Commission approves certificate of appropriateness for Volmer House at 1737 Webster; variance remains pending

The Historic Preservation Commission approved Dec. 6 with conditions a Certificate of Appropriateness for the Volmer House at 1737 Webster Street (Bush Street Cottage Row historic district), while the zoning administrator took the separate variance request under advisement.

Planning staff recommended approval of a carefully pared design that adds a fourth‑story vertical addition set back from the facade, a rear horizontal extension, and limited rear openings. Michelle Taylor said the project meets Article 10 and Secretary of the Interior standards and that new materials on additions will match historic composition, color, texture and finish.

Project sponsors Harlan and Audrey Crystal described numerous design refinements intended to minimize the street‑facing visual impact, including lowering interior ceiling heights and recessing the top floor behind a parapet. San Francisco Heritage (Woody Labounty) said the organization, which holds a conservation easement on the property, supports the proposal as revised.

Zoning Administrator Corey Teague cautioned that the variance is a distinct evaluation from the COA: the variance requires meeting five legal findings and is complicated here because previous variances and the building’s earlier relocation change the traditional hardship rationale. Teague noted the rear addition and a proposed rear peak height exceed certain rear‑yard height limits and that variance findings will require careful analysis.

The commission approved the Certificate of Appropriateness with the condition that any variance determination or subsequent alterations that change visible or preservation‑relevant elements must be returned to HPC. The action passed with the votes needed by the commissioners present (4–0 quorum for that item). The zoning administrator closed the public hearing on the variance and will take the item under advisement.

Next steps: the zoning administrator will adjudicate the variance request; if his decision requires design changes visible from the public right‑of‑way, the project must return to the Historic Preservation Commission.