The City of San Francisco held a government meeting on July 4, 2025, to discuss a contentious residential development project that has been under review since 2021. The meeting focused on a proposed three-story addition to a single-family home located in an RH2 zoning district, which has faced significant scrutiny from neighboring residents.

The meeting began with a presentation from the project sponsor, who expressed frustration over the lengthy approval process, which has extended to nearly four years due to various delays, including those caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The owner highlighted the challenges of living in a small home with a growing family while waiting for the project to move forward. He noted attempts to negotiate with neighbors but reported difficulties in communication and cooperation.

Corey Teague, the zoning administrator for the planning department, provided an overview of the project, stating that it complies with all relevant codes and guidelines. He explained that the planning commission had unanimously approved the project after the sponsor made several modifications to address concerns raised during the discretionary review process. These changes included the addition of a light well and adjustments to the building's dimensions to minimize the impact on neighboring properties.

Despite the planning department's assurances, concerns were raised by a neighbor, Mr. Wong, who argued that the project plans contained inaccuracies regarding the height and side setbacks of the proposed addition. He claimed that the building's height was misrepresented and that the side setback was not as depicted in the plans. Teague acknowledged the complexity of measuring building heights and setbacks, noting that discrepancies can arise from differences in measurement points.

The planning department requested that the appeal against the project be denied, asserting that the permit was issued correctly and in accordance with city policies. The meeting concluded with a commitment to further investigate the concerns raised, ensuring that all parties involved have the opportunity to address their issues as the project moves forward.

Overall, the meeting underscored the challenges of balancing development needs with community concerns in San Francisco, highlighting the ongoing dialogue between residents and city officials regarding urban planning and residential development.