• FILE NO. 251100
ORDINANCE NO. 14-26
[Planning Code - Landmark District Designation - Chula-Abbey Early Residential Historic
District]
Ordinance amending the Planning Code to add a new Appendix P to Article 10,
Preservation of Historical, Architectural, and Aesthetic Landmarks, to create the Chula-
Abbey 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.
NOTE:
Unchanged Code text and uncodified text are in plain Arial font.
Additions to Codes are in single-underline italics Times New Roman font.
Deletions to Codes are in s:rikethret.-gh iUtlics Times Plew R0menf011t.
Board amendment additions are in double-underlined Arial font.
Board amendment deletions are in strikethrough Arial font.
Asterisks (* * * *) indicate the omission of unchanged Code
subsections or parts of tables.
Be it ordained by the People of the City and County of San Francisco:
Section 1. CEQA and Land Use Findings.
(a) The Planning Department has determined that the actions contemplated in this
ordinance comply with the California Environmental Quality Act (California Public Resources
Code Sections 21000 et seq.). Said determination is on file with the Clerk of the Board of
Supervisors in File No. 251100 and is incorporated herein by reference. The Board of
Supervisors affirms this determination.
(b) Pursuant to Charter Section 4.135, the Historic Preservation Commission has
authority "to recommend approval, disapproval, or modification of landmark designations and
historic district designations under the Planning Code to the Board of Supervisors."
Supervisor Mandelrnan
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
Page 1
(c) On October 15, 2025, the Historic Preservation Commission, in Resolution
No. 1497, adopted findings that the actions contemplated in this ordinance are consistent, on
balance, with the City's General Plan and with Planning Code Section 101.1 (b) and
recommended that the Board of Supervisors adopt the proposed amendments. A copy of said
Resolution is on file with the Clerk of the Board of Supervisors in File No. 251100, and is
incorporated herein by reference. The Board adopts these findings as its own.
(d) On October 23, 2025, the Planning Commission, in Resolution No. 21858, found
that the proposed Planning Code amendments contemplated in this ordinance are consistent,
on balance, with the City's General Plan and with Planning Code Section 101.1 (b), particularly
the provision of housing to meet the City's Regional Housing Needs Allocation. In addition, the
Planning Commission recommended that the Board of Supervisors adopt the proposed
Planning Code amendments. A copy of said Resolution is on file with the Clerk of the Board of
Supervisors in File No. 251100 and is incorporated herein by reference.
(e) The Board finds that the proposed Planning Code amendments contained in this
ordinance are on balance consistent with the City's General Plan and with Planning Code
Section 101.1 (b) for the reasons set forth in both Historic Preservation