Historic Preservation Commission approves changes at 621 Waller Street and recommends non-renewal of Mills Act

In a recent meeting of the San Francisco Historic Preservation Commission, significant discussions centered around the Certificate of Appropriateness for 621 Waller Street, a historic residence built in the early 1900s. The commission revisited this item, initially discussed in March 2022, to evaluate proposed renovations and legalizations of unpermitted work on the property.

The project sponsor has submitted revised plans that include essential site improvements and regrading of the front walkway. The proposed renovations aim to address a planning enforcement case related to unpermitted work, which includes the reconstruction of front entry stairs, repairs to decorative railings, and the addition of new skylights. Notably, the project also seeks to legalize alterations made to the rear of the building, such as new window openings and fencing.

The property is under a Mills Act historical property contract, which mandates specific rehabilitation work to maintain its historical integrity. While some work has been completed without permits, city staff found that most of it aligns with the Secretary of the Interior's standards for rehabilitation. However, two skylights that were added without permits will be removed to comply with these standards.

The commission received no public letters of support or opposition regarding the project, although there was an inquiry from the Debose Triangle Neighborhood Association. Staff recommended approval of the project with conditions that ensure compliance with both enforcement issues and the Mills Act requirements. These conditions include timelines for permit issuance and regular updates on construction progress.

In addition to the Certificate of Appropriateness, the commission discussed a resolution recommending the non-renewal of the Mills Act contract for the property. This contract, which provides tax benefits, automatically renews unless a non-renewal notice is issued. The commission expressed a desire to limit the contract to a 10-year term to balance the benefits against costs to the city. If the resolution is approved, it will be forwarded to the Board of Supervisors for consideration.

The property owner requested a continuation of the non-renewal resolution until August 17, citing their absence due to vacation. The commission's discussions highlight the ongoing efforts to preserve San Francisco's historical architecture while navigating the complexities of property regulations and community interests. The next steps will involve further review by the Board of Supervisors, where the implications of the commission's recommendations will be assessed.