Planning commission approves Or Shalom synagogue in Bernal Heights after compromise to protect housing option

The Planning Commission voted Feb. 1 to approve a conditional use authorization for Or Shalom Jewish Community to occupy a two'story mixed'use building at 331''33 Cortland Avenue in Bernal Heights.

Or Shalom leaders said the congregation has been renting space for decades and purchased the Cortland property to establish a permanent, community'serving home. "We are a congregation representative of the diversity of San Francisco," board president Matt Rudolph told the commission.

Staff initially recommended denial under Planning Code ' 317 because a second'floor dwelling unit had been converted to commercial use and restoring the dwelling would preserve rental housing. Staff'level analysis cited policy priorities to preserve existing rental dwelling units.

After more than 160 letters of neighborhood support and testimony by local faith leaders and interfaith organizations, commissioners sought a compromise that preserved the city's housing priority while recognizing the congregation's community role. Staff prepared an alternative motion that the commission adopted: the CUA is approved with conditions including a requirement that if the institutional use ends or the building becomes vacant, any subsequent nonresidential use would require discretionary review before the commission, making the path back to nonresidential uses subject to commission scrutiny.

Commission President Diamond explained the balancing test that guided the decision: the commission must weigh the loss of a single housing unit against the demonstrable community benefits the proposal would provide. Supporters argued Or Shalom would activate the Cortland Avenue corridor and provide interfaith, social-service and cultural programming; the project sponsor also noted that a rear cottage on the site would remain residential and is currently occupied.

The commission'approved motion passed unanimously. The zoning administrator also granted a bicycle parking variance with standard conditions.

What it means: The decision preserves a pathway for small community-serving institutions to occupy long'standing commercial or quasi'commercial spaces in neighborhood corridors, but it includes a procedural safeguard to ensure any future nonresidential use must be justified to the commission rather than becoming de facto permanent without review.