DZLU MEETING DATE: Feb. 18, 2025
1. ONGOING PROJECT UPDATES
a. 906 Broadway—“The Melody” proposal at Guadalupe Church
Curb white zone request:
The Melody is seeking a 75-foot white zone at its street frontage to minimize conflicts with loading at Lady Shaw, the senior housing development across the street. DZLU is supportive and will recommend RHN Board approval of a letter to SFMTA supporting the white zone.
2. ONGOING POLICY UPDATES
a. Rezoning status:
No news to report as there has not yet been an update from SF Planning.
b. Objective preservation design standards:
https://citypln-m-extnl.sfgov.org/Commissions/CPC/1_9_2025/Commission%20Packet/2024-008053CRV.pdf
Please see link to last month’s minutes for a fuller discussion:
https://1drv.ms/w/c/7d0027d2eda71f7e/EeTlG41ydp5DsEN_VAg0-jMBGG296ey_5ynTBoFshGYf4A
The Planning Commission hearing has been continued to 3/20/25.
DZLU has discussed the standards and has drafted for RHN Board review a letter supporting adoption by the Planning Commission at its March 20 meeting. The following points are included:
(1) A key element of Russian Hill Neighbors’ mission statement is to “preserve and advance neighborhood character.” Dedicating a set of standards specifically to historic preservation reinforces the importance of this issue.
(2) In addition to meeting State mandates, the creation of “objective” standards helps demystify preservation requirements, especially by more clearly delineating “character-defining features”.
(3) This work also demonstrates that skillfully-crafted standards can be consistent with efforts to streamline housing development.
c. North Beach National Register Historic District proposal:
California Historical Resources Commission hearing has been deferred to May. Supervisor Sauter and Mayor Lurie have requested more time to understand the proposal and consult further with residents and businesses.
https://www.sfchronicle.com/sf/article/north-beach-historic-district-20136630.php
d. Formula retail zoning proposal for Van Ness:
A proposal initiated by Supervisors Sauter and Sherrill is before the Supervisors to permit formula retail along Van Ness between Broadway and Redwood St. (half a block north of City Hall) without Conditional Use approval, as is currently required. The purpose is to address commercial vacancies and reduce the often time-consuming and costly conditional use process that can deter prospective businesses.
DZLU expressed support and, in response to a request by the Van Ness Corridor Neighborhoods Council, we will recommend to the RHN Board that it join the VNCNC in issuing a support letter to Supervisors.
https://www.sfchronicle.com/bayarea/article/new-plan-would-ok-chain-stores-on-s-f-s-van-ness-20062067.php
e. SF permitting initiatives by mayor:
Building on efforts by previous administrations, departments responsible for reviews have been directed to centralize permit reviews, establish time limits for review, and provide clear web-tracking of permit status.
https://www.sfchronicle.com/bayarea/article/sf-permits-lurie-20165597.php
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DZLU IS RECRUITING!
We welcome anyone with an interest in planning and zoning issues to consider joining our active and fun committee. Please contact zoning@rhnsf.org
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