Commission approves two neighborhood projects after public objections

SAN FRANCISCO — After contested hearings that drew neighbors on both sides, the Planning Commission voted unanimously March 3 to decline discretionary review and approve two residential expansion projects: a rear/third‑floor addition at 64920 Eighth Street and a three‑story rear addition at 450 Myra Way.

64920 Eighth Street: The public‑initiated discretionary review was filed by neighbor Ravi Sadaran (transcript: "Ravi Sadaran Sadaran Ghani"), who said the proposed 3‑story addition would exceed height and setback expectations, block light and air to an accessory dwelling unit and violate earlier conditions limiting decks on upper floors. The neighbor requested alternatives including reducing height by six feet, matching setbacks, and relocating decks. The homeowner’s representative, Chris McMahon, and the applicant’s architect, Mr. Perlman, said the project conforms to the residential design guidelines and that mitigations (stepped‑back upper floors, articulation and shared light wells) address impacts. McMahon described the project as a family “forever home” for a couple with young children.

The DR requester and other public commenters questioned demolition calculations, deep excavations for lower‑level bedrooms and whether rooms below grade meet DBI rules. The project sponsor rebutted, accusing the objector of seeking to protect views and alleging the objector offered money and catered meals to influence design changes; the sponsor repeated the phrase "catered meals" during rebuttal. Commissioners reviewed design and context and ultimately voted 6–0 to not take discretionary review and approve the project as proposed.

450 Myra Way: Neighbor Mary Fitzpatrick and seven nearby residents argued the proposed rear addition is too deep for the mid‑block open space and requested an alternative design that would shift massing into a side yard to reduce depth. Supporters and several neighbors said the house has fallen into disrepair and the proposed renovation is compatible with the block. The planning department reported five letters in opposition and 11 in support. After deliberation, commissioners voted 6–0 to decline discretionary review and approve the proposal.

What’s next: Both approvals concluded the commission’s calendar for the day. The approvals mean the department will proceed with permitting consistent with the commission’s determinations; any appeals or other filings would follow existing appeal processes.