Entertainment Commission requires upgraded façade glazing and tenant-noise protocol for 1560 Folsom

The San Francisco Entertainment Commission on June 30 unanimously adopted staff-recommended noise-mitigation conditions for a proposed 244-unit rental building at 1560 Folsom Street and added a tenant-facing protocol intended to reduce neighborhood conflicts.

Staff said the project's March 5–9 noise study showed standard thermal windows with a minimum STC rating of 26 would meet the baseline in the city noise rules, but recommended stronger glazing for the busy nightlife corridor. As read into the record by Director Weiland, "the project sponsor shall incorporate upgraded windows with a minimum rating of STC 33 at the facades along Folsom Street and Burns Place into their project design." The commission adopted those technical recommendations and a companion requirement that the developer add specific language to its rules and regulations advising tenants how to respond to noise.

Why it matters: The parcel sits adjacent to several active places of entertainment — including Oasis, Halcyon SF and Audio — and commissioners and venue operators expressed concern that newly moved-in residents could generate complaints that would complicate operations. Project sponsors said they conducted outreach to neighborhood venues and raised their baseline façade performance to reduce the risk of intrusion.

What the commission added: After public comment from nearby business owners and a lengthy commission discussion, Commissioner Thomas moved to accept staff recommendations "with the added language that the applicant shall incorporate into its standard rules and regulations a protocol for noise issues" that (1) advises tenants to check and secure outside-facing windows and openings, (2) asks tenants to contact property management before escalating, and (3) directs tenants to call 311. Commissioner Falzon seconded the motion and it passed by roll call with all members voting yes.

Project details and mitigation: Developers with Latitude 37 said the building would include ground-floor retail, two roof decks, and 244 rental units. They told the commission their baseline window specification exceeded the minimum used in the study and that, "in an abundance of caution," they had increased minimum façade glazing to STC 33 at locations the consultants flagged. Sponsors also agreed to include lease addenda and a specific disclosure notifying future tenants that they are renting in an entertainment and cultural district.

Community concerns and response: Business owners in the chat and callers asked how the building management would triage noise complaints and whether tenant behavior could generate a wave of nuisance calls. One commenter urged a multi-step response so venues would not be overwhelmed. Project representatives said they typically hire institutional managers and would add a protocol and rules to their tenant materials; staff suggested the same three-step protocol be written into the project's rules and regulations as a condition of approval.

Next steps: The commission's action is a referral-level recommendation and formalizes building conditions for the planning process; the project team said construction would not begin until market conditions improve, estimating earliest occupancy could be several years out. The planning commission hearing date will depend on scheduling and the project's entitlement process.