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Planning Commission grants height waiver after city zoning‑map error for 1567 California Street
Summary
A mapping error showed a 65‑foot site as 80 feet. Because the project had been approved under the state density bonus for 80 feet, the commission granted a height waiver to preserve the previously approved 80‑foot design and accepted an increase in on‑site affordable units from 9 to 11.
The Planning Commission unanimously approved an additional height waiver for 1567 California Street after staff disclosed a longstanding zoning‑map error that misidentified the site’s height district.
Staff briefing: Planning staff told the commission that the parcel and about 21 others in the area had been mistakenly mapped at a higher height in recent digital zoning products. The true mapped limit has historically been 65 feet. Because the applicant had previously received state density bonus approval under the understanding that an 80‑foot envelope applied, staff recommended granting a height waiver under the state density bonus law so the project could proceed as approved.
Sponsor response: Steve Vettel, speaking for the project sponsor, said the sponsor submitted the project and went through design review and permitting believing the lot allowed 80 feet and that the sponsor was unaware of the mapping error. Vettel told commissioners the design already includes mitigation such as a 10‑foot wide light well to protect neighboring light and air and that the sponsor had increased the number of on‑site inclusionary units from nine to 11 in response to community requests.
Public comment and vote: Neighbors testified with concerns about massing and views. Planning staff and the sponsor said no other pending approvals on the affected parcels relied on the erroneous height increase. After deliberation the commission voted unanimously to amend the prior conditional use authorization to include the additional height waiver under state density bonus law and approved the package of conditions. The project will proceed to necessary permitting and site permits.
