Commission approves 124 Fillmore stacker garage after neighbors warn of excavation risk

The Planning Commission voted to approve a discretionary review application for a two‑story garage with a three‑vehicle stacking system and roof deck at 124 Fillmore Street after hearing opposition from nearby residents who said the excavation and machinery risk damage to adjacent historic timber structures.

Planning staff noted the proposal was consistent with the residential design guidelines and that a variance originally granted in 2005 for the same scope remains reinstated and valid. The staff report said structural soundness and a construction plan would be verified by the Department of Building Inspection before final permit issuance.

Opponents said the proposed 10‑foot excavation and proximity of a multi‑car stacker raised real risks to neighboring foundations, vibration and noise. Several neighbors and a nearby property owner urged the commission to reject the project or require stronger mitigation and monitoring plans.

Project sponsor David Nail said the zoning allows three parking spaces on site and that he will follow code and best practices; he corrected an earlier public assertion by noting the garage is two stories (not three). A longtime former SFFD plan reviewer (retired) who consulted for the project said building and fire have reviewed the condition and that DBI/Fire have not identified barriers to approval.

After deliberation the commission voted unanimously to not take discretionary review and to approve the project; DBI will verify excavation, structural shoring and vibration mitigation during permit review and will require monitoring and construction plans as necessary.

Next steps: DBI and Fire technical checks and permit issuance; opponents may pursue appeals or seek enforcement if construction causes damage.