Ordinance amending the Planning Code to add a new Appendix Q to Article 10, Preservation of Historical, Architectural, and Aesthetic Landmarks, to create the Alert Alley Early Residential Historic District; affirming the Planning Department’s determination under the California Environmental Quality Act; and making public necessity, convenience, and welfare findings under Planning Code, Section 302, and findings of consistency with the General Plan, and the eight priority policies of Planning Code, Section 101.1.

This ordinance establishes the Alert Alley Early Residential Historic District within the Planning Code's Article 10, aiming to preserve the historical, architectural, and aesthetic character of 21 properties in the Mission Dolores neighborhood. The district, centered on Alert Alley and Landers Street, includes properties on 15th, 16th, and Dolores Streets (Assessor's Block 3557), with 18 contributing and 3 non-contributing buildings. Its period of significance is 1890-1910, reflecting pre- and post-1906 Earthquake development, including unique small-scale homes and multi-family 'Romeo Flats', and buildings associated with the Dolores Street Fire Line.

Key Provisions & Review Standards:

• Character-Defining Features: Focuses on exterior elements like elevations, rooflines, historic doors, windows, materials, setbacks, and architectural details (e.g., Italianate, Classical Revival, Queen Anne styles). Interior features are not regulated.
• Review Process: Establishes a tiered review system for exterior changes:
  • Certificate of Appropriateness (HPC hearing): Required for major alterations (e.g., vertical additions, garage insertions), demolition, and new construction.
  • Administrative Certificate of Appropriateness (Planning Dept staff): For minor alterations not explicitly exempted.
  • Exemptions (No C of A required): Includes installation of solar panels, replacement of non-historic windows (with wood), ordinary maintenance, rear yard decks/stairs, and cladding replacement on non-visible rear facades. Paint colors are explicitly not regulated.

Approvals & Consistency: The designation was initiated by Supervisor Mandelman (March 25, 2025), recommended by the Historic Preservation Commission (October 15, 2025, Resolution No. 1496) and the Planning Commission (October 23, 2025, Resolution No. 21857). Both commissions found the ordinance consistent with the City's General Plan and housing policies, including meeting the Regional Housing Needs Allocation, by encouraging conservation while allowing for housing production and preservation. It is exempt from CEQA review and located within the American Indian Cultural District.

Property owners within the Alert Alley Early Residential Historic District will have new regulations governing exterior alterations, additions, and new construction, requiring permits and review to maintain the neighborhood's historic character. However, many common updates like solar panel installation, non-historic window replacement (with wood), and rear yard modifications are explicitly exempt from the most stringent review, providing flexibility for residents.

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