Commission recommends code changes to allow larger architectural projections and a new bay‑window waiver

San Francisco — The Historic Preservation Commission on Sept. 12 voted to advisory‑approve proposed changes to Section 136 of the Planning Code to allow greater flexibility in architectural projections and to add a zoning administrative waiver for certain bay‑window designs.

Audrey Beckus of the Planning Department explained the proposal would remove the current “horizontal projection” restriction and increase allowable projection dimensions from the existing 3‑foot/1‑foot standard to 4 feet at any level, enabling architects to propose vertical or diagonal projections without first seeking a variance. The department also proposed a new administrative review path so bay‑window designs that fail one or more numeric criteria in Section 136 could be reviewed by the zoning administrator rather than through the variance process.

Architects in the room supported the change as a way to preserve and encourage high‑caliber architectural design while preserving citizens’ appeal rights. Planning staff clarified that affected neighbors retain appeal routes — permit appeals to the Board of Appeals and discretionary review — and that design review guidelines and context‑sensitive tailoring would still apply.

Maya Small, planning staff working on the proposal, said the intent was to address dimension constraints that sometimes prevent appropriate bay‑window designs on narrow frontages and to streamline review where a variance is not the most appropriate remedy. Commissioners agreed the change would give staff and the zoning administrator more practical tools and would help preserve historic and modern design character.

The commission voted unanimously to recommend approval to the Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors; the measure will be considered by those bodies as part of the code‑amendment process.