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Commission denies discretionary review request and clears rear‑addition and restoration at 3737 20th Street
Summary
After neighbor objections to a proposed modernized facade and a modest rear extension on a Category A historic resource, the commission sided with staff and the project sponsor’s plans to restore original redwood siding, add a limited rear extension and create multigenerational living space, approving the permit.
The commission considered a public‑initiated discretionary review of a building permit for 3737 20th Street, a Category A historic resource. The requestor, an adjacent neighbor, asked the commission to overturn staff’s preliminary recommendation and deny the permit because the sponsor’s submitted front elevation appeared out of character with the row of four matching Edwardian houses.
Sponsor representatives explained the scope: modest rear‑yard extensions (basement through third floor), new roof dormers set back to minimize visibility, restoration of exposed redwood tongue‑and‑groove siding on the front facade and replacement of windows with double‑hung wood windows consistent with the block. The sponsor emphasized reuse of existing envelope where possible and that much of the additional square footage came from previously non‑habitable spaces (basement and garage). Sponsor counsel and architect said outreach efforts were made and work had been adjusted to reduce visibility of new roof elements.
Neighbors opposed the proposed front elevation and urged a restored facade consistent with surrounding homes; several neighbors recounted their own restoration work and expressed concern about preserving historic character. The applicant's team said they would restore the revealed redwood siding and avoid inventing new historic ornamentation, aligning with Preservation Department guidance.
After public comment and sponsor rebuttal, commissioners accepted staff analysis that the changes conform to design guidelines, preservation standards and the planning code, and the discretionary review request was denied (i.e., staff approval stood).
