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, July 26, 2023, beginning at 9:30 a.m. in City Hall, 1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place, Room 408. 

2019-006995VAR (CHRISTOPHER MAY) 1128 LAKE STREET, Lot 005 in Assessor's Block 1346 in the RH-2 Zoning District and a 40-X Height and Bulk District:  REAR YARD:  The project proposes to relocate the entire 2-story, 2-unit building towards the front of the lot and the construction of a 4-story horizontal rear addition and alter the front facade by adding a new garage door, removal of the front steps, and adding a new 2nd floor juliet balcony. PLANNING CODE SECTION 134 requires that the project provide a rear yard of 18 feet, however the project proposes little to no rear yard. Therefore, a variance is required.

2023-001745VAR (JEFFREY HORN) 2135 VALLEJO STREET, Lot 056 in Assessor's Block 0565 located within the RH-2 Zoning District, and a 40-X Height and Bulk District:  REAR YARD:  The proposal is to construct a one-story, 22-foot deep, 4-foot 2 inch wide, 91 square foot side addition at the 2nd floor of a three-story-over basement three-family building. PLANNING CODE SECTION 134 requires the subject property to maintain a rear yard equivalent to 45 percent of the lot depth, which is equal to 51 feet 1 inch for the subject property. The project proposes a side addition within the required rear yard. Therefore, a variance is required.

2022-009581VAR (SHARON YOUNG) 16 SHERWOOD COURT, Lot 063 in Assessor's Block 2993, in a RH-1(D) Zoning District and a 40-X Height and Bulk District:  REAR YARD:  The proposed project is to construct a new second-story deck approximately 5 feet to 12 feet deep by 27 feet wide and approximately 9 feet 6 inches above grade, plus exterior stairs at the rear and south side of the existing two story, single-family dwelling. PLANNING CODE SECTION 134 requires the subject property to maintain a rear yard of 15 feet. The proposed rear deck will extend approximately 2 feet 6 inches into the required rear yard.  Therefore, a variance is required.

2023-001765VAR (KURT BOTN) 10 EL SERENO COURT, Lot 023 in Assessor's Block 2968A, in a RH-1 Zoning District and a 40-X Height and Bulk District:  REAR YARD:  The project proposes to rebuild an existing non-conforming deck within the required rear yard with an enclosed trellis and wind screens. PLANNING CODE SECTION 134 requires that the project provide a rear yard of 23 feet 7.5 inches. However, the deck and trellis will be built within the required rear yard. Therefore, a variance is required.

2022-010689VAR (KIMBERLY DURANDET) 366 HILL STREET, Lot 101 in Assessor's Block 3620 in a RH-1 Zoning District, Dolores Heights and Central Neighborhoods Large Residence SUD, and 40-X Height and Bulk District:  FRONT SETBACK:  The project proposes demolition and excavation of existing front stairs, retaining walls and landscaping to provide a new garage and home studio. PLANNING CODE SECTION 132 requires the subject property to maintain a front setback of approximately 17 feet 3 inches. The proposed home studio falls entirely within the required front setback. Therefore, a variance is required.

2022-001805VAR (BRANDEN GUNN) 606 SANCHEZ STREET, Lot 100 in Assessor’s Block 3601 in a RH-2 Zoning District and a 40-X Height and Bulk District:  REAR YARD:  The proposal is to expand the existing rear deck and add a storage room below. PLANNING CODE SECTION 134 requires the subject lot to maintain a minimum rear yard equal to 45 percent of the total lot's depth of the average rear yard of the adjacent properties, but no less than 25 percent or 15 feet, whichever is greater. The average rear yard for the subject property is approximately 26 feet 3 inches. The proposed expansion will fall entirely within the required rear yard. Therefore, a variance is required.

2022-007936VAR (ASHLEY LINDSAY) 338 SANCHEZ STREET, Lot 3564 in Assessor's Block 115, in a RH-3 Zoning District, and 40-X Height and Bulk District:  REAR YARD:  The project proposes to replace the existing noncomplying decks and stairway in the rear yard. PLANNING CODE SECTION 134 requires the property to maintain a rear yard that is 45% of the lot depth or average of adjacent neighbors, but in no case less than 25% or 15 feet, whichever is greater. The required averaged rear yard for the subject lot is 36 feet 1 inch. The replacement decks and stairway will fall within the required rear yard. Therefore, a variance is required.

