Planning Commission approves rezoning and conditional use for 5050 Mission PUD in the Excelsior

The commission voted to approve zoning map amendments and conditional use authorization for a Planned Unit Development at 5050 Mission Street, a project that aims to revitalize a commercial corner in the Excelsior neighborhood.

Department staff described the lot consolidation and PUD proposal: demolition of existing commercial buildings and construction of a mixed‑use building of approximately 113,500 gross square feet, ranging from 40 to 60 feet in height, with 61 dwelling units (including nine on‑site affordable units to meet planning code section 3.15), roughly 7,000 square feet of ground floor commercial space intended to accommodate an anchor tenant such as a neighborhood grocery, and 82 off‑street parking spaces with access from Seneca Avenue. Staff said the PUD had been issued a mitigated negative declaration.

Applicant counsel John Sanger and architect Warner Schmalz presented design elements intended to provide a transition in bulk to adjacent housing, create street‑level activation, and add publicly accessible open space. The sponsor emphasized neighborhood outreach and letters of support from local associations.

Public testimony included support from community groups and labor (Carpenters Local 22) and technical concerns from union representatives that were raised and discussed. After deliberation the commission voted unanimously to approve the requested rezoning amendments and conditional use authorization, with standard conditions. Commissioners and staff noted ongoing coordination with neighbors and with environmental review obligations prior to building permits.