Zoning Variance Hearing

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 Thursday, March 22, 2023, beginning at 9:30 a.m. in City Hall, 1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place, Room 408.

2022-005156VAR (CHRISTY ALEXANDER) 145 CORBETT AVENUE, Lot 059 in Block 2656 in an RH-2 Zoning District, and a 40-X Height and Bulk District. REAR YARD: The project proposes to reconfigure the existing three-story stairway in the rear yard to be three levels of balconies and a single stairway from the first level to grade. PLANNING CODE SECTION 134 requires the subject property to maintain a rear yard of approximately 18 feet 6 inches. The proposed rear exterior balconies and stairs encroaches into the required rear yard by approximately 9 feet 2 inches. Therefore, a variance is required.

2019-005924VAR (ALEX WESTHOFF) 400 CRESCENT AVENUE, Lot 043 in Block 5810 in an RH-1 Zoning District, and a 40-X Height and Bulk District. REAR YARD: The project proposes to reconstruct a structure in required rear yard with a toilet and washroom area for the existing mosque. PLANNING CODE SECTION 242(e)(2)(A) requires the subject property to maintain a rear yard depth of 29.5 feet. The proposed structure is located within the required rear yard area. Therefore, a variance is required.

2022-005149VAR (TOLU ATOYEBI) 2765 VALLEJO STREET, Lot 0959 in Assessor's Block 017A in an RH-1(D) Zoning District and a 40-X Height and Bulk District. SIDE YARD: The project proposes to infill an open area at the 2nd and 3rd floors along the East façade of an existing single-family building. The proposal will expand the building approximately 83 square feet at the second story and 89 square feet at the third story. PLANNING CODE SECTION 133 requires lots with a width between 31 and 40 feet in an RH-1(D) Zoning District have two side yards of 3 feet each. The second floor addition will extend into the required side yard. Therefore, a variance is required.

2022-009006VAR (MICHELLE TAYLOR) 615-615A SANCHEZ STREET, Lot 057 in Assessor's Block 3600 in an RH-1 Zoning District, Central Neighborhoods Large Residence Special Use District, Dolores Heights Special Use District, and a 40-X Height and Bulk District. CONDITION OF APPROVAL: The proposal is to construct a vertical addition of approximately 533 square feet and enclose an existing exterior spiral stair at the rear of the existing building. PLANNING CODE SECTION 174 requires that conditions of approval are complied with consistent with other controls of the Code. When constructed, the existing building encroached 7 feet 2 inches into the required front setback and was issued Variance No. 98.993V in 1999 with a condition of approval that any additional expansions shall require a variance. The proposed vertical addition will not encroach into the required front setback but will expand the subject building’s envelope beyond that permitted by Variance No. 98.948V. Therefore, a variance is required.

2022-004051VAR (JOSEPH SACCHI) 635-637 BAKER STREET, Lot 003 in Assessor's Block 1177, located within an RH-3 (Residential-House, Three Family) Zoning District and a 40-X Height & Bulk District. REAR YARD: The project proposes to legalize an existing rear addition at the attic level, two dormer windows, an unauthorized dwelling unit at the attic level, and skylights at the roof level. PLANNING CODE SECTION 134 requires the property to maintain a rear yard of approximately 30 feet 11 inches. The rear addition and one dormer window are located entirely within the required rear yard area. Therefore, a variance is required.

2022-006143VAR (JOSEPH SACCHI) 780 DARIEN WAY, Lot 017 in Assessor's Block 3272, located within an RH-1(D) (Residential- House, One Family-Detached) Zoning District and a 40-X Height & Bulk District. SIDE YARD AND REAR YARD: The project proposes to convert a pre-existing, noncomplying accessory garage structure for use as an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) per the State ADU program. Although the permitted parking within the garage structure is being removed, the project proposes continued use of the driveway to accommodate two off-street parking spaces. PLANNING CODE SECTION 133 requires the subject property to provide two side yards each of four feet. The proposed off-street parking spaces will encroach into the entirety of the required four-foot side yard on the property's western side. Therefore, a variance is required. PLANNING CODE SECTION 134 requires the subject property to provide a rear yard of approximately 24 feet 7 inches. One of the proposed off-street parking spaces will encroach approximately 4 feet 6 inches into the rear yard. Therefore, a variance is required.

2022-005109VAR (CHRISTOPHER MAY) 51 BERNARD STREET, Lot 029 in Assessor's Block 0157 in an RH-3 Zoning District, and a 65-A Height and Bulk District. REAR YARD: The project proposes to legalize the as-built rear ground floor extension, the removal of previously-existing rear stairs and the enclosure of ground floor area below, and the as-built rear bay window on the 3rd floor. PLANNING CODE SECTION 134 requires the subject property to maintain a rear yard of approximately 24 feet 6 inches. The features proposed to be legalized extend into the required rear yard to varying depths and are inconsistent with the obstructions permitted by Section 136. Therefore, a variance is required.

2022-007138VAR (JEFFREY SPEIRS) 441 QUINTARA STREET, Lot 054 in Assessor's Block 2204, in an RH-1 Zoning District, and 40-X Height and Bulk District. REAR YARD: The proposal is to construct a rear addition to accommodate an elevator at the rear of the building, which will replace the existing rear decks. PLANNING CODE SECTION 134 requires the subject property to maintain a rear yard of 30 feet in depth. The proposed addition will result in a rear yard of only 25. Therefore, a variance is required.

2022-005719VAR (CHRISTOPHER MAY) 101 SEACLIFF AVENUE, Lot 001 in Assessor's Block 1305 in an RH-1(D) Zoning District, and a 40-X Height and Bulk District. REAR YARD AND SIDE YARD: The proposal is to construct a second story vertical addition measuring approximately 278 square feet to an existing, legal, detached building located at the rear of the property that abuts a rear alley. PLANNING CODE SECTION 134 requires the subject property to maintain a rear yard of approximately 34 feet 10 inches between the two existing buildings, as the subject property is a through lot with frontages at both the front and the rear. The proposed vertical addition above the existing legal, noncomplying structure is located entirely within the required rear yard. Therefore, a variance is required. PLANNING CODE SECTION 133 requires the subject property to maintain side yards of 5 feet along each side lot line. The proposed vertical addition above the existing legal, noncomplying structure extends 5 feet into the required west side 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

3/02/2023