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Planning Commission continues Academy of Art's Star Motel conditional-use hearing to Aug. 7 after neighborhood concerns
Summary
The San Francisco Planning Commission on May 1 agreed to continue consideration of a conditional‑use permit for the Academy of Art University's proposed group housing at the Star Motel to Aug. 7 with the public hearing remaining open, after neighbors raised concerns about neighborhood fit, permits and environmental review.
The San Francisco Planning Commission voted May 1 to continue consideration of a conditional‑use permit sought by the Academy of Art University for the Star Motel property, setting the next hearing for Aug. 7 and leaving the public hearing open.
The commission’s decision followed hours of testimony from neighbors and staff. Planning Department staff outlined zoning complexities for the site — which spans Lombard and Greenwich streets and includes parcels in NC‑3 and RH‑2 zoning — and said the Academy’s institutional master plan (IMP) and an environmental review remain outstanding. Scott Sanchez of Planning Department staff told commissioners the project cannot be approved until environmental review is complete and that the IMP remains in process.
Representatives for the Academy, speaking through counsel and Mr. Burke, asked for more time to produce neighborhood mitigation measures and economic analysis. “I’m just asking for time to keep working with you,” Mr. Burke told the commission, urging a continuance so the school could flesh out transportation, neighborhood conditions and a green‑housing plan.
Neighbors and neighborhood groups urged caution. Residents and neighborhood associations described patterns of conversions to group housing across multiple properties, raised worries about parking and noise from rear courtyard garage access, and said some properties were being used as student housing without full permits. Several speakers asked the commission to require clearer data on student housing charges, parking, and compliance before approving the conditional use permanently.
Commission deliberations emphasized the outstanding EIR and IMP work. Commissioners also discussed interim occupancy questions — including when students would vacate for summer — and possible conditions if the commission later approves a permit. After discussion the commission voted to continue the item to Aug. 7 with the public hearing remaining open; the motion passed by a 5–1 margin with Commissioner Seguier voting no.
Next steps: staff will work with the Academy on additional materials requested by the commission, including transportation analysis and information about current student housing practices; the commission will revisit the conditional‑use application at a public hearing on Aug. 7 unless parties request otherwise.
