Committee advances planning‑code changes on setbacks and ADU alterations

The committee considered an ordinance to amend multiple provisions of the Planning Code related to building setbacks on narrow streets, front‑yard and rear‑yard requirements in residential districts, and to clarify that specified alterations to nonconforming structures to create accessory dwelling units (ADUs) are not subject to Section 311.

Supervisor Mandelmann urged the committee to forward the item with a positive recommendation after a week of review and amendment. Chair Erin Peskin proposed an exemption for the North Beach/Telegraph Hill Residential Special Use District and noted clerical page changes that the deputy city attorney said were necessary. Several members of the public provided technical input: Tom Radulovich of Livable City suggested adding notes to zoning control tables (209.1 and 209.2) to make alleyway height limits clearer; Karen Curtis (speaking as a private citizen with AIA background) urged ensuring the attic‑height amendment could apply to any use and cautioned about blanket increases in setback minima that could limit ADU sizes.

The committee took one amendment on the floor, discussed whether additional cross‑references required referral to planning staff for cleanup, and ultimately sent the item as amended to the full Board with a positive recommendation.

What happens next: staff will reconcile the page/section references before the Board hearing and the ordinance will appear on the July 23 Board agenda.