Commission approves COA and variances for Frank M. Stone House to add second dwelling

The Historic Preservation Commission voted unanimously Sept. 18 to approve a certificate of appropriateness and related variances for alterations at 1348 South Van Ness Avenue (the Frank M. Stone House, city landmark No. 74), allowing a vertical addition above an existing carport to create a second dwelling unit.

Department staff presented the project and noted the plans submitted in the packet were revised to replace an inadvertent aluminum window labeling with wood windows and to clarify metal handrail details. Staff said the revised plans, which include painted wood siding and vertically oriented windows, respond to draft conditions of approval and preserve the main landmark’s character while locating the addition on the existing carport footprint. The department received no written comments in support or opposition before the hearing and recommended approval.

Architect David Darling said the block contains many nonconforming properties and described how the proposal follows the neighborhood pattern on the rear yard while preserving visibility of the landmark on the primary street. He also noted the historic memorandum referred to the project as an ADU, but the proposal is technically a second dwelling unit because the ADU path did not allow the necessary deviations from side‑yard setback requirements.

Woody Labounty of San Francisco Heritage spoke in support, saying the project demonstrates how a landmark property can be modified to add dwelling units compatibly. Commissioner Foley moved to approve; the motion carried 5–0. The acting zoning administrator said staff are inclined to grant the requested variances with standard conditions.

The commission’s approval allows the project to proceed through final planning approvals subject to standard conditions associated with variances and the COA.