Planning Commission approves multiple land‑use actions, including 130 Townsend office project and several residential authorizations

At its Sept. 2 meeting the San Francisco Planning Commission addressed several development projects in addition to the ADU ordinance and high‑profile items. The commission approved entitlements for a multi‑building office project at 130 Townsend Street (including two variances) and granted several conditional use authorizations for residential projects across the city.

Key outcomes:

- 130 Townsend Street (large project authorization, office allocations, variances): Staff described a vertical addition to a contributor building and a new rear building with office and limited retail/PDR space. The commission approved the entitlements and the zoning administrator indicated intent to grant the variances; the roll call showed a 6–0 vote in favor.

- 18 Palm Avenue (conditional use authorization): The commission approved structural and habitable‑space upgrades and an expansion of a 1900 dwelling that required CUA because of interim zoning controls; vote 6–0.

- 480–488 Haight Street (mixed‑use with childcare): Approved 5–1 (see separate article) with added conditions.

- 340 Fell (Rivian service center): Approved 6–0; staff and sponsor emphasized restoration of the historic garage and coordination with local merchants.

- 376 Hill Street and 3757 First Street (residential projects involving demolition/replacement and conditional approvals): Both projects were approved with conditions addressing replacement rent‑controlled units and tree protection; each passed 5–1 with Commissioner Moore dissenting on policy grounds.

- 472 Greenwich Street (garage addition and remodel): Approved 4–2 (Commissioners Imperial and Moore opposed), with the CUA triggered by addition of an off‑street parking space and conditions including a community liaison requirement.

The commission also handled procedural items: continuances for items on the calendar and a one‑week continuance to adopt minutes to Sept. 9 to incorporate clarifying language. Several public commenters urged stronger affordability measures and requested arborist monitoring conditions for projects with deep excavation near mature trees; the commission attached arborist monitoring language where neighbors documented risks.