2022-012955VAR (EDGAR OROPEZA) 249 RICHLAND AVENUE, Lot 017 in Assessor's Block 5720 in a RH-2 Zoning District, the Bernal Heights SUD, and a 40-X Height and Bulk District:  REAR YARD:  The proposal is to construct a horizontal extension to the rear of the existing 2-story single-family building. PLANNING CODE SECTION 242 requires the subject property to maintain a rear yard of approximately 36 feet inches measured from the rear property line. The proposed rear addition will encroach approximately 7 feet into the required rear yard. Therefore, the project requires a variance.

2022-006502VAR (EDGAR OROPEZA) 3369 CESAR CHAVEZ STREET, Lot 056 in Assessor's Block 5501 in a RH-2 Zoning District, the Bernal Heights SUD, and a 40-X Height and Bulk District:  REAR YARD, FRONT SETBACK, AND SCREENING OF PARKING:  The proposal is to legalize an expansion, to establish a residential use to the detached building located at the rear of the lot, and to legalize unscreened off-street parking located at the front of the property. PLANNING CODE SECTION 242 requires the subject property to maintain a rear yard of approximately 37 feet. The proposal will encroach entirely into the required rear yard. Therefore, a variance is required. PLANNING CODE SECTION 132 requires the subject property to maintain a front setback of 15 feet measure from the front property line. Off street parking is not permitted within the required front setback. Therefore, the project requires a variance. PLANNING CODE SECTION 142 requires off-street parking to be screened from view from the street. The proposal includes an unscreened parking space within the front setback. Therefore, a variance is required. 

2023-000190VAR (CHARLES ENCHILL) 1318 YORK STREET, Lot 001B in Assessor's Block 4274 in RH-3 Zoning District, and a 40-X Height and Bulk District:  REAR YARD:  The proposal is to construct a vertical addition and a horizontal addition at the rear of the existing single-family building. PLANNING CODE SECTION 134 requires an averaged rear yard of 41 feet 5 inches. The proposed rear addition will project approximately 4 feet 10 inches within the required rear yard. Therefore, the project requires a variance.

2021-004146VAR (ROGELIO BAEZA) 532-534 SHOTWELL STREET, Lot 034 in Assessor's Block 3594, in a RM-1 Zoning District, Mission Alcoholic Beverage SUD, and a 40-X Height and Bulk District:  FRONT SETBACK AND REAR YARD:  The proposal is to legalize the construction of a rear addition, new structures in the rear, and a noncomplying fence at the front. PLANNING CODE SECTIONS 132 and 136 permit a solid fence in the required front setback up to 3 feet above grade. The proposal includes a solid fence that is approximately 6 feet in height. Therefore, a variance is required. PLANNING CODE SECTION 134 requires the subject property to maintain a rear yard of 55 feet 2 inches. The rear addition and other new structures are within the required rear yard beyond what is permitted by Planning Code Section 136. Therefore, a variance is required.

2021-005284VAR (REASSIGNED TO LAURA AJELLO ON 6/5/23 (FORMERLY ELTON WU)) 566 KANSAS STREET, Lot 001H in Assessor's Block 4010, in a RH-3 Zoning District, and 40-X Height and Bulk District:  REAR YARD:  The project proposes to legalize the 3rd floor solarium conversion, create a second floor roof deck with 5-foot side setbacks, and relocate and extend spiral stairs located in the rear yard. PLANNING CODE SECTION 134 requires the subject property to maintain a rear yard depth of approximately 45 feet. The existing noncomplying building has a rear yard that measures 31 feet 8 inches. The proposed rear stairs will encroach approximately 6 additional 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.

Please visit the Variance Hearing Calendar to view the related agenda which includes the link to the site plans and elevations of the proposed projects. 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.

07/05/2023