Commission approves conversion of 1776 Green St. auto garage to five housing units with bike‑parking condition

The Planning Commission approved a proposal to convert a historic 1914 auto repair garage at 1776 Green Street into five family‑size residential units (and a future accessory dwelling unit), together with variances triggered by conversion of nonconforming areas, and attached a condition requiring additional bicycle parking.

Planning staff said the project retains historic exterior walls, includes a two‑story vertical addition, and preserves 2,265 sq ft of private usable open space; the common roof deck was removed during revisions and the elevator penthouse lowered. The department found the project consistent with the general plan and explained CEQA issues tied to previously recorded leaking underground storage tank records; staff concluded a “common sense” exemption applied given oversight by public‑health remediation.

Project architect Georgiana South Cleeman described preservation measures, the two‑story addition set back from the historic facade, restoration of pilasters and replacement of roll‑up doors, and neighbor outreach. Public comment included both neighbors opposing variances for front/rear setbacks and other neighbors supporting additional housing and the sponsor’s outreach.

Commissioners debated privacy, setback triggers caused by converting nonconforming space to residential use, and access to light and air. Commissioner Tanner proposed and the commission adopted an amendment requiring a total minimum of 15 bicycle parking spaces for the project (an increase from the five originally proposed), with up to 10 of the additional spaces allowed to be vertical; the sponsor indicated they could accommodate the change. The motion to approve the conditional use and associated variances with the added bike‑parking condition passed unanimously 7–0.

The zoning administrator closed the public hearing and indicated intent to grant the variance with standard conditions.