The recent San Francisco government meeting highlighted significant concerns regarding a proposed building project that could impact local residents' access to sunlight. A resident expressed strong objections to the new construction, which is set to rise to 31 feet and 3 inches, significantly taller than the existing structure of 24 feet. The resident argued that the new design, featuring a flat roof instead of the current egg-shaped roof, would block approximately 50% of the morning sunlight, reducing their exposure from 90 minutes to just 45 minutes.
The resident emphasized the importance of this sunlight for their property and requested a 3-foot setback to mitigate the impact. They raised questions about the assumptions made in a computer model used to predict sunlight exposure, arguing that real-life observations should take precedence over hypothetical scenarios.
Additionally, concerns were raised about the proposed installation of new windows along the property line, which could compromise privacy and safety. The resident pointed out that existing windows may not qualify as grandfathered under city building codes, as they were replaced without permits. This raises questions about how the city will address these windows in relation to the new construction.
The discussions reflect ongoing tensions between development and residents' rights to light and privacy, underscoring the need for careful consideration in urban planning decisions. The outcome of this meeting may influence future building regulations and community relations in San Francisco.