Commission approves garage at 577 Sanchez despite neighborhood appeals and tree‑removal dispute

The Planning Commission voted Oct. 6 not to take discretionary review ("Doctor") and to approve a proposed recessed single‑car garage at 577 Sanchez Street, concluding the project meets applicable planning‑code requirements despite neighbor objections about mature trees and streetscape impacts.

The applicant seeks to excavate beneath the front entry patio to install a 12‑by‑18‑foot garage and remove a street tree and a private juniper. Department staff told the commission the project complies with code and noted the Board of Permit Appeals previously upheld a Department of Public Works tree‑removal permit. The Doctor requester and neighbors presented an alternative garage alignment intended to preserve the juniper and the street tree. Their arborist argued a preserved root ball could save the private tree.

Sponsor representatives and DPW urban forestry staff said root structures and required excavation make the tree preservation unlikely and that the city had already processed and upheld the tree‑removal permit; the sponsor said a replacement street tree will be planted per DPW specifications. Neighbors argued the streetscape character would be harmed if large trees were removed; other neighbors and property owners supported the sponsor and noted similar garage placements on the block.

On balance the commission concluded the proposal did not present exceptional circumstances that warranted discretionary review; it found the proposed design consistent with neighboring garage placements, upheld the earlier administrative process, and approved the project on a unanimous vote. The permit will proceed subject to standard conditions including tree replacement coordination with DPW.