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Planning Commission approves demolition and two‑unit replacement at 1868 Greenwich Street
Summary
The commission unanimously approved a conditional use authorization to demolish a rear cottage at 1868 Greenwich Street and build a new four‑story, two‑unit building; staff noted the project increases dwelling-unit count but requires a DPW tree removal permit before site permit issuance.
The San Francisco Planning Commission unanimously approved a conditional use authorization on Oct. 15 to demolish an existing two‑story single‑family cottage at the rear of 1868 Greenwich Street and construct a new four‑story, two‑unit residential building.
Planning Department staff (Chris) told the commission the existing ground‑floor area had previously housed a childcare facility, that the cottage sits approximately 83 feet behind the front lot line, and that the proposal would replace the older dwelling with a larger building that yields a net increase in dwelling units. Staff reported one letter in support and said the department found the project consistent with the objectives and policies of the general plan while noting loss of an older, more naturally affordable dwelling but an overall increase in dwelling-unit density on the site.
Sponsor representative Fabian Renoy of Nova Designs read a letter from owners Val and Marina Balaja describing the family’s need for a larger home (including extended family members) and said a historical consultant concluded the existing cottage lacked historic value. Renoy explained the design rationale and said neighbors at the preapplication meeting generally supported opening the inner‑block space and the proposed replacement.
The proposal includes a five‑bedroom upper unit (presented in staff materials at approximately 5,287 square feet), a ground‑floor two‑bedroom unit (~1,266 square feet), private open space for each unit, two off‑street parking spaces and two bicycle parking spaces. Staff said the project proposes removal of a privately owned front‑yard tree; a tree‑removal permit from the Department of Public Works’ Urban Forestry Division must be issued before the Department of Building Inspection can issue a site permit.
Commissioner Moore said he had reviewed the project carefully and found the design to respect neighboring light wells and not to extend beyond adjoining buildings. Moore moved to approve the project with staff conditions; the motion was seconded and passed on a unanimous roll‑call vote.
Conditions noted on the record include requirements tied to the Planning Department’s standard findings, the DPW tree‑removal permit before site permit issuance, and compliance with climate‑code provisions stated in the presentation. No members of the public spoke on this item during the hearing.
