Planning Commission orders changes, takes discretionary review of 55 Retiro Way addition after neighbor concerns

The San Francisco Planning Commission on Oct. 16 voted unanimously to take discretionary review, and directed staff to seek modifications, for a proposed third‑floor addition, roof deck and variance at 55 Retiro Way in the Marina‑adjacent RH‑3 district.

Staff architect David Winslow described the project as a public‑initiated discretionary review of a proposal to add a horizontal and vertical third‑floor addition with a roof deck to an existing single‑family house. Winslow noted the lot’s irregular corner configuration and said the building is a Category A historic contributor to an eligible Marina historic district. He said the proposed addition would increase nonconformity with the rear‑yard requirement under Planning Code Section 134, prompting a variance request.

Deborah Holly, representing neighbors and the Doctor requester, urged denial of the variance and discretionary approval, saying the expansion would materially diminish light, air and privacy for adjacent properties at 12…