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Commission approves 626 Thirtieth Street addition after neighborhood debate
Summary
After extensive neighborhood testimony, the Planning Commission approved a third‑floor addition at 626 Thirtieth Street, finding the proposal consistent with guidelines and the existing block pattern; the motion passed 4–1.
The Planning Commission on Sept. 7 approved a proposed third‑floor addition and front horizontal expansion at 626 Thirtieth Street (case 2006.0327D) after a lengthy public hearing in which adjacent neighbors argued the addition should be moved toward the street to reduce mid‑block open‑space impacts.
Four neighbors and a group of nearby residents organized to ask the commission for discretionary review on grounds that the addition would intrude into the mid‑block open space and adversely affect light, air and privacy. Speakers repeatedly said that a compromise — moving the new third story forward by several feet — would substantially mitigate the impacts.
Project sponsors and supporters contended the house is set unusually far back on a flag lot and the addition is modest (about 642 square feet), would not extend beyond the existing footprint into the mid‑block open space, and that moving the addition forward would dramatically increase construction cost and circulation area with little program benefit. "We would be content with the third story being moved forward by only 7 feet," Stanley Morris, a nearby owner, told the commission as part of a neighborhood presentation advocating for mitigation.
Staff analyzed the alternatives and recommended approving the addition as proposed on the grounds that the lot and existing nonconforming placement present exceptional circumstances and that the addition’s massing and setbacks satisfy the residential design guidelines.
After debate, the commission declined to take discretionary review and approved the project as submitted by staff, with a 4–1 vote (Commissioner Olague opposed). Staff will continue to work with the neighborhood and applicant on implementation details.
