Historic Preservation Commission reviews new design standards for San Francisco buildings

The San Francisco Historic Preservation Commission meeting on March 19, 2025, spotlighted significant discussions surrounding the city's preservation design standards, particularly their application to new construction and historic buildings. Commissioner Salgado opened the dialogue by acknowledging improvements in the standards but raised concerns about the absence of a provision allowing the planning director to approve a 10% change without further commission review, a practice noted in previous versions.

Salgado emphasized the need for clarity in the language of the standards, particularly regarding how they apply to new constructions adjacent to historic buildings. She suggested that the document should explicitly state that preservation design standards do apply to additions on contributing buildings, even if those additions are substantial. This clarification aims to prevent confusion for those referencing the standards for guidance.

Commissioner Sucre expressed gratitude for the collaborative efforts with the American Institute of Architects (AIA), highlighting the valuable feedback received from architects that helped shape the standards. He reiterated the importance of these guidelines as a tool for balancing the preservation of historic resources with the need for housing development in the city.

The commission also discussed the ongoing evolution of the standards, with Sucre noting that the document would remain a "living document," open to revisions based on real-world applications and feedback from the community. The commissioners acknowledged the complexity of applying these standards to different categories of properties, particularly category A versus category B, and the potential need for further discussions in upcoming joint hearings with the planning commission.

As the meeting concluded, there was a consensus on the importance of these standards in protecting San Francisco's historic buildings while providing clear guidelines for homeowners and developers. The commission plans to revisit the standards in six months, allowing for public input and further refinement. This proactive approach aims to ensure that the standards effectively serve both preservation goals and the needs of the community.