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Planning Commission approves 1532 Harrison mixed‑use project with added car‑share and affordability measures
Summary
The Planning Commission approved a 136‑unit project at 1532 Harrison with 22 on‑site inclusionary units, an in‑kind Costa Hawkins agreement, reduced curb cuts and an added car‑share commitment; approval included conditions subsidizing car‑share memberships for tenants and the Entertainment Commission’s noise mitigation.
The Planning Commission on Oct. 8 approved a Conditional Use Authorization for 1532 Harrison, a seven‑story, 136‑unit mixed‑use development in Western SoMa that replaces a surface parking lot and includes 22 on‑site inclusionary (below‑market‑rate) rental units.
Planning staff recommended approval with conditions after reviewing requests for modifications to rear yard, open space, freight loading and curb cut width. The department supported the project’s design, open‑air passageways and additional family‑sized two‑bedroom units but recommended a code‑complying curb cut rather than the sponsor’s requested wider entrance because of alley width constraints.
Build Inc. (project sponsor) described an approach that breaks the mass into three connected buildings with planted garden laneways, 1.0‑to‑1 bike parking, 0.5 car parking ratio (68 spaces) and 22 on‑site affordable units as part of the inclusionary housing requirements. The sponsor said the project would enter a Costa Hawkins agreement for the rental units.
During deliberations commissioners focused on transportation demand management (TDM) measures proposed as CEQA improvement measures. The project sponsor volunteered to subsidize car‑share memberships for residents and provide an on‑site car‑share space. Commissioner Richards moved to approve with conditions that included (1) one additional on‑site car‑share space (two total), (2) approval of a 29‑foot curb cut on Norfolk to permit an at‑grade, neighborhood car‑share stall, (3) limiting improvement‑measure conditioning to the car‑share subsidy (removing a proposed requirement for Clipper passes), and (4) incorporation of the Entertainment Commission’s noise‑attenuation conditions. Commissioner Antonini seconded the motion. The commission voted unanimously, 6–0, in favor.
The approval directs the sponsor to execute the required Costa Hawkins agreement and meet Planning Code requirements related to height bonuses in the Western SoMa split‑height district, and the action reflected the commission’s preference to preserve a public car‑share amenity for neighborhood use while delivering on‑site affordable housing.
