DZLU June Report

DESIGN ZONING AND LAND USE COMMITTEE

DATE Tuesday, June 20, 2017

1. ONGOING PROJECTS:
a. 982 Green Street: Results of hearing not known.
b. 1023 Vallejo Street (Julia Morgan House): The project sponsors have submitted a third additional design for environmental review. The proposed addition on the flat roof is still significantly larger than recommended by Planning. A brief discussion by DZLU touched on issues of very modern design, proposed copper shingles, and concern about sustainability of the hill in light of extensive excavation required for some of the work on this property and others (i.e. 1000 Broadway). Possible SF Landmark designation continues to be of interest to the neighbors.
c. 1000 Broadway: This project originated in the late 1990s, and in 2010 received broad support from neighbors, RHN and Heritage. In 2012 Planning concluded environmental review of the project and issued a Mitigated Negative Declaration. Design continued under a new project sponsor with revisions. Several neighbors are concerned about the adequacy of notice of the changes, whether the new design has gone through appropriate environmental review and the impact on abutting properties. A meeting was held on 6/14/17 with neighbors and the design changes were discussed. The height of all three buildings had been lowered but the footprint was expanded into the originally proposed rear yards. The project sponsors agreed to ask Planning to defer issuing a 311 notice until they have reviewed all meeting comments. They will be issuing meeting minutes to all participants. DZLU has a general concern that some projects, after approval, go through significant changes without adequate public notification and opportunity for input.
d. 1210-1212 Lombard Street: A DZLU Committee Member attended neighborhood meetings 1 ½ years ago where neighbors expressed concern over a proposed development of the property. Since that time a nearby neighbor bought it and proposed a new, historically sensitive plan (neighbors had been concerned about height and projection into the backyard) which was well received by the neighborhood. This project is now moving forward through the planning process.
e. Filbert Street Cottages: 1338 Filbert St. cottages are on the market. Landscaping is going in.
f. Wireless antennae on wooden poles – The Board of Appeals hearing on the wooden pole at 2215 Leavenworth is scheduled for July 12th 5PM at City Hall, Rm 416. Please attend and testify if you can! A letter from RHN supporting the protest was submitted by RHN President Emily Harrold last month. 2201 Leavenworth is also a concern. Neighbors have submitted protests to DPW’s tentative approval of this installation, and a hearing has now been scheduled for July 10th 9AM at City Hall, Rm 400. DZLU/RHN participation is again encouraged. It was also suggested that a letter expressing RHN’s general opposition to the proliferation of this equipment on wooden poles be written and filed with appropriate officials and agencies.
g. Undergrounding of Utilities: No news to report. Outreach continues to secure support.
h. 1281-83 Greenwich Driveway Encroachment: This project may vary significantly from plans originally presented to DZLU. Note: Discussion was floated of requiring a developer to keep RHN apprised of any changes in the future in order to secure our approval.
i. 2500 Leavenworth (at Francisco): There was a Pre-App meeting in January for this project. They have just filed the paperwork for a rear yard variance because of the planned removal of a non-conforming garage structure.
j. 60 Russell Street appeal: The project sponsors’ application for a building permit to add two floors to the original single story building was filed in 2014. Russell Street neighbors and Union Street neighbors objected; a discretionary review hearing was heard by the Planning Commission, which reduced some of the scope of the proposal, including rear yard setbacks. The project sponsors were dissatisfied with the changes, feeling that their original design was code compliant, and filed an appeal of their altered approved plans with the Board of Appeals. The BOA heard the case on April 19th 2017, requested additional documents and continued the hearing to June 21st. NOTE: Subsequent to the DZLU meeting of June 20th, the BOA denied the project sponsors’ appeal and upheld the plans previously approved by the Planning Commission.
k. 1110 Green Street: Seemingly no construction activity. It was suggested that DZLU inquire about progress.

2. ONGOING POLICY UPDATES:
a. Van Ness Corridor Neighborhood Council: An RHN Board representative is still attending the monthly meetings. Official RHN Board approval of participation in the Council is still pending until organizational documents are finalized and presented. A vote was taken to support Hayes Valley Neighborhood Association’s objections to the One Oak Street project. After consultation with RHN President and DZLU Chair, RHN’s representative abstained from the vote on behalf of RHN. Planned Parenthood also made a presentation to the VNCNC for support of its flagship facility being planned for 1522 Bush Street.
b. Affordable Housing Bonus Program: Home-SF, a key component of this program, was passed by the Board of Supervisors on 5/23/17 and DZLU will continue to monitor developments.
c. Urban Design Guidelines: Another Planning Commission hearing on this is anticipated in July as Planning reviews community comments.
d. RHN Land Use and Development Guidelines: Draft is being worked on.

Other: It was noted that at the corner of Larkin/Lombard there is a plaque for Francisco Centurion) which was placed by RHN in 2006 in thanks for many years of service to the RHN Board. DZLU is seeking cleaning and planting of a new tree in this area.

3. OTHER BUSINESS:
1365-67 Union Street: As a result of illegally changing this building from a double unit to a single unit, the owners have been required to build walls omitted from the approved plans. A preservation Planner has stated that the owner is going to have to restore most of the original details and window treatment.