Neighbors press Planning Commission over early-morning Whole Foods deliveries and rooftop noise

Residents of the Haight–Ashbury neighborhood told the San Francisco Planning Commission on July 21 that early-morning deliveries and rooftop HVAC noise from the Whole Foods store at 690 Stanyan are disrupting sleep and daily life.

Susan Latham, a resident at 1965 Page Street, said deliveries and staging as early as 3:30 a.m. block sidewalks and traffic and create what she called a "factory-like" noise directly under bedroom windows. Carl Russo, another neighbor, added that 24-hour rooftop compressor noise and HVAC vibration have persisted since the store opened and that store managers have stopped responding to requests for further mitigation after claiming compliance with legal limits.

Vince Malta, who manages the neighboring building for its owner, said tenants have given notice to move and that the owners have already installed double-pane windows in an effort to reduce disturbance. Calvin Walsh of the Haight–Ashbury Neighborhood Council said the community believes the store is violating conditions of approval for loading and start times, and he urged the commission to press staff and the store to find an amicable solution.

Commissioners expressed concern and asked staff about enforcement options. Planning Department staff said the enforcement team has the matter under review, is organizing a meeting, and could pursue a notice-of-violation process if warranted. Commissioner Gordon suggested an informational hearing in the fall so the commission and public can be updated after staff completes fact-finding and, if applicable, enforcement steps.

The commission did not take formal action on the matter at the July 21 hearing. Staff told the commissioners they would continue investigation and follow up with enforcement staff; commissioners asked that affected neighbors continue to supply evidence and suggested an informational hearing could be scheduled once the enforcement process has progressed.