Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Unit Merger topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Planning Commission denies owner’s request to merge two rent‑stabilized units at 2722 Folsom
Summary
The Planning Commission disapproved a proposed merger of two legally existing ground‑floor units at 2722 Folsom, finding no public benefit and noting the likely displacement of tenants and loss of a rent‑stabilized unit.
The Planning Commission voted on Dec. 21 to disapprove an owner’s request to merge two legally existing ground‑floor units at 2722 Folsom Street. Planning staff had recommended disapproval after finding the units were legalized in the 1970s and that a merger would eliminate dwelling units subject to the city’s rent‑stabilization ordinance and would displace current tenants.
Staff told the commission that a site inspection confirmed the two ground‑floor units had legal certificates dating from 1975 and that additional unauthorized units discovered during review had no path to legalization and were removed. Department staff emphasized city policy encourages preserving legal housing units and increasing, not shrinking, the overall housing supply.
Several tenants and neighbors testified in opposition, describing long‑term occupancy and the prospect of displacement. The commission accepted the department’s recommendation and voted to disapprove the proposed unit merger; the motion passed unanimously.
Planning staff said the decision reflects city priorities to preserve rent‑stabilized housing and to avoid eliminating legal units without a demonstrable public benefit.
