Planning Commission rejects dwelling‑unit merger at 3827 California Street, keeps two units

The Planning Commission on Sept. 7 voted 4–1 to disapprove a proposed merger of two dwelling units at 3827 California Street and to take discretionary review of the application, while signaling no objection to interior or envelope work so long as two separate units remain.

Staff presented case 2005.1149D and explained the property’s permit history, noting a legally problematic second unit was added decades ago without a parking variance. The project sponsor argued the family needs interior access and parking solutions and described design constraints; project sponsor Jeremy Paul said the basement layout and interior stair were designed to accommodate a future in‑law unit for an elderly relative.

Neighbors and several commissioners said the unit functions as an independent and desirable rental that contributes to housing supply, particularly in a largely single‑family district. "Parking is extremely difficult being across from the hospital," Leanne Napolitana, the property owner, said, describing routine 20–30 minute searches for street parking and stating the family’s need for side‑by‑side access.

Commissioners debated two issues: whether the lower unit is a functional tenant unit and the appropriateness of eliminating a rental in a neighborhood where similar small units are scarce. Commissioner Seguaya moved that the commission take discretionary review and disapprove the dwelling‑unit merger while not objecting to the project’s proposed expansion if two units are retained; the motion passed 4–1, with Commissioner Antonini dissenting.

The commission directed staff and the project sponsor to pursue design alternatives that could maintain two units while improving access and parking. No permit was approved for the merger. The commission’s action preserves the existing count of housing units while allowing further design work on the property’s envelope and circulation.