Commission approves up to 896,323 sq ft Prop M/E office allocation for Potrero Power Station with conditions
October 21, 2021 | San Francisco City, San Francisco County, California
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The Planning Commission voted to approve an office allocation request from the Potrero Power Station project sponsor that uses Prop E/Prop M job‑housing balancing rules to allow office development while requiring delivery of affordable housing and other community benefits.
Monica Giacamucci (Planning Department) told the commission the requested allocation of up to 896,323 square feet would be deducted from the large cap over the following 10 years and trigger an obligation to produce housing credits and/or units consistent with Prop E. Under the development agreement (DA) and Prop E rules explained by the sponsor’s counsel, the allocation equates to a long‑term obligation of roughly 725 affordable housing units/credits over the DA term; the DA itself requires approximately 522 physical BMR units on site under its formula.
Project sponsor Tina Chang (Associate Capital) and counsel Jim Abrams outlined the project’s benefits package, including a first‑phase 100% affordable building at a prominent corner, open spaces, a 25,000 sq ft YMCA‑partnered community center, historic preservation elements and substantial infrastructure work. Chang stressed ongoing community engagement in Dogpatch and Potrero Hill.
Commissioners asked about possible delays, monitoring and revocation authority. Zoning Administrator Corey Teague and staff noted the adopted motion contains an annual reporting requirement to the planning director, monitoring language and an ability for the director and commission to call informational hearings if development or required affordable housing delivery fails to progress. Teague said longstanding DA and Prop M mechanics build in cycles and that revocation remains an option if the commission concludes the allocation is not being diligently pursued.
The motion passed unanimously. Staff will finalize the motion’s numeric placeholders and continue coordination with the city attorney on conditions and reporting language.
Monica Giacamucci (Planning Department) told the commission the requested allocation of up to 896,323 square feet would be deducted from the large cap over the following 10 years and trigger an obligation to produce housing credits and/or units consistent with Prop E. Under the development agreement (DA) and Prop E rules explained by the sponsor’s counsel, the allocation equates to a long‑term obligation of roughly 725 affordable housing units/credits over the DA term; the DA itself requires approximately 522 physical BMR units on site under its formula.
Project sponsor Tina Chang (Associate Capital) and counsel Jim Abrams outlined the project’s benefits package, including a first‑phase 100% affordable building at a prominent corner, open spaces, a 25,000 sq ft YMCA‑partnered community center, historic preservation elements and substantial infrastructure work. Chang stressed ongoing community engagement in Dogpatch and Potrero Hill.
Commissioners asked about possible delays, monitoring and revocation authority. Zoning Administrator Corey Teague and staff noted the adopted motion contains an annual reporting requirement to the planning director, monitoring language and an ability for the director and commission to call informational hearings if development or required affordable housing delivery fails to progress. Teague said longstanding DA and Prop M mechanics build in cycles and that revocation remains an option if the commission concludes the allocation is not being diligently pursued.
The motion passed unanimously. Staff will finalize the motion’s numeric placeholders and continue coordination with the city attorney on conditions and reporting language.
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