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Neighbors appeal CEQA exemption for proposed four‑story home at 617 Sanchez; Planning Dept. defends review

3006326 · April 16, 2025
AI-Generated Content: All content on this page was generated by AI to highlight key points from the meeting. For complete details and context, we recommend watching the full video. so we can fix them.

Summary

Neighbors and engineers urged the Board to require further environmental review of a proposed four‑story house at 617 Sanchez Street, citing slope stability, hazardous fill and historic concerns; Planning staff said the project qualifies for a categorical exemption and building‑permit reviews will address geotechnical issues.

The Board of Supervisors heard extensive public testimony Dec. 1 in an appeal of the Planning Department’s categorical exemption for a proposed project at 617 Sanchez Street in Dolores Heights. Appellants — neighbors and a civil engineer — asked the board to reverse the exemption and require a full environmental review under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), citing site slope, soils borings and possible hazardous fill from historic grading as well as historic‑resource questions.

Appellant Joerg Rathenberg said a modest 113‑year‑old house proposed for demolition had ties to long‑time African American and LGBTQ…

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