Board continues Sunset-District duplex conversion appeal to Nov. 15, limits issues for negotiation
November 01, 2023 | 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 San Francisco Board of Appeals on Nov. 1 continued an appeal by Eileen Roddy challenging a permit issued for renovations and a subdivision at 2169 Sixth Avenue (permit to Cindy Chan). The continuation was set for Nov. 15 with a focused scope.
Roddy, whose home abuts the Northern lot created by the proposal, said the Planning Commission's discretionary-review decision required nine specific modifications and that the plans now on file at DBI include new features not present on the DRA-approved set: a small side "pop-out" (a 6-by-2.5-foot projection shown on the DBI plan), a rear second-floor extension she says was added, and a cornice/roof overhang on the front that she says undermines the commission's massing changes. She told the Board she had repeatedly asked planning staff for the plans on file and that she first saw DBI's copy only shortly before filing the appeal.
The permit holder and architect said they worked iteratively with planning staff to implement the Planning Commission's direction and that certain revisions were made to meet the commission's action; they said they would remediate any demonstrable errors and expressed willingness to negotiate on design details. Planning zoning administrator Corey Teague explained that the commission intentionally left some "fuzziness" in its DRA action and entrusted staff to finalize specific dimensions to avoid a third public hearing; staff concluded the final plans met the commission's guidance. DBI said the plans on file meet building-code requirements.
After extended questioning and discussion about communication and process (including COVID-era delays and staff turnover), the Board voted unanimously to continue the matter to Nov. 15. The continuance narrowly limited what the parties shall address before the next hearing: (1) the front cornice/overhang, (2) the side pop-out shown in DBI plans, and (3) the rear pop-out/landing (privacy/extent). The Board directed the parties to work with planning staff and to submit by 4:30 p.m. on Nov. 8 a one-page statement (single or joint) summarizing any agreement and attaching exhibits (plans/graphics) showing proposed changes; if unresolved, the Board will hear 3-minute presentations focused strictly on those items at the Nov. 15 hearing.
Votes at a glance: Motion to continue to Nov. 15, 2023, to allow negotiation on the three specified items carried 5-0 (Transvenia, Lemberg, Lundberg, Epler, Swig).
Why it matters: The case highlights friction that can arise when a planning commission issues concept-level directives at discretionary review and leaves staff to finalize design details; it also demonstrates the Board's willingness to encourage narrow negotiated fixes while preserving appeal rights and DBI's corrective pathway if field measurements are later required.
Roddy, whose home abuts the Northern lot created by the proposal, said the Planning Commission's discretionary-review decision required nine specific modifications and that the plans now on file at DBI include new features not present on the DRA-approved set: a small side "pop-out" (a 6-by-2.5-foot projection shown on the DBI plan), a rear second-floor extension she says was added, and a cornice/roof overhang on the front that she says undermines the commission's massing changes. She told the Board she had repeatedly asked planning staff for the plans on file and that she first saw DBI's copy only shortly before filing the appeal.
The permit holder and architect said they worked iteratively with planning staff to implement the Planning Commission's direction and that certain revisions were made to meet the commission's action; they said they would remediate any demonstrable errors and expressed willingness to negotiate on design details. Planning zoning administrator Corey Teague explained that the commission intentionally left some "fuzziness" in its DRA action and entrusted staff to finalize specific dimensions to avoid a third public hearing; staff concluded the final plans met the commission's guidance. DBI said the plans on file meet building-code requirements.
After extended questioning and discussion about communication and process (including COVID-era delays and staff turnover), the Board voted unanimously to continue the matter to Nov. 15. The continuance narrowly limited what the parties shall address before the next hearing: (1) the front cornice/overhang, (2) the side pop-out shown in DBI plans, and (3) the rear pop-out/landing (privacy/extent). The Board directed the parties to work with planning staff and to submit by 4:30 p.m. on Nov. 8 a one-page statement (single or joint) summarizing any agreement and attaching exhibits (plans/graphics) showing proposed changes; if unresolved, the Board will hear 3-minute presentations focused strictly on those items at the Nov. 15 hearing.
Votes at a glance: Motion to continue to Nov. 15, 2023, to allow negotiation on the three specified items carried 5-0 (Transvenia, Lemberg, Lundberg, Epler, Swig).
Why it matters: The case highlights friction that can arise when a planning commission issues concept-level directives at discretionary review and leaves staff to finalize design details; it also demonstrates the Board's willingness to encourage narrow negotiated fixes while preserving appeal rights and DBI's corrective pathway if field measurements are later required.
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
