Planning Commission reviews permit for Funston Avenue housing expansion after compliance issues
March 30, 2023 | San Francisco City, San Francisco County, California
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The San Francisco Planning Commission convened on July 4, 2025, to address a significant housing development issue concerning a property at 1228 Funston Avenue. The meeting focused on the proposal to legalize existing construction and add two new residential units, despite previous violations of planning codes.
The Planning Department expressed support for the addition of dwelling units, aligning with the city’s housing goals. However, they noted that the work had been completed without the necessary permits and did not comply with prior conditions set in a 2017 decision. As a result, the project was deemed non-compliant and not eligible for the Housing Accountability Act protections. The department recommended a discretionary review, allowing the commission to impose conditions on the approval of the building permit to ensure compliance moving forward.
Key conditions proposed included filing final permits within 90 days, submitting a construction schedule, and providing monthly updates on the project's progress. The commission was urged to ensure that all work aligns with planning approvals before final sign-off by the building inspector.
During the meeting, Elena Asturias, representing the property owners, detailed their family's long history with the home and the challenges they faced due to an unethical engineer who misled them regarding permit issuance. Asturias emphasized their commitment to legalizing the construction and contributing to the city’s housing stock, contingent upon retaining the existing structure.
Architect Chad Kellogg presented the case for the project, highlighting changes in neighborhood conditions since 2017 and arguing that the proposal would add much-needed housing units while preserving the building's historic facade. He noted that the project would avoid environmental waste associated with demolition.
Ryan Patterson, also representing the project sponsor, reinforced the argument for approval by citing changes in local law and neighborhood compatibility, asserting that the project aligns with current planning standards and community needs.
The commission's decision on this matter will have implications for the city's ongoing housing crisis, as it seeks to balance regulatory compliance with the urgent need for additional residential units. The next steps will involve further review and consideration of the proposed conditions to ensure the project can move forward responsibly.
The Planning Department expressed support for the addition of dwelling units, aligning with the city’s housing goals. However, they noted that the work had been completed without the necessary permits and did not comply with prior conditions set in a 2017 decision. As a result, the project was deemed non-compliant and not eligible for the Housing Accountability Act protections. The department recommended a discretionary review, allowing the commission to impose conditions on the approval of the building permit to ensure compliance moving forward.
Key conditions proposed included filing final permits within 90 days, submitting a construction schedule, and providing monthly updates on the project's progress. The commission was urged to ensure that all work aligns with planning approvals before final sign-off by the building inspector.
During the meeting, Elena Asturias, representing the property owners, detailed their family's long history with the home and the challenges they faced due to an unethical engineer who misled them regarding permit issuance. Asturias emphasized their commitment to legalizing the construction and contributing to the city’s housing stock, contingent upon retaining the existing structure.
Architect Chad Kellogg presented the case for the project, highlighting changes in neighborhood conditions since 2017 and arguing that the proposal would add much-needed housing units while preserving the building's historic facade. He noted that the project would avoid environmental waste associated with demolition.
Ryan Patterson, also representing the project sponsor, reinforced the argument for approval by citing changes in local law and neighborhood compatibility, asserting that the project aligns with current planning standards and community needs.
The commission's decision on this matter will have implications for the city's ongoing housing crisis, as it seeks to balance regulatory compliance with the urgent need for additional residential units. The next steps will involve further review and consideration of the proposed conditions to ensure the project can move forward responsibly.
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