San Francisco Real Estate - Residential

San Francisco Garage Construction "Moratorium" a False Alarm, at Least for Now

The San Francisco Association of Realtors overreacted somewhat when they reported previously that the City was considering a moratorium on garage additions to existing buildings. Here's what was reported today.

"Reports that the Planning Commission was planning to impose a moratorium on the issuance of all permits to add a new garage to an existing residential structure, reported in last week's REALTOR® Advantage Online, proved to be somewhat exaggerated. Here's the story:

During the public comment portion of a recent Planning Commission meeting, questions were raised regarding the standards the department uses in reviewing permit applications for the construction of new garages in existing structures, both in structures identified as potential historic resources and structures not so identified. Concern was expressed that permit applications for new garages were typically being approved over-the-counter by the planning staff when a more thoroughgoing review was appropriate.

"As a result of these concerns, two Draft Zoning Administrator Bulletins have been prepared. If and when these bulletins are issued, they will formalize the review process for new garages in existing structures—historic and otherwise. In the coming weeks, the draft bulletins will be the subject of discussion at future meetings of the Planning Commission.

"For the present, there is an unofficial policy in effect which will allow permit applications for garages in building 50 years old or less to be approved over-the-counter. Garages in older buildings will require a more thorough review."

- San Francisco Association of Realtors

posted by SFResidence.com @ 6:52 PM