Commission finds Transbay Block 2 amendments consistent with general plan, clearing path for 335 affordable units

The San Francisco Planning Commission on Dec. 1 adopted general‑plan consistency findings for amendments to the Transbay redevelopment plan that will allow larger floor plates above 85 feet on Transbay Block 2—an amendment staff said is needed to enable a two‑building, fully affordable development on the site at 200 Folsom.

Staff context and recommendation: Planning staff (Matt Snyder) explained the amendment increases permitted floor‑plate sizes at specified heights (raising certain floor‑plate caps from 7,500 square feet to 11,100 square feet between 85 and 144 feet, and to 9,200 square feet for higher tiers) to enable the proposed massing. Staff concluded the amendments are consistent with the general plan’s urban design, recreation and open space, and housing elements and noted the project will produce 335 rental homes—151 units for seniors and 184 family units—with roughly 35% of units affordable in the Transbay area.

Project features: Kim Obstfeld of the Office of Community Investment and Infrastructure (OCII) described the Block 2 program as two separately financed but coordinated buildings—2 West (senior) and 2 East (family)—with no vehicular parking, class‑1 secure bicycle parking, and ground‑floor retail including a childcare facility expected to serve about 45 children. OCII and the Transbay advisory committee previously approved related entitlements; staff said the EIS/EIR addendum found limited incremental shadow impacts (0.8% on the planned Block 3 park) and no new significant environmental effects beyond those already studied.

Commission action: Commissioners asked technical questions about whether the amendment targeted both buildings or only the East building’s floor‑plate. Staff clarified the amendment applies to the East building’s revised controls while noting the increased massing enables the full project feasibility; the commission amended the motion language to clarify that the findings enable the project and voted 6–0 to adopt the findings.

Next steps: With the Planning Commission’s findings, the project team will seek the Board of Supervisors’ approval of the redevelopment plan amendment; staff anticipated construction starting in 2024 with completion in 2026, contingent on subsequent approvals and permitting.