Commission approves discretionary review for 2230 Washington Street with modifications, debate over 'flats' policy

The San Francisco Planning Commission approved a discretionary review and building permit modifications for a project at 2230 Washington Street after the project sponsor and the doctor requester reached an agreement on changes to the design.

Staff architect David Winslow described modifications memorialized in revised drawings, including a 7.5‑foot east side setback (starting 10 feet 9 inches from the requester’s rear building wall), lowering the proposed ceiling height from 10 feet to 9 feet, removal of a stair penthouse in favor of a skylight and parapet, and reductions to the roof deck with specified setbacks. The parties asked the commission to formalize those changes as part of discretionary review.

Commissioners asked questions about the department’s interpretation of the residential flats policy, which seeks to preserve full‑width, double‑exposure flats. Staff explained an internal application of the policy that references minimum room widths in the building code (7 feet) to determine whether an altered unit retains sufficient exposure to qualify. Several commissioners expressed concern that a 7‑foot width yields substandard bedroom conditions and suggested the commission may want to revisit how room size standards are applied when evaluating flat preservation.

No members of the public registered to speak on this item. Commissioner Coppell moved to approve the discretionary review with the agreed modifications and Commissioner Diamond seconded. The motion passed 6–1, with Vice President Moore recording the lone no vote. Staff noted its support for the agreed modifications and the commission approved the motion.