Neighbors Oppose Demolition and New Construction at Sixth Street Property

The San Francisco City Council convened to discuss a public request for discretionary review concerning two building permit applications aimed at demolishing an existing two-story single-family residence and constructing a new four-story single-family home with an accessory dwelling unit. The property, located on a 40-foot wide by 114-foot deep lot, currently houses a structure built in 1929, which has been classified as a non-historic resource.

During the meeting, several local residents voiced their concerns regarding the proposed project. The requesters, including Christopher Jones and Ashish Madhavar, along with Peggy and Steve McAllister, expressed that the new construction may violate residential design guidelines. They highlighted issues related to light and privacy impacts, the scale and form of the building, and its compatibility with the existing neighborhood aesthetics.

Despite these objections, the planning department confirmed that the project complies with the relevant codes and design guidelines. The existing house's non-historic status allows for its demolition without additional approvals. The proposed design includes a setback for the fourth floor, which aligns with the scale of neighboring buildings and respects the site's topography.

The planning department noted that the application was submitted prior to the implementation of revised rear yard requirements, thus exempting it from new regulations. The design also incorporates side setbacks and stepbacks to enhance visual accessibility and maintain the functionality of the mid-block open space.

As of now, the department has received one letter opposing the project, with no support expressed from the community. The council's decision on the discretionary review will determine the future of this development and its impact on the neighborhood.