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Commission approves large detached ADU at 1229/2952 Fifth Avenue over neighborhood objections, 5–2
Summary
The commission approved a detached 2,615 sq ft, four‑story accessory dwelling unit (ADU) at 1229 Fifth Avenue under the local ADU program despite neighbors and community groups arguing the proposal is oversized, not accessory, and would impede rehabilitation of two rear rented flats. Vote: 5–2.
The Planning Commission approved a local ADU application for 1229/2952 Fifth Avenue after extensive public comment and debate over whether the proposal fits the local ADU program.
Staff explained the project would remove an existing one‑story two‑car garage at the front of the lot and construct a detached 2,615 sq ft, four‑story single‑family dwelling at the front, leaving two rear flats on the lot to be preserved and later renovated. As a local ADU under Planning Code section 207.1, the proposal required a density waiver (the site already contains two units per the department’s records) and deed restrictions tied to the local ADU program. Staff concluded the proposal is code‑complying with the local ADU program and recommended approval.
Community groups (SPEAK) and neighbors argued the proposed ADU is outsized for the neighborhood, not accessory to the primary dwelling, would remove parking and block light to an adjacent historic 1904 house, and could be used as a high‑end sale rather than affordable housing. Eileen Bogan (SPEAK) called it a "mega‑mansion" rather than an ADU and urged reducing the height and adding affordability conditions. Reverend Margo Campbell Gross and other neighbors described the rear flats as currently uninhabitable and warned that building to the property line could preclude practical renovation of the rear units.
Project architect Toby Morris and sponsor counsel responded that the project fits the local ADU program, preserves two rear rent‑controlled flats and provides mid‑lot open space between structures, and that phasing of renovations is possible. After deliberation, the commission voted to approve the local ADU and not to take discretionary review; the motion passed 5–2 with Commissioners Williams and Imperial opposed.
