately 54 feet, has a required rear yard of 15 feet. The proposed deck will extend approximately 4 feet 10 inches into the required rear yard and the proposed stairs will be located completely in the required rear yard. Therefore, a variance is required.

2022-012621VAR (HEATHER SAMUELS) 731 GROVE STREET, Lot 034A in Assessor's Block 0805, in an RH-3 Zoning District, and a 50-X Height and Bulk District: REAR YARD: The proposal is to construct a one-story rear addition (mudroom) within the required rear yard underneath an existing legal nonconforming deck. PLANNING CODE SECTION 134 requires the subject property to maintain a rear yard equal to approximately 27 feet based on averaging of adjacent buildings. The proposed addition would fall within the required rear yard. Therefore, a variance is required.

2021-002010VAR (VINCENT PAGE) 1439-1441 OAK STREET, Lot 036 in Assessor's Block 1221, in an RH-3 (Residential, House - Three-Family) Zoning District and a 40-X Height and Bulk District : REAR YARD: The Project proposes a horizontal addition and dormer windows in a two-story over basement, four-unit residential building to allow the development pursuant to Planning Code Section 134(c)(4) of an ADU at the attic level. The building's legally existing fourth dwelling unit, which was removed by means of residential merger, would be reinstated in its original location on the building's 2nd level. The Project includes a second ADU at the basement level, and the development of a deck within the required rear yard to provide private open space for the attic level ADU. PLANNING CODE SECTION 134 requires that properties in the RH-3 Zoning Districts maintain a rear yard equivalent to 45 percent of the total lot depth at grade level and at each succeeding story of the building, unless reduced to the average of qualifying adjacent rear building walls. The subject property, with a lot depth of 110 feet from Oak Street, has a minimum required rear yard of 49 feet and 6 inches but benefits pursuant to Subsection 134(e) from a reduced rear yard of 34 feet. The proposed deck would extend by approximately 18 feet into the required rear yard. Therefore, a variance is required.

It is strongly recommended that persons submit their comments in writing in advance of the hearing. Written comments may be submitted via email directly to the case planner.

To view the official Variance Hearing Agenda which includes the link to the site plans and elevations of the proposed projects, please visit the website: https://sfplanning.org/hearings-zoning-variance. Persons who are unable to attend the scheduled hearing may submit written comments regarding these cases to the individuals listed for each case above via email or at the Planning Department, 49 South Van Ness Avenue, Suite 1400, San Francisco, CA 94103.

Corey A. Teague
Zoning Administrator
Planning Department
49 South Van Ness Avenue, Suite 1400
San Francisco, CA 94103

11/16/2023