Commission approves 1846 Grove Street project after neighbors cite safety concerns

The San Francisco Planning Commission voted to approve a sponsor‑initiated application to construct two duplexes (four units) at 1846 Grove Street after considering resident opposition focused on safety and access.

Planning staff told commissioners the project complies with the residential design guidelines and noted earlier variances granted in 2020 for the rear‑yard exposure and bicycle parking remain valid. Matt Dito, department staff, said the project was feasible and that pre‑application review with building and fire departments had occurred.

Opponents, represented by John Marquiquetta of the NOPA West Neighborhood Association, said the narrow 3.5‑foot breezeway that provides access to the flag lot is inadequate for the number of units proposed and could impede emergency response. Neighbors pressed the commission for structural safeguards, monitoring and assurances that the site would meet life‑safety standards.

Project architect Troy Kuchanipur and co‑owners said the design incorporated earlier commission modifications, that they had gone through pre‑application review with fire officials and that a fire‑safety consultant had prepared recommendations. The architect said the proposed project had been revised in response to prior commission feedback.

After deliberation, Commissioner Braun moved to not take discretionary review and to approve the project; the motion was seconded and passed (vote recorded as unanimous among the commissioners present on that motion). The department will continue technical review with DBI and fire for building permits.

Next steps: Sponsor to proceed with final technical review and permit submittals; staff noted appeals and variance lapse procedures are available to the public if technical approvals change.