Planning Commission approves routine items, grants continuances and makes several discretionary decisions

SAN FRANCISCO ' The Planning Commission on Jan. 16 handled a number of procedural and land-use items: it approved consent calendar projects, granted continuances for several calendar items, set a February hearing for a contested Sixth Avenue proposal, and took discretionary actions on two residential remodeling projects after public comment.

Key outcomes and votes:

- Continuances for calendar items: The Commission voted to continue Items 1, 2, 3A and 4 to the dates recommended by staff (motion made from the dais; motion passed by recorded aye votes from commissioners). The zoning administrator will continue Item 3B to the date specified.

- Consent calendar: The Commission approved Items 5 and 6 (conditional use authorization at 1633 Taraval Street and an office development authorization at 410 Townsend Street) by roll-call vote; the motion to approve passed unanimously 5-0.

- Item 12 (1320 Sutter Street): Staff recommended approval of a conditional use authorization for a new formula-retail furniture business (Court). With no public comment, Commissioner Bridal moved to approve with conditions; the motion passed (vote recorded as 4-0).

- Items 13a/13b (39520 Sixth Avenue): Following testimony from the project team and substantial neighborhood opposition about outreach, scale, and demolition of affordable housing, the Commission voted to continue the matter to Feb. 20, 2014. The continuance motion passed 4-1 with Commission President Fong voting no.

- 238 Eureka Street (discretionary review): After neighbors raised concerns about bulk, light and character, the Commission voted to take discretionary review and approved a modified design. The approved motion required a modest roof-pitch change (to a 6:12 pitch) and reduced the third-floor rear deck depth by 4 feet; the motion passed unanimously 4-0.

- 15 Allison Street (discretionary review): The Commission took discretionary review and approved the project subject to a recorded Notice of Special Restriction that the property remain a single-family dwelling, and with other minor conditions intended to protect rear-yard light and privacy; the action passed unanimously.

These votes reflect a mix of routine approvals and responses to community concerns; in several cases the Commission ordered continuances to allow additional outreach or to give staff time to address technical questions. Several items will return on later agendas with revised materials and, where applicable, staff recommendations.