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Board upholds denial of variance at 2 Joy Street; appellant's parking plea rejected
Summary
The San Francisco City Board of Appeals unanimously denied an appeal by Molly Williams challenging a variance denial for rear-yard parking at 2 Joy Street, finding no legal hardship and upholding the zoning administrator's decision.
The San Francisco City Board of Appeals on April 16 upheld the Zoning Administrator's denial of a variance request for parking at 2 Joy Street, voting 5-0 to deny the appellant's appeal.
Appellant Molly Williams described a steep driveway, a narrow garage and safety concerns that she said made on-site parking necessary. "I had talked to the zoning administrator, and they said to get a smaller car," Williams said, describing practical difficulties with her existing garage and saying a parking pad would allow her to avoid taking on a loan or switching vehicles.
Zoning Administrator Larry Badner told the board the department did not find the hardship required to grant a variance, emphasized open-space and usable-yard concerns for the substandard lot, and noted that the site had previously benefited from variances. Badner said the department believed other modifications could allow parking without eliminating required open space.
Commissioners discussed the record and whether new evidence justified overturning the administrative determination. Commissioner Knox moved to uphold the zoning administrator's denial; the board voted 5-0 to deny the appeal and uphold the variance denial.
What happens next: The variance denial stands; the permit holder and neighbors should follow normal appeal and permit processes if they pursue further action.
