Planning Commission approves conditional use authorization for two new houses at 4034 20th Street
August 26, 2021 | San Francisco City, San Francisco County, California
This article was created by AI summarizing key points discussed. AI makes mistakes, so for full details and context, please refer to the video of the full meeting. Please report any errors so we can fix them. Report an error »
The Planning Commission unanimously approved a conditional use authorization on Aug. 26 to allow demolition of a three‑unit dwelling at 4034 Twentieth Street and construction of two new three‑story houses with accessory dwelling units in Dolores Heights.
Jeff Horn of planning staff presented the project and said the building was determined not to be a historic resource and received a categorical exemption from CEQA. The project would subdivide the 5,700‑square‑foot lot into two 2,850‑square‑foot parcels and construct two code‑compliant buildings with a net increase in units; each building would include an accessory dwelling unit (ADU). Staff reported that post‑hearing corrections to the case file added SB 330 (state Senate Bill 330) compliance details: tenant income reviews showed two units had tenant histories within five years and income levels above the 80% AMI threshold, so replacement units would be rent‑controlled rather than mandated as on‑site affordable units in this case.
Neighbor Bruce Bowen spoke in favor of the project, calling it consistent with neighborhood scale while noting outstanding light and air concerns from an adjacent owner. Project applicant Michael Harris described the family history on Twentieth Street, design features to step back massing, seismic and code upgrades in the new buildings, and the intent that family members occupy new units.
Commissioner Tanner moved to approve the conditional use authorization with conditions; the motion passed unanimously 5–0.
What’s next: Project approval with conditions; applicants will proceed with required permits and compliance with relocation and replacement provisions as set out in SB 330 and local requirements.
Who spoke (first reference with role): Jeff Horn, planning staff; Michael Harris, project applicant; Bruce Bowen, neighbor; Commission President Koppel.
Ending: The motion to approve the conditional use authorization passed unanimously 5–0, and the commission adjourned.
Jeff Horn of planning staff presented the project and said the building was determined not to be a historic resource and received a categorical exemption from CEQA. The project would subdivide the 5,700‑square‑foot lot into two 2,850‑square‑foot parcels and construct two code‑compliant buildings with a net increase in units; each building would include an accessory dwelling unit (ADU). Staff reported that post‑hearing corrections to the case file added SB 330 (state Senate Bill 330) compliance details: tenant income reviews showed two units had tenant histories within five years and income levels above the 80% AMI threshold, so replacement units would be rent‑controlled rather than mandated as on‑site affordable units in this case.
Neighbor Bruce Bowen spoke in favor of the project, calling it consistent with neighborhood scale while noting outstanding light and air concerns from an adjacent owner. Project applicant Michael Harris described the family history on Twentieth Street, design features to step back massing, seismic and code upgrades in the new buildings, and the intent that family members occupy new units.
Commissioner Tanner moved to approve the conditional use authorization with conditions; the motion passed unanimously 5–0.
What’s next: Project approval with conditions; applicants will proceed with required permits and compliance with relocation and replacement provisions as set out in SB 330 and local requirements.
Who spoke (first reference with role): Jeff Horn, planning staff; Michael Harris, project applicant; Bruce Bowen, neighbor; Commission President Koppel.
Ending: The motion to approve the conditional use authorization passed unanimously 5–0, and the commission adjourned.
View the Full Meeting & All Its Details
This article offers just a summary. Unlock complete video, transcripts, and insights as a Founder Member.
✓
Watch full, unedited meeting videos
✓
Search every word spoken in unlimited transcripts
✓
AI summaries & real-time alerts (all government levels)
✓
Permanent access to expanding government content
30-day money-back guarantee
