Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Large Project Planning topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Board upholds Planning Commission authorization for 480 Potrero Ave after appeals over height, shadows and neighborhood fit
Summary
The Board of Appeals denied two appeals of the Planning Commission's large-project authorization for a six-story, 75-unit mixed-use building at 480 Potrero Ave, finding the project complies with the Eastern Neighborhoods plan and adopting the planning commission's environmental findings.
The San Francisco Board of Appeals on Nov. 20 denied appeals from neighborhood groups that had challenged the Planning Commission's large-project authorization for 480 Potrero Ave, a six-story mixed-use development approved by the Planning Commission and supported by Planning staff.
Appellants raised concerns about height, shadow impacts on Franklin Square and private yards, tree protections, consistency with neighborhood character and multiple planning-code exceptions (rear-yard, dwelling unit exposure, and ground-floor ceiling height). Neighbors argued the project was disproportionate and would set an undesirable precedent for upzoning.
The developer and counsel presented extensive outreach history, design modifications (unit count reduced from 84 to 75; parking increased from 38 to 49; bicycle parking increased), and shadow studies showing limited park impact. Planning staff explained the large-project authorization process under the Eastern Neighborhoods zoning and the basis for exceptions that allow site-specific design decisions in exchange for meeting code intent.
After deliberation — during which two commissioners recused for conflicts — the board voted 3-0 to uphold the Planning Commission's authorization and adopt its environmental findings and mitigation monitoring and reporting program.
