Planning commission presses Academy of Art University on illegal conversions, asks city attorney to explore enforcement

San Francisco planning staff on Tuesday told the Planning Commission they have documented a range of land‑use, sign and life‑safety problems tied to the Academy of Art University and urged faster action to resolve outstanding violations.

Scott Sanchez and other department staff briefed the commission on the Academy’s Institutional Master Plan (IMP) and related environmental review. Staff reported dozens of properties converted to academic or group‑housing use without the conditional‑use approvals required by the Planning Code and said some building permits and sign permits are on hold pending resolution of underlying use entitlements. Staff identified two recent acquisitions — 460 Townsend Street and 950 Van Ness Avenue — and a proposed Gerald Avenue site for bus storage that will require further review.

During public comment speakers, including long‑time critic Sue Hester and representatives from labor groups, accused the Academy of repeatedly acquiring buildings through limited liability companies, converting them to dormitory or academic use, and undermining rent‑controlled housing and safety requirements. IBEW Local 6’s Joel Coppell told the commission he found numerous open electrical permits and “public safety, fire alarm issues” that merit deeper review.

Commissioners pressed staff on next steps. Commissioner Will Lee asked for a mechanism to “put their feet to the fire” and recommended bringing the Academy’s board and director to a hearing. Commissioner Mike Antonini and others argued for more collaboration with the Board of Supervisors. City Attorney Kate Stacy told the commission the city attorney’s office will help staff define possible enforcement pathways and that, if the commission chooses, a closed session under the Sunshine Ordinance could be scheduled to discuss whether to initiate litigation.

Staff said the IMP will incorporate transportation material from the Academy’s draft EIR, and that a biological/transportation scope is being finalized. Academy representatives told the commission they are preparing permit applications and working with the planning department; an Academy representative stated some sign permits would be refiled immediately.

The commission did not take a formal enforcement motion at the hearing. Commissioners directed staff to consult with the city attorney and return with options including deadlines, potential hearings or enforcement referrals so the commission can consider next steps.

The commission’s next procedural step was not specified at the hearing; staff said they will report back once they and the city attorney have evaluated enforcement options.