Commission approves 1657–1659 Mason Street addition with staff modifications, 6–1
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Summary
After neighbors argued the proposed three‑unit addition would box in rear yards, the commission approved the Mason Street discretionary review with staff‑recommended changes (shift massing toward west property line, lower overall height, reduce elevator/stair tower), voting 6–1 with Commissioner Braun opposed.
The Planning Commission approved a public‑initiated discretionary review for 1657–1659 Mason Street after extended testimony from adjacent neighbors urging denial.
Staff architect David Winslow recommended approval with several modifications to reduce impacts on the uphill neighbor’s mid‑block rear yard: site the new massing to abut the west property line where it interfaces with an existing tall concrete wall, reduce the overall roof height by approximately 3 feet, reduce the elevator/stair tower from four stories to three (or eliminate where feasible), prohibit a roof deck on the new building and require privacy screening for an existing permitted roof deck on the neighboring building. The recommended changes aim to enlarge the mid‑lot aperture that provides light and air to the adjacent property.
Neighbors and their counsel said the applicant’s drawings omitted the most‑impacted neighbor and requested elimination of the tower and a 15‑foot courtyard consistent with lot‑line courtyard guidance under sections 134H/134F of the code. The applicant said the stair/elevator core is a small footprint (under 200 sq ft) and that design and code requirements make some rooftop equipment and parapet height prudent to avoid future re‑work during building review.
After deliberation, a motion to take the Doctor (discretionary review) and approve the project with the staff modifications passed 6–1, with Commissioner Braun dissenting. The commission emphasized that the modifications are intended to mitigate mid‑block impacts while permitting reasonable infill and adding housing units.
