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Planning Commission splits on ordinance for Apple Union Square project; approves downtown authorization subject to Board action
Summary
The commission split 3–3 on a proposed code amendment tied to the Apple/300 Post Union Square project but later approved the Section 309 downtown project authorization by a 5–1 vote and the zoning administrator stated he would likely grant a transparency variance; the project drew intense public comment over CEQA, the Ruth Asawa fountain and public plaza design.
The Planning Commission on Feb. 6 heard a contested proposal to amend the Planning Code to allow partial demolition and reconstruction of a nonconforming "secondary structure" at 300 Post Street — the site of a proposed Apple flagship store and reconfigured plaza that would relocate the Ruth Asawa fountain.
Planning staff said the narrow code amendment was intended to apply to a single parcel and would require the commission to make findings under Planning Code Section 309 before allowing a qualifying project. Elizabeth Waddy, Planning Department staff, summarized the ordinance language and the design approvals needed for project review.
Project sponsor Apple described a design that reduces the height of the retail portion, reshapes the plaza and preserves the Ruth Asawa…
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