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Board finds planning review flawed and denies Verizon permit at 2 Grattan Street
Summary
The Board of Appeals granted appeals from neighbors and denied a Verizon personal wireless facility permit at 2 Grattan Street, concluding Planning had not applied the planning‑protected location standard for the Coal Valley Historic District and that the proposed design created unacceptable visual impact.
The San Francisco Board of Appeals on July 17 granted appeals and denied a permit for a Verizon personal wireless facility proposed at 2 Grattan Street, finding the Planning Department had failed to analyze the project under the planning‑protected location compatibility standard applicable to the eligible Coal Valley Historic District.
Scott Sanchez of the Planning Department told the board that on re‑review staff concluded the site is a planning‑protected location and that the permit’s existing design ‘‘is not one that the planning department can support.’’ Sanchez apologized to the parties for the earlier error and said staff would be willing to review a smaller, redesigned proposal.
Verizon counsel said the company had worked on the application for two years, that technical constraints required certain equipment placements and height clearances, and that smaller radios and alternate designs might reduce visual impact but could reduce coverage or require additional poles elsewhere. Several nearby residents, preservation advocates and appellants presented public‑records excerpts and argued the facility’s 40‑foot height and the combined mass of equipment would significantly detract from the neighborhood’s pedestrian‑scale character.
President Rick Swigg moved to grant the appeals and deny the permit, finding that Planning had not performed the required analysis for a planning‑protected location and that the proposal did not meet the compatibility standard because of height and equipment visual impact. The motion carried 4‑0. The board directed Planning to evaluate revised designs if the permit holder chooses to reapply.
What this means: The board’s ruling voids the permit approval for the 2 Grattan site; Verizon may redesign and resubmit. Commissioners emphasized the city’s goal of objective standards; staff and the Department of Public Works are working on code amendments and objective criteria to guide future decisions.
Key details: Permit in question is recorded as 17WR‑0285; Planning said the parcel lies within an eligible Coal Valley Historic District and should have been treated with the stricter compatibility standard under Article 25’s implementing rules.
