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Commission approves condo conversions at 875 Post Street over opposition; variance passes 5-2
Summary
The commission approved a conditional use and variance for 875 Post Street that would convert part of a building into four condominiums while leaving supportive SRO housing above; the variance passed 5-2 after questions about tenant amenities, condominium common-area rights and use of existing space for tenant services.
The San Francisco Planning Commission voted to approve a conditional use permit and a related variance for 875 Post Street, allowing four condominium units on the ground floor while the upper floors remain SRO/supportive housing. The conditional use passed on roll call; the variance passed 5-2 with Commissioners Sue Lee and Christina Olague recorded in opposition.
Opponents argued the conversion could reduce tenant protections and eliminate opportunities for on-site tenant amenities. Robert Damelli and tenant representatives said the project would close off possible improvements for SRO residents and could shift building governance toward condominium interests. "Without the ability to cook in your room, without the ability to make your own meals, without the ability to do your laundry in a convenient manner, it just makes all the difference in the world," a tenant representative testified.
Project proponents and the applicant's attorney said the project creates four middle-income units, proposed no new parking and would activate a currently vacant ground-floor space. The sponsor also reported outreach to Tenderloin Housing Clinic about possible amenity space but said funding and staffing for such amenities were not available.
Commission debate focused on compatibility between supportive housing and market-rate condominiums, the legal mechanics of condominiumization with a leasehold operator above, and whether conditions could or should require tenant-serving amenities. City staff and the project attorney described the ground-floor condominiums as legally separate condominium parcels that would not confer ownership rights to the upper-unit owner-operator. The commission adopted conditions clarifying property subdivision and required documentation to protect SRO tenants' rights.
Outcome and next steps: The conditional use was approved (roll-call recorded as affirmative) and the variance was approved 5-2. Commissioners asked staff to ensure permit conditions clarify condominium documents and protect the leasehold and service arrangements for the Tenderloin Housing Clinic-operated units.
