Planning commission approves 842 California Street condo project over neighbor objections, 4–3

The Planning Commission approved a conditional use authorization for a proposed eight‑story, 33‑unit condo project at 842 California Street by a 4–3 vote after substantial public comment.

Planning staff described the project as a state density bonus application that would demolish five existing dwelling units (vacant since 2020 in the sponsor’s account), replace those units with five permanently deed‑restricted ownership units priced to serve households at up to 80% AMI, provide 14 family‑sized units among the total, and pay an in‑lieu affordable housing fee of approximately $2,000,000 to meet local inclusionary requirements. Sponsor counsel Steve Battle and architect Cas Calder Smith emphasized the required replacement units and design intent.

Multiple residents urged the commission to deny the project or require major redesigns, citing impacts on views and the historic character of the University Club corner, a perceived oversupply of high‑end units in downtown, questions about the developer’s maintenance of the existing buildings, and the loss of rent‑controlled housing stock. "This will stick out like a sore thumb," one neighbor said, urging commissioners to visit the site.

Commissioners debated the demolition finding (whether the existing buildings are "decent, safe and sanitary"), the constraints of state density bonus law and the Housing Accountability Act, and tradeoffs between adding housing and preserving existing rent‑controlled units. Several commissioners expressed concern about demolishing rent‑controlled units in principle but noted the project replaces them with permanently affordable ownership units and adds net new units. The commission voted to approve the project with conditions; recorded votes were Campbell, McGarry, Braun and President So (Aye) and Williams, Imperial and Moore (No).