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Commission approves CUA for 249 Texas Street to replace unauthorized unit with two rent‑controlled units
Summary
By a 5–2 vote the Planning Commission approved a conditional use authorization for 249 Texas Street to demolish an unauthorized unit and build a code‑compliant four‑story building with two rent‑controlled units, with staff citing SB 330 replacement requirements.
The Planning Commission approved a conditional use authorization on June 13 for a project at 249 Texas Street that would replace an existing structure containing one legal dwelling unit and one unauthorized dwelling unit with a four‑story building containing two rent‑controlled units. Planning staff presented the project as code‑compliant and consistent with the General Plan and the Housing Accountability Act. Staff noted both units are protected under the Housing Crisis Act (SB 330) and therefore the replacement units will remain subject to rent control.
Planning staff (Ella Symansky) said neighbors and the project sponsor had reached an agreement with organized opposition since the item was last heard on May 23; staff nonetheless recommended approval because the project meets planning code requirements. The project sponsor emphasized the elevator and unit changes were included from the outset and that staff had vetted the feasibility of legalizing the lower unit; the sponsor said legalization was not financially feasible given required seismic upgrades and excavation.
Public comment raised concerns about impacts to the adjacent rent‑controlled building at 251 Texas Street and about bedroom exposure and ceiling heights. In deliberations Commissioner Koppel moved to approve, the motion was seconded and passed 5–2, with Commissioners Imperial and Moore voting no.
The approval was recorded with stated conditions. The motion passed 5–2 and included findings necessary for a CUA under the planning code.
