Commission approves conditional use authorization to remove unauthorized unit at 19 Heron Street

The San Francisco Planning Commission on May 25 approved a conditional use authorization to remove a large, unauthorized dwelling unit on the second floor of a two‑story commercial building at 19 Heron Street in Western SoMa.

Planning Department staff presented the project and said the unauthorized unit occupied approximately 3,200 square feet and the building is a contributing historic resource in the Western Soma Light Industrial and Residential Historic District. Staff said the sponsor initially pursued legalization but concluded it was not financially feasible and proposed reverting the space to production, distribution and repair (PDR) use, consistent with the Western SoMa Area Plan and the general plan.

Project sponsor representative Mark Bucarelli said the building is structurally unsuited for residential use, that nine single‑room occupancies had been cleared out and that the building is now vacant. Commissioners questioned enforcement steps and staff confirmed an enforcement case is open and that a notice of enforcement is on file; a formal Notice of Violation (NOV) had not been recorded but conditions of approval will be recorded on title. Staff said they could coordinate DBI enforcement planners for final inspection prior to certificate issuance.

Commissioner Braun moved to approve the CUA with the amendments submitted by staff; the motion passed unanimously. The adopted conditions require the owner to follow the department's enforcement process until removal is complete; staff said the NOV would be recorded if the owner failed to comply.

The commission underscored the need for field verification and follow‑up to ensure the removal is completed before any future sale or change in use.