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Planning commission approves Saint Peter’s-backed Ninth Avenue special-use district for nonprofit offices
Summary
The Planning Commission approved zoning and planning-code changes to create a 43020 Ninth Avenue Special Use District that allows nonprofit general office uses in a rear building, with a staff modification that bars direct on-site services to limit parking/foot-traffic impacts.
The San Francisco Planning Commission voted unanimously to amend the planning code and zoning map to create the 43020 Ninth Avenue Special Use District, allowing nonprofit general office uses in the rear building of the Saint Peter’s Episcopal Church property.
Planning department staff presented the proposal and recommended two key modifications: replace the original language with a clear ‘‘general office’’ use definition limited to nonprofit organizations and explicitly prohibit any direct services on-site that would draw client foot traffic. Ian Fragosi, legislative aide to Supervisor Sandra (Fuer), said the church asked for the change to renovate the rear building and lease space to community-serving nonprofits and supported the staff clarifications to reduce parking and traffic impacts.
Reverend Patricia Cunningham of St. Peter’s (which merged with Trinity Episcopal Church) told commissioners the church has owned the lots since the late 19th century, described the rear structure as underused, and said the congregation favors nonprofit administrative uses to revitalize the space. Neighbors who spoke said they wanted assurances the use would remain nonprofit and that outreach to neighbors would continue.
Commissioner Johnson moved to approve the ordinance with the staff modifications; the motion passed 7–0. The commission adopted the planning-code and zoning-map changes as modified, with the record noting the department’s errata and the public letters passed to commissioners during the hearing.
The approval limits the SUD to nonprofit general-office activity and bans on-site direct services, a restriction staff said is intended to prevent new client traffic in a largely residential block. Staff indicated the modification is intended to preserve neighborhood character while enabling nonprofits to use more-affordable back-of-lot space.
The next steps are administrative: the city must publish the finalized ordinance and update the zoning map. No further legislative action by the commission was scheduled at the hearing.
