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Commission approves modest floor-area increase at 77 Van Ness to secure on-site below-market units
Summary
The Planning Commission approved a staff-recommended modification to a previously authorized 8‑story project at 77 Van Ness that grants approximately 4,000 square feet of additional floor area in exchange for six on-site below‑market‑rate units; commissioners encouraged neighborhood-serving ground-floor retail and required verification of a First Source hiring agreement.
The Planning Commission voted to allow a modest increase in floor area for a previously approved project at 77 Van Ness Avenue so the sponsor can provide six below‑market-rate (BMR) units on-site.
Staff presentation: Kelly Amder, staff planner, told the Commission the originally approved 8‑story building included 50 units (with six BMR units) and that design refinements and a partial basement had added roughly 4,000 square feet. Under section 124 of the Planning Code, the additional floor area tied to on-site BMR units may be treated as exempt from base FAR limits.
Sponsor and public comment: Project counsel David Silverman said the sponsor will locate the BMR units on-site and that the change does not alter the building envelope—only the allowable floor area. Jim Salinas of Carpenters Local 22 testified in favor of on-site BMRs and urged hiring that benefits local workers.
Commissioner guidance and conditions: Commissioners encouraged neighborhood-serving active retail at the ground floor and sought assurance that a First Source hiring agreement would be in place prior to permit release. Staff said approvals predated some First Source amendments but pledged to secure the agreement and not issue building permits without it.
Vote: The motion to approve the modified project, with the encouragement to provide neighborhood-serving active retail and to ensure a First Source hiring agreement, passed unanimously by recorded 'Aye' votes.
