DZLU MEETING DATE: August 22, 2023
1. ONGOING PROJECT UPDATES
a. MACONDRAY LN ENTRANCE TRELLIS
The new replacement trellis structure is complete, including the cross-member with the “Macondray Lane” carving. The existing bougainvillea has been preserved and tied to the trellis with hopes for its rapid growth. Planting of oxalis groundcover and camelias are underway and drip irrigation tubing is in place. An “opening” party or ceremony will be planned.
2. ONGOING POLICY UPDATES
a. HOUSING POLICY UPDATES
– Housing Element Zoning Program
Planning staff will make a presentation to DZLU in October and focus on RHN’s earlier comments. As highlighted in previous DZLU reports to the Board, changes are proposed predominantly in the city’s western neighborhoods and along main commercial corridors such as Polk and Van Ness, though some other areas on Russian Hill may be impacted. As Russian Hill is already a densely developed neighborhood, concerns remain about proposed height increases from 40 feet to 65 feet west of Leavenworth St. and also towards the waterfront near Ghirardelli Square and Fisherman’s Wharf.
Planning made an informational presentation to the Planning Commission on 7/27 that included zoning maps similar to those that had been included in the earlier drafts of the Housing Element. RHN had issued a letter to the Planning Commission with comments last fall. e will continue to monitor and comment as needed as the proposals advance to the Planning Commission for review this winter and to the Board of Supervisors in the spring of 2024.
Zoning Concept 1 is below. (Concept 2 has similar Russian Hill impacts.)
Planning’s summary presentation of the Zoning Program used in recent Open Houses, including the maps above, is in this link:
– SB 4: Affordable Housing on Faith Lands Act
This much-anticipated legislation, nicknamed YIGBY (Yes in God’s Backyard), streamlines approval of 100% affordable housing projects on under-utilized land owned by religious institutions or non-profit colleges. It was introduced in November 2022 and highlighted in the DZLU notes of January 2023. It was passed by the Senate in May and was just passed by the Assembly on September 7 and awaits the Governor’s signature. A summary by the sponsor, Sen. Wiener, is in the following link.
Leave a Reply