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Commission continues 788 Arkansas Street demolition/new single-family to April 10, asks sponsor to explore adding a second unit
Summary
The Planning Commission continued action on a demolition-and-rebuild at 788 Arkansas Street and directed the project sponsor to return on April 10 with a redesign that explores adding a second (accessory) unit, citing city policy goals to maximize housing.
The Planning Commission on March 6, 2025 continued consideration of a conditional use authorization for demolition of an existing two-story single-family home at 788 Arkansas Street and construction of a new single-family residence, and directed the sponsor to return April 10 with a redesign exploring a second unit.
Why it matters: Planning staff recommended disapproval on policy grounds because the project would replace an existing single-family home with a new single-family dwelling instead of maximizing the site’s allowed density (the lot is in an RH2 district in a Priority Equity Geography). Commissioners expressed that citywide housing goals and recent policy discussions favor densification when feasible.
Project and staff position: Gabriela Pantojo of Planning described the proposal as demolition of a circa-1910 two-unit (2,300 sq ft) structure and construction of a roughly 4,000–5,000 gross-square-foot single-family home with two off-street parking spaces. The department recommended disapproval because the project would not provide multiple units (the zoning allows two) and would not maximize density in a priority equity geography.
Sponsor comments and support: The property owner, Eitan Fraser, and the project architect said the existing structure is dilapidated, the lot is steep and presents structural constraints, and the owner’s goal is to provide a family-sized, seismically upgraded home. Mr. Fraser said he supports housing production generally and supplied letters of neighborhood support.
Commission direction and vote: Several commissioners asked the sponsor to return with analyses or a redesign that shows whether an accessory or second unit could be achieved without compromising the family-sized dwelling. Commissioner Braun and others supported a continuance rather than denial to give the sponsor time to explore options. The commission voted 6–1 to continue to April 10, 2025; Commissioner Campbell cast the sole dissenting vote.
Next steps: The sponsor will revise plans to test configurations that include a second unit and coordinate with planning staff; the project will be renoticed for the April 10 hearing.
