The San Francisco Planning Commission has approved a significant expansion project for a local educational institution, which will add approximately 182,000 square feet of new facilities, including flexible educational spaces, a chapel, and dining areas. The proposed addition will rise to 40 feet, matching the height of the existing main academic building, and will be set back 36 feet from the North property line, adjacent to the Sunset Community Garden.

The project, located on a 1.9-acre site at 30 Seventh Avenue, seeks a modification to the rear yard requirement, proposing a setback of 25 feet and 6 inches instead of the standard 30%. This modification is necessary due to existing school facilities that are currently noncompliant with zoning regulations established in 1966.

In a notable aspect of the project, the institution plans to remove dormitories that have never been rented out, as they fall under a category exempt from rent stabilization laws. The commission has granted an extended timeline for the project’s implementation, allowing five years to secure building permits and a strict 20-year limit for completing the construction.

Community response has been mixed, with approximately 35 letters of opposition received, primarily from members of the Sunset Community Garden, who express concerns about potential impacts on light and air quality. Conversely, the project has garnered support from around 100 letters, indicating a significant divide in community opinion.

The commission concluded that the project aligns with city objectives, paving the way for enhanced educational facilities while addressing community concerns through careful planning and modifications. As the project moves forward, stakeholders will be closely monitoring its impact on the surrounding area and the community at large.