San Francisco is set to welcome a new residential development that will provide 113 housing units, including 29 one-bedroom and 84 two-bedroom apartments. This project, located within the mixed-use residential zoning district and the Soma Pilipinas Cultural District, aims to address the city's pressing housing needs while adhering to the Central Soma Housing Sustainability District (HSD) guidelines established in 2018.
The project is notable for its commitment to affordable housing, as it plans to allocate 15% of its units for very low and low-income households, exceeding the minimum requirement of 10%. To achieve this, the project team is utilizing a state density bonus program, which allows for increased residential density in exchange for providing more affordable units.
In addition to its housing component, the development will include 51 class 1 and 8 class 2 bicycle parking spaces, as well as one off-street loading space. However, it will not feature any off-street vehicular parking spaces, aligning with the city’s goals to promote sustainable transportation options.
The project is currently undergoing the ministerial HSD approval process, which mandates that it be approved without discretion if it meets the planning code requirements and applicable mitigation measures. The planning director is expected to issue a written decision within 20 days following the informational hearing, where the design of the project will be discussed.
While the department received one inquiry regarding the proposal, there has been no significant public opposition noted. The design team has already made revisions based on feedback from the planning department's design staff, indicating a collaborative approach to the project’s development.
This initiative represents a significant step towards increasing affordable housing options in San Francisco, reflecting the city’s ongoing efforts to address housing shortages and promote inclusive community development.