Commission approves several housing projects, including 530 Turk and 27 Alvarado, and grants discretionary review with modifications for 2919 Webster

The Planning Commission on Dec. 7 acted on multiple housing applications, approving a mix of larger density-bonus projects and smaller infill proposals.

530 Turk Street (Case No. 2022-003812 CUA): Planning staff presented a 13-story residential building with 88 units using the state density-bonus program, providing 13 on-site inclusionary units (eight affordable at 80% AMI), 35 off-street parking spaces and bicycle parking. After public comment (including construction-labor concerns), Commissioner Catherine Moore moved to approve the conditional use authorization and findings; the motion passed unanimously, 7 to 0.

27 Alvarado Street (Case No. 2022-5084 CUA): Owners proposed demolition of a rear garage and construction of a new four-story building to increase density from four to six units on a 5,700-square-foot lot. The commission heard supportive public comment emphasizing family retention and reuse of an underutilized lot; the commission approved the conditional-use authorization unanimously.

2919 Webster Street (Case No. 2023-000276 DRP): A public-initiated discretionary review challenged a proposed rear addition and upper-level deck that a neighbor said would intrude on privacy. The sponsor revised the plan during the hearing to pull the fourth-floor deck back roughly 3'1/2 feet and reduce openings; planning staff recommended memorializing that modification. The commission voted unanimously to take the discretionary review and approve the project as modified, noting the concession addressed neighbor concerns.

Commissioners praised developers that have a record of delivering housing and asked staff to continue monitoring construction outcomes and applying clear, objective standards as ministerial programs expand under new state laws.