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Commission approves Certificate of Appropriateness for 651 Scott Street ADUs, 6–0
Summary
The Historic Preservation Commission approved a Certificate of Appropriateness to convert two garage openings into three accessory dwelling units at 651 Scott Street in the Alamo Square Landmark District, subject to staff conditions; a neighborhood resident raised concerns about parking and structural permits during public comment.
Rebecca Salgado, planning staff, presented a Certificate of Appropriateness request for 651 Scott Street (case 16‑10‑367 COA) in the Article 10 Alamo Square Landmark District. The proposal would remove two garage doors on the Scott Street façade and install two smaller true‑divided‑light wood casement windows with brick infill, enabling the creation of three accessory dwelling units.
Architect John Hood presented elevations and explained that the design retains existing brickwork and that the project team consulted multiple brick suppliers and staff on materials. Hood said the design avoids "false historicism" by selecting window proportions appropriate to the facade.
A member of the public, Krista, said she was a neighborhood resident and raised concerns that the conversion would remove two parking spaces while adding three units, would unbalance the elevation and flagged potential open DBI permits and soft‑story seismic upgrade needs. Staff replied that there are no open violations on the property, that seismic retrofit is part of the ADU work and that new bicycle parking will be provided to address parking code requirements.
Commissioners discussed whether the garage doors are character‑defining and suggested detailing options (recessed brick reveal or retained coursing/mortar joints) to read the former openings; project sponsor indicated willingness to recess the infill 2 inches if desired. Commissioner (speaker 10) moved to approve the COA with the staff‑recommended conditions; the motion was seconded and passed unanimously 6‑0.
What’s next: Staff will finalize conditions and the project will proceed through required building permit reviews, including the required seismic retrofit as part of ADU construction.
