Commission orders design changes to reduce privacy and sunlight impacts at 2375 Funston Avenue

The Planning Commission on April 1 approved a discretionary review request for 2375 Funston Avenue with staff-recommended modifications to reduce rear massing and privacy impacts for a shallower adjacent neighbor.

David Winslow, staff architect, explained that while the proposed two-story rear addition and third-floor vertical addition meet development standards, the project’s third-floor massing would extend beyond an adjacent, shallower property to the north and could reduce light and privacy. Winslow recommended design changes: a 10-foot-6-inch notch from the rear wall and a six-foot notch from the northern side to reduce the peak massing, and a reduced parapet height.

Doctor requester Michael Lane and neighboring residents testified that the proposed windows and decks would look directly into bedrooms and backyards and would reduce afternoon light. Lane asked the commission to eliminate the third floor or significantly reduce massing, add opaque or high transom windows, and limit decks.

Project designer Kenny Yip said the design met code and that transom or frosted windows could be used; he argued sunlight impacts were limited by orientation. After deliberation commissioners favored Winslow’s sculpting approach. The commission amended the staff recommendation to explicitly prohibit converting the notched roof area into an occupied roof deck and required transom windows on the north-facing bedroom windows. The motion to approve staff modifications with these conditions passed unanimously 7-0.

The decision directs the sponsor to revise plans consistent with the notch and window conditions before proceeding to building permit.