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Commission approves pair of two‑family projects on Cesar Chavez after neighbor negotiations; one front deck removed
Summary
After meetings between sponsors and nearby residents and multiple plan changes, the commission approved demolition and two‑unit replacement projects at 4041 and 4043 Cesar Chavez Street, adding four family‑sized units to the block and requiring a deck modification at 4041.
The Planning Commission on March 9 approved two adjacent proposals to replace single‑family cottages at 4041 and 4043 Cesar Chavez Street with new two‑family buildings. Planning staff and project architects described revised designs that aim to maximize permitted density while responding to Residential Design Team (RDT) and neighbor concerns.
4041 will become a three‑story (with a set‑back fourth story) two‑unit building producing two family‑sized apartments. 4043 presented a more contested rear‑yard configuration because of mid‑block nonconforming structures on adjacent lots; the sponsor made multiple adjustments and offered privacy screens, obscure glazing and parapet walls to address privacy complaints.
Neighbors organized a vigorous response, focusing on rear‑yard pop‑outs, additional decks and potential shading of an uphill neighbor’s backyard. After discussion and amendments on the record, commissioners moved to approve both projects with a condition removing a visible front deck at 4041; the motion passed 4‑2 (Commissioners Melgar and Moore opposed), reflecting continued commission concern for neighborhood context and cumulative mid‑block impacts.
Staff noted both projects would increase housing capacity by one net unit each while meeting planning code and design guideline requirements. The decisions include conditions the sponsors agreed to during recent meetings with neighbors (privacy screens and obscured glazing) and standard permit follow‑ups.
