Hillary Zuckerman raises privacy concerns over proposed roof deck project on Fifth Avenue

The San Francisco City Council meeting held on July 4, 2025, focused on a proposed project involving a historic building constructed in 1947. The primary discussion centered around a roof deck addition that has raised privacy concerns from a neighboring resident, Dr. Hillary Zuckerman, who resides at 4420 Fifth Avenue.

Dr. Zuckerman expressed her worries that the new deck would infringe on her privacy. She suggested relocating the deck and stair tower to the southern or eastern side of the roof and removing a window in the stair tower as alternatives. To date, the city has received one letter opposing the project, with no support letters submitted.

City staff reviewed the proposal and confirmed that it complies with the planning code and residential design guidelines. The proposed deck would occupy a portion of the existing structure that is non-compliant due to its location in the required rear yard. However, the code allows for decks on the roof of non-compliant structures, provided they meet specific criteria, such as having open railings and not exceeding height restrictions.

The design was initially sent out for neighborhood notification with a solid guardrail and a stair penthouse that encroached into the required rear yard. Following feedback, the design was revised to feature an open guardrail and a reconfigured stair penthouse that complies with zoning requirements. The proposed roof deck would be situated over 50 feet away from the nearest neighbor, minimizing potential privacy impacts.

City staff concluded that there are no exceptional conditions warranting a discretionary review of the project and recommended moving forward without further delay. The project architect presented aerial views of the existing house and the proposed changes, indicating the location of the new roof deck.

The meeting concluded with no further comments from the public, as Dr. Zuckerman was not present, and the council appeared poised to approve the project based on the staff's recommendations.