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Planning Commission approves owner request to remove unauthorized unit at 175 Margaret Ave
Summary
The commission voted unanimously to approve a conditional use authorization allowing the removal of an unauthorized dwelling unit at 175 Margaret Ave after finding the owner made good‑faith efforts to rectify code violations and tenants were no longer present.
San Francisco — The Planning Commission unanimously approved Nov. 6 a conditional use authorization to remove an unauthorized dwelling unit (UDU) at 175 Margaret Avenue.
Planning staff told commissioners the unauthorized unit was last occupied in 2023 and stemmed from a long‑term master tenant who had created a subunit without the property owner’s knowledge. Staff recommended approval on the basis that the owner demonstrated a good‑faith effort to correct code violations and that the house will be restored to single‑family use in the R‑1 zoning district.
The project sponsor, architect Serena Calhoun, and property owner Janet Ju described their efforts to resolve building violations and health and safety issues and noted the owner’s family circumstances. Counsel for the applicant argued the Ellis Act invocation and the unusual tenancy history support approval; planning staff said UDUs are reviewed carefully and, in this case, no tenants remained on site.
Commissioners asked clarifying questions about the long tenancy and the timeline of violations; the owner, Janet Ju, explained that long‑term tenants had been entrusted by her parents and that the family later discovered the unauthorized conversion. Commissioners noted the unusual facts but agreed the record supported approval with conditions.
On the motion to approve the conditional use authorization with conditions, the commission voted 7–0.
