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Caselli Ave. permit continued after rent‑control and demolition legality flagged
Summary
A conditional use authorization to replace an unauthorized rear unit at 160 Caselli was continued to allow the City Attorney to review whether demolition and replacement would remove rent-controlled units; the project sponsor said the rear structure must be demolished for safety and proposed a larger two-unit replacement.
The commission took public comment on a conditional use authorization for 160 Caselli Avenue, which would demolish an existing unauthorized rear unit and replace a single-family front building with a new 3-story, two-unit house — a net gain of one legal unit.
Project counsel said the rear unit was built without permits and has structural and ceiling-height problems; the architect and owner said the rear structure must be demolished and replaced with a safer, larger unit. The project sponsor, Ben Wright, described family needs for more usable, code-compliant living space and backyard area for children.
Neighbors and rear-lot property owners urged preservation of the rear cottage as affordable housing and raised questions about rent-stabilization status and community character. Planning staff recommended disapproval if the project effectively removes rent‑controlled units without mitigation.
The Commission asked the City Attorney to clarify whether the proposed demolition and new construction would remove rent‑stabilized units and whether a Costa Hawkins accommodation or other covenant could preserve tenant protections in perpetuity. With that legal review outstanding, the commission continued the matter to April 12 to allow the city attorney to advise on rent-control implications and possible mitigation.
