Planning Commission denies conversion of two rental units to church at 1814-1816 Anza Street

The Planning Commission unanimously denied a proposal to convert a two-unit, circa-1915 residential building at 1814-1816 Anza Street into a 120-seat church for Canaan Lutheran Church. Planning staff recommended disapproval because converting the building would remove two dwelling units subject to the Rent Ordinance and could create new noise, parking and traffic impacts in a residential neighborhood.

Members of the congregation and leaders from the adjacent Zion Lutheran Church testified about decades of shared space, community services (tutoring, senior assistance and social programs) and their need for a permanent home. Several senior congregants and community volunteers gave personal testimony about the church's social services. Neighbors expressed concern about amplified sound, the loss of housing, and potential traffic consequences, and noted the site had been vacant prior to the church's purchase.

Commissioners acknowledged the congregation's community contributions but said the code and the city's policy priorities for preserving rent-controlled housing constrain the commission's discretion. Commissioners encouraged the congregation and staff to work together to identify alternative commercially zoned or existing religious properties and suggested staff provide earlier guidance before property acquisition. The motion to disapprove passed 6-0.