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, February 28, 2024, beginning at 9:30 a.m. in City Hall, 1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place, Room 408.

2023-002452VAR (ASHLEY LINDSAY) 1709 OAK STREET, Lot 032 in Assessor's Block 1224, in an RH-3 Zoning District, and 40-X Height and Bulk District: REAR YARD: The proposal is to replace the existing stairs to the 2nd floor deck at the rear of the existing 2-story over basement, 4-unit building. PLANNING CODE SECTION 134 requires that the property maintain a rear yard that is 30% of the lot depth, which is approximately 41 feet, but in no case less than 25% of the lot depth or 15 feet, whichever is greater. The new stairs will encroach approximately 3 feet into the last 25% of the property. Therefore, a variance is required.

2023-006812VAR (TOLU ATOYEBI) 1466-1468 PAGE STREET, Lot 015 in Assessor's Block 1222, in an RH-3 Zoning District, and a 40-X Height and Bulk District: REAR YARD: The proposal is to reconstruct rear stairs at the rear of the existing 3-story, two-unit dwelling. PLANNING CODE SECTION 134 requires the property to maintain a rear yard that is 30% of the lot depth, which is approximately 30 feet, but in no case less 25% of the lot depth or 15 feet, whichever is greater. The proposed rear stairs will be setback approximately 11 feet 7 inches from the rear property line, encroach approximately 13 feet into the required rear yard. Therefore, a variance is required.

2023-009934VAR (MICHELLE LANGLIE) 1423 JACKSON STREET, Lot 024 in Assessor's Block 0186, in an RM-1 Zoning District, and a 65-A Height and Bulk District: REAR YARD: The proposal is a subsurface expansion of habitable space in an existing one-unit rear cottage located in the required rear yard, with exterior modifications to the entry porch, stairs, and windows. PLANNING CODE SECTION 134 requires that the property maintain a rear yard that is 30% of the lot depth, which is approximately 26 feet, but in no case less than 25% of the lot depth or 15 feet, whichever is greater. The proposed modifications of the entry porch and stairs are located entirely within the required rear yard. Therefore, a variance is required.

2022-008690VAR (CHRISTY ALEXANDER) 3048A-3050 FILLMORE STREET, Lot 026 in Assessor's Block 0533, in an NCD-Union Street Neighborhood Commercial Zoning District, and 40-X Height and Bulk District: REAR YARD, OPEN SPACE, DWELLING UNIT EXPOSURE: The proposal is to legalize demolition of a previously existing one-story structure containing an UDU (Unauthorized Dwelling Unit) and construction of a two-story structure containing a ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit), that were done so without the benefit of a permit at the rear of the property. PLANNING CODE SECTION 134 requires that the property maintain a rear yard that is 30% of the lot depth, but in no case less than 25% or 15 feet, whichever is greater. The proposed building is entirely within the required rear yard. Therefore, a variance is required. PLANNING CODE SECTION 135(g)(1) requires space credited as common usable open space shall be at least 15 feet in every horizontal dimension. The proposed usable open space measures approximately 13 feet 5 inches by 22 feet. Therefore, a variance is required. PLANNING CODE SECTION 140 requires each dwelling unit to have a qualifying window facing directly onto a street, compliant rear yard, or an open area that meets minimum dimensional requirements. The dwelling units in the rear yard will face onto a noncompliant rear yard and a substandard open area. Therefore, a variance is required.

2023-009189VAR (EDGAR OROPEZA) 162 TIFFANY AVENUE, Lot 011 in Assessor's Block 6597, in an RH-2 Zoning District, The Central Neighborhoods Large Residence SUD, and a 40-X Height and Bulk District: REAR YARD: The proposal is to legalize the construction of multi-story decks and stairs, that was constructed without the benefit of a permit at the rear of the existing three-story, two-family dwelling. The project also includes construction of a new 8 foot long, 20-foot-tall firewall on the northern property line. PLANNING CODE SECTION 134 requires the property to maintain a rear yard of 30% of the lot depth, approximately 24 feet. The proposed decks, stairs, and firewall will encroach approximately 9 feet 7 inches into the required rear yard. Therefore, the project requires a variance.

2023-007047VAR (MANUSHI MATHUR) 2960 25TH AVENUE, Lot 009 in Assessor's Block 7208, in an RH-1(D) Zoning District, and a 40-X Height and Bulk District: REAR YARD: The proposal is to construct a 226-square-foot horizontal addition to an existing two-story, single-family dwelling. PLANNING CODE SECTION 134 requires the property to maintain a rear yard of approximately 30% of the lot depth, approximately 30 feet (as measured from the rear property line). The proposed addition will be setback 22 feet 8 inches from the rear property line, encroaching 7 feet 4 inches into the required rear yard. Therefore, a variance is required.

2023-002648VAR (HEATHER SAMUELS) 513 OXFORD STREET, Lot 024 in Assessor's Block 6034, in an RH1 Zoning District, and a 40-X Height and Bulk District: REAR YARD: The proposal is to legalize a 10-foot 8-inch-tall deck and stair that was constructed without the benefit of a permit to an existing three-story, single-family dwelling. The proposal will also include firewalls, approximately 14 feet tall along the side property lines. Planning Code Section 134 requires the property to maintain a rear yard of 30% of the lot depth, approximately 21 feet. The proposed deck, stairs, and firewall will encroach approximately 13 feet and 5 inches into the required rear yard and result in a rear yard of 8 feet 5 inches. Therefore, a variance is required.

2022-007060VAR (RYAN BALBA) 10 SEACLIFF AVENUE, Lot 013A in Assessor's Block 1301, in an RH-1(D) Zoning District, and 40-X Height and Bulk District: REAR YARD: The proposal is to construct rear decks that project 27 feet into the rear yard. PLANNING CODE SECTION 134 requires that the subject property maintain a 30% rear yard of the lot depth, approximately 27 feet. The proposal extends into the required rear yard. Therefore, a variance is required.

2023-008570VAR (ELIZABETH MAU) 1256 HOWARD STREET, Lot 018 in Assessor's Block 3728, in a RED-MX Zoning District, and a 45-X Height and Bulk District: REAR YARD, OPEN SPACE, AND DWELLING UNIT EXPOSURE: The proposal is to convert the second story commercial floor space to four dwelling units with a deck in the rear. PLANNING CODE SECTION 134 requires the property to maintain a minimum rear yard depth equal to 25% of the total lot depth. The existing building covers the entire lot. Therefore, a variance is required. PLANNING CODE SECTION 135(g)(1) requires space credited as common usable open space be at least 15 feet in every horizontal dimension. The proposed usable open space is approximately 40 feet wide by 9 feet deep. Therefore, a variance is required. PLANNING CODE SECTION 140 requires each dwelling unit to have a qualifying window facing directly onto a street, compliant rear yard, or an open area that meets minimum dimensional requirements. The two proposed dwelling units at the rear of the building will face a noncompliant rear yard and a substandard open area. 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

02/07/2024