Commission approves 4‑unit replacement at 2515 Folsom amid neighbor concerns about decks and parapet

The Planning Commission unanimously approved a proposal to demolish an existing single‑family home at 2515 Folsom and build a four‑unit residential building, after a lengthy exchange about roof decks, parapets and shadow impacts.

Claire Feeney of the Planning Department said the project is fully code compliant, replaces a dilapidated house, and has substantial neighborhood support: staff received 27 letters in support and one in opposition. The sponsor’s attorney, Laura Strazzo, outlined concessions already made during design, including reducing a two‑story rear pop‑out to a one‑story pop‑out with a deck and trimming the penthouse mass.

Neighbors and neighborhood groups asked the commission to require modest changes — eliminate or narrow a second‑floor rear deck, replace a rooftop stair penthouse with a skylight, and reduce a four‑foot parapet to a six‑inch curb — to preserve light and privacy. Project architect and sponsor representatives said a parapet reduction raises buildability and safety issues but signaled willingness to work with staff on limited adjustments such as moving solar panels and refining parapet height at the rear.

Commissioners balanced competing objectives of increasing gentle density and minimizing neighbor impacts. Commissioner Moore pressed the sponsor on possibilities to shift solar panels and reduce parapet length; the sponsor offered to work with staff on feasible changes. Commissioner Koppel moved to approve with the conditions and the commission voted 7–0 to approve the project with direction to continue design coordination with staff and the neighbors.

Staff and the sponsor indicated they will continue to refine details where feasible to reduce the project’s impact on directly adjacent properties while preserving unit open space.