Planning Commission OKs design modifications so Balboa Reservoir Building A can move to construction

The San Francisco Planning Commission on March 13 approved major modifications to the Balboa Reservoir development’s design standards to allow construction of Building A, a six‑story, 159‑unit building that will be 100% affordable.

The commission voted unanimously to approve four requested deviations — courtyard opening height, a ground‑floor height reduction on one frontage, a minor reduction in required entry recess depth for three ground‑floor units, and on‑street rather than an on‑site loading dock — after hearing staff, the project sponsor and neighbors.

The modifications matter because Building A is the final phase‑1 building to complete design review and the approvals allow the project team to pursue tax credits and start construction. Planning staff told commissioners the package balances design intent and practical constraints on a sloping site and supports delivering affordable units sooner rather than later.

Planning Department staff…