Planning commission certifies final EIR for 555 Washington after fierce debate; vote 4–3

The San Francisco Planning Commission voted 4–3 on March 18 to certify the final environmental impact report (EIR) for the proposed 555 Washington Street tower, clearing the way for later entitlement decisions despite objections from community groups and three commissioners. The certification followed hours of public comment and technical testimony about tree risks, bird-strike hazards and shadow effects on nearby parks.

The certification motion, made by Commissioner Antonini, passed with Commissioners Antonini, Borden, Lee and Miguel voting yes and Commissioners Moore, Seguaya and Olague voting no. Opponents argued the EIR still left significant uncertainties about impacts to Redwood Park’s redwood trees, the adequacy of bird-strike mitigation and whether a code-compliant alternative had been properly analyzed. Supporters and project counsel said staff had added clarifying language and mitigation measures in the comments-and-responses record and that the EIR met CEQA requirements.

Why it matters: Certification of the EIR is a CEQA procedural milestone that…