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Planning Commission approves modified addition at 207 Third Avenue, eliminates proposed third story
Summary
After staff found the proposed three‑story addition 'out of scale' with the block, commissioners supported requiring modifications and ultimately voted to eliminate the third‑story vertical addition and reduce rear depth; motion passed unanimously.
Planning Department staff recommended discretionary review of a proposal at 207 Third Avenue that would add a set‑back third story plus a horizontal two‑ to three‑story rear addition. Staff concluded the combined massing was out of scale with the surrounding two‑story block and recommended modifications: limit third‑story depth to not extend beyond the original rear wall, retain the second‑story parapet, and reduce the horizontal rear addition to 2 stories and 20 feet in depth with 5‑foot side setbacks.
The doctor‑requester, Heng Tsai, testified he opposed the third story, citing shadowing and property impacts; the project sponsor, Sung Chang, described family housing needs. Commissioners—particularly Commissioner Moore—argued a two‑story solution would satisfy the family's needs while preserving neighborhood character. Commissioner Antonini moved to approve with staff modifications and accept an amendment to eliminate the third story; the commission voted unanimously to adopt the motion and to require ongoing architectural coordination with staff.
Why it matters: The vote balances the applicants’ family housing goals against staff analyses and commissioner concerns about scale and neighborhood character; the commission required revisions to the building envelope rather than a full denial.
