Planning Commission approves conditional use to replace rent-controlled rear unit with ADU in Outer Richmond

The San Francisco Planning Commission voted unanimously on March 21 to approve a conditional-use authorization that allows the demolition of a small, rent-controlled rear dwelling and replacement with a new accessory dwelling unit (ADU) in the Outer Richmond.

Jeff Horn of the Planning Department presented Case 2022-011972 CUA for a property on the 500 block of 20 Third Avenue. Horn said the existing rear unit is a one-story, 322-square-foot studio and the proposal is to demolish it and construct a 499-square-foot, one-story ADU 11.5 feet tall under the state ADU program. Horn told commissioners the project meets the ADU program’s eligibility requirements and was cleared as a Class 1 environmental exemption.

Horn also said the demolished unit is rent-controlled and that the project is conditioned to provide a replacement unit with equivalent rent-control protections through a recorded notice of special restrictions. Vivian Kai, representing the project sponsor and identified as being with the city consulting engineers, briefly described the existing dilapidated structure and the sponsor’s intent to provide a code-compliant unit that can be inhabited.

Vice President Moore moved to approve the project with conditions; the motion was seconded and the commission approved it by unanimous roll call (6 to 0). The commission’s approval included the conditions described on the record to preserve the replacement unit as rent-controlled through a notice of special restrictions.

"This project fulfills all the necessary rules," Vice President Moore said during deliberations. The record notes no public opposition and staff found the project cleared under a Class 1 exemption.