Planning Commission approves 57‑unit Western SoMa housing project at 755 Brannon

The Planning Commission voted unanimously on Aug. 22 to approve a five‑story, 57‑unit residential project at 755 Brannon Street, a density‑bonus application in Western SoMa that will add family‑sized units and set aside on‑site inclusionary units.

Planning staff summarized the proposal: demolition of a two‑story commercial building and construction of a roughly 45,564‑square‑foot residential building with 57 units, 5,699 square feet of usable open space and no off‑street vehicular parking. Under the state density bonus law the sponsor elected to provide more than the minimum affordable set‑aside on site and will pay affordable housing fees on bonus units.

"This project will make a positive contribution to the city's housing goals," said Ashley Breakfield, counsel for the sponsor. The project team described the site layout, widened rear yard along Butte Place and a plan to provide generous bicycle parking and neighborhood‑oriented ground‑floor features.

Neighbors asked for a short continuance to resolve concerns about foundation protection and service locations; the sponsor said structural and permit details are handled at the building‑permit stage and offered to work with neighbors on foundation, trash placement and construction logistics. The project secured support from local Filipino community groups for public‑realm commitments including public art and wayfinding.

The Commission found the project consistent with the Western SoMa community plan and planning code, and voted 7–0 to approve with conditions, including standard building and construction protections and mitigation for adjacent properties.

Next steps: the sponsor will proceed to building permits and implement agreed neighborhood mitigation measures.