HomeSF project at 4512 20 Third Street approved despite neighborhood concerns over massing and parking

The Planning Commission approved a HomeSF authorization for a 13‑unit, five‑story over‑basement project at 4512 20 Third Street that will provide three on‑site below‑market‑rate units and additional ‘affordable‑by‑design’ units under the HomeSF density bonus program.

Staff (Linda Ajello Hoagland) described the project as an 11,661 sq ft building with family‑oriented unit mix (studios through a three‑bedroom unit), rooftop and shared open space, 13 Class I bicycle parking spaces and no vehicle parking. The project uses HomeSF incentives (extra height and form‑based density) in exchange for 25% on‑site affordable units. Sponsor Andrew Song emphasized the project will be built on a long‑vacant lot and includes public improvements: extension and ADA upgrade of the 20 Third Street connection, retaining wall repair and underground utility modernization.

The public hearing drew many speakers both supporting and opposing the project. Supporters said the project produces desperately needed housing and family units in transit‑connected neighborhoods. Opponents — many immediate neighbors on Corbett Avenue and Argent Alley — raised concerns about the project’s bulk, the use of HomeSF on a parcel they described as “suburban” in character, lack of parking and the small size of some units (several speakers noted 300–400 sq ft units). One frequent request was that the sponsor revert to a lower‑height code‑compliant envelope rather than use HomeSF bonuses to increase height and lot coverage.

Commissioners debated the application of HomeSF to this parcel, the code compliance of the proposal, and the Housing Accountability Act protections for compliant housing projects. Staff confirmed HomeSF eligibility for the zoning district and noted required conditions of approval, while also answering detailed questions about access, emergency vehicle and construction logistics via a major encroachment permit for public‑way improvements. The motion to approve carried, with two commissioners recorded as voting against the approval on policy grounds regarding HomeSF applicability to this lot.