Commission declines discretionary review and approves 2011 Filbert Street addition as code‑compliant

The San Francisco Planning Commission voted Jan. 5 not to take discretionary review of a proposal to demolish an existing garage and construct a new four‑story, two‑unit residential building at 2011 Filbert Street.

David Winslow, staff architect, said the project (building permit 2021.0120.2957) would demolish a one‑story garage and construct a four‑story two‑unit building with one car parking space. He said staff found the project complies with the planning code and residential design guidelines and recommended not taking discretionary review.

Neighbor Devin Johnson, the Doctor requester, described impacts to three small neighboring homes and the mid‑block open space, said the proposed four stories would cut sunlight and access to shared open space, and requested removal of the fourth floor or other reductions. Several nearby residents echoed concerns about light, scale and backyard impacts during the public comment period.

Project representatives said they revised design in response to comments (setbacks and other reductions), noted the site’s unusual lot configuration and argued the project remained code‑compliant and consistent with neighborhood scale. Commissioners discussed shadow studies and context; Commissioner Moore said he would have liked a Filbert Street elevation to better assess transition but did not find exceptional circumstances requiring discretionary review.

A motion not to take discretionary review and to approve the project as proposed passed unanimously, 5–0. The decision allows the project to proceed under the code‑compliant review path.