Zoning Variance Hearing
Wednesday, January 25, 2023
The hearing will be held online.
Phone Access: +1 (415) 655-0001 / Access code: 2488 314 5653 / Password: 0125
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 intends to hold a PUBLIC HEARING on these items and on other matters on Wednesday, January 25, 2023, beginning at 9:30 a.m. or later. Please be advised that due to the COVID-19 emergency, the Zoning Administrator may conduct this hearing remotely using videoconferencing technology or in-person at City Hall. Additional information may be found on the Department’s website.
2022-001463VAR (BRANDEN GUNN) 201 ASHTON AVENUE, Lot 008 in Block 6932, RH-1(D) Zoning District and 40-X Height and Bulk District: FRONT SETBACK: The proposal is to legalize the construction of a vertical garden trellis structure at the front of the home. Please note that the accuracy of the existing property line along Ashton Ave and Holloway Ave is still under review and may ultimately be determined to be closer to the existing home than what is shown on the project plans. PLANNING CODE SECTION 132 requires the subject property to maintain a front setback equal to one-half of the adjacent property, or 11 feet 8 inches (or less if the property line is determined to be closer to the home than shown). The 12-foot-tall structure is located in the required front setback and is not a permitted obstruction. Therefore, a variance is required.
2022-010330VAR (BRANDEN GUNN) 1461 CHESTNUT STREET, Lot 009A in Block 0497, RH-3 Zoning District and 40-X Height and Bulk District: REAR YARD: The proposal is to legalize two existing 66-square foot decks that encroach into the rear yard. PLANNING CODE SECTION 134 requires the subject property to maintain a rear yard equal to 45% of the lot length. The decks proposed to be legalized extend 15 feet into the required rear yard. Therefore, a variance is required.
2021-012193VAR (RYAN BALBA) 725-737 BURNETT AVENUE, Lot 095 in Assessor's Block 2826 in an RM-1 Zoning District and a 40-X Height and Bulk District: REAR YARD: The proposal is to remove and replace multiple decks at the front and rear of an existing multi-unit residential building. PLANNING CODE SECTION 134 requires properties in the RM-1 Zoning District to maintain a rear yard equal to 45% percent of the total lot depth. The subject property has a required rear yard ranging from approximately 24 feet to 40 feet due to the varying lot depths. The replacement decks will be within the required rear yard of the lot. Therefore, a variance is required.
2022-001077VAR (RYAN BALBA) 442A COLLINGWOOD STREET, Lot 064 in Assessor's Block 2769 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 an existing one-story, single-family building. The project also includes an interior remodel and facade alterations. PLANNING CODE SECTION 134 requires the subject lot to maintain a minimum rear yard equal to 45 percent of the total lot depth. The required rear yard for the subject property is 68 feet 7 inches. The proposed horizontal additions will encroach into the required rear yard. Therefore, a variance is required.
2022-007195VAR (MONICA GIACOMUCCI) 81 BRADFORD STREET, Lot 041 in Assessor's Block 5638 in an RH-1 Zoning District, Bernal Heights Special Use District, and a 40-X Height and Bulk District: FRONT SETBACK: The proposal is to construct a two-story horizontal addition to an existing one-story single-family residential building. PLANNING CODE SECTION 132 requires the subject property to maintain a front setback of 10 feet 6 inches. Portions of the proposed horizontal addition will be constructed within the required front setback. Therefore, a variance is required.
2019-006459VAR (JEFFREY SPEIRS) 345 TWIN PEAKS BLVD, Lot 007 in Assessor's Block 2720 located within the RH-1 Zoning District, the Central Neighborhoods Large Residence Special Use District, and a 40-X Height and Bulk District: REAR YARD: The project proposes to legalize the construction of a rear deck and stair. PLANNING CODE SECTION 134 requires the subject property to maintain a rear yard of approximately 18 feet 8 inches. The proposed rear deck and stair falls entirely within the required rear yard. Therefore, a variance is required.
2021-010725VAR (JEFFREY SPEIRS) 4642 19TH STREET, Lot 028 in Assessor's Block 2700 located within the RH-2 Zoning District, the Central Neighborhoods Large Residence Special Use District, and a 40-X Height and Bulk District: REAR YARD: The project proposes to construct a rear garage and basement with a deck. PLANNING CODE SECTION 134 requires the subject property to maintain a rear yard of approximately 41 feet 5 inches. The proposed rear garage falls entirely within the required rear yard. Therefore, a variance is required.
2022-002928VAR (KALYANI AGNIHOTRI) 351 WALLER STREET, Lot 069 in Assessor's Block 0868; RTO zoning district & 40-X height and bulk district: REAR YARD: The proposal is to replace an existing stair and deck in the required rear yard and add a new 1-hr property line fire wall. PLANNING CODE SECTION 134 requires the subject property to maintain a rear yard equal to 45% of the lot depth, approximately 29 feet, but no less than 25% of lot depth or 15 feet, whichever is greater. The proposed work falls entirely within the required rear yard. Therefore, a variance is required.
2022-008402VAR (DAKOTA SPYCHER) 655 MONTGOMERY STREET, Lot 028 in Assessor's Block 0208, located within an C-3-O Zoning District and a 200-S Height and Bulk District: Height Limit Exemptions: The proposal is to install a new building maintenance unit (BMU) including window-washing equipment on top of an existing mechanical penthouse that is 28 feet 4 inches above the existing building's flat roof surface. The existing building is noncomplying with respect to the lot's height limit. PLANNING CODE SECTION 260(b)(1)(A) limits mechanical equipment and appurtenances to no more than 16 feet above a lot's designated height limit but allows the Zoning Administrator to grant a height exemption for mechanical equipment for a lot in a height district of more than 65 feet when required to meet federal or state laws or regulations. The subject lot is within the 200-S Height and Bulk District, and the proposed mechanical equipment is greater than 16 feet above the height limit. Therefore, a height exemption 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
12/04/23