Oakland Planning Commission denies major variance to expand self-storage at 1205 Franklin Street

The Oakland Planning Commission voted 3-2 on Oct. 15 to deny a major variance request that would have allowed Tidewater Capital to convert roughly 7,000–7,500 square feet of second- and third-floor office space at 1205 Franklin Street into self or mini storage.

Heather Klein of the City of Oakland Bureau of Planning told commissioners staff reviewed the proposal and found it inconsistent with adopted plans for downtown. “The proposal does not meet the general plan policies, objectives, [the Downtown Oakland Specific Plan] or the required major variance findings,” Klein said, recommending denial unless commissioners identified specific findings staff had erred on.

The applicant argued the building’s existing operation and economics created a unique hardship. Kyle Winkler of Tidewater Capital said the building is already predominantly used for storage, described preservation of ground‑floor retail and a proposed five‑foot interior circulation path to protect historic windows, and said the change would help reactivate the property. “We take our responsibility in Oakland seriously, and we are invested in its recovery,” Winkler said. John Keflin of Rubin, Janice and Rose added that the building is “uniquely appropriate for the proposed variance,” noting the existing infrastructure and tenant base.

Commissioners questioned both sides on vacancy and classification data, design details and who would benefit from additional lockers. Staff emphasized the code’s major‑variance criteria require a practical, physical hardship and cautioned that economic conditions alone do not meet that standard. Commissioners also debated precedent: several members said granting this change would weaken conditions attached to the building’s earlier variance and risk opening the door to spot rezonings, while others said downtown’s post‑COVID realities and high storage demand merit flexibility.

Three public speakers addressed the commission during public comment, including business owner Assan Jasmine, who said Tidewater “was an anchor in supporting small businesses in Oakland” during the pandemic and voiced support for the application. Former commissioner Michael Cobruno urged the commission to weigh the broader context and developer’s long‑term investment in the city.

After deliberation, Commissioner Owen Lee moved to affirm the staff recommendation to deny the variance; the motion, seconded by Commissioner Aaron, passed on a roll‑call vote: Aaron — Yes; Lee — Yes; Randolph — No; Rob — No; Vice Chair Sandoval — Yes. The decision is appealable to the Oakland City Council within 10 days.

The commission approved routine minutes and adjourned at 4:52 p.m. The case record shows the staff report, applicant materials and public correspondence will remain available online and the denial may be appealed to City Council, which can be expected to receive any appeal within the statutory 10‑day window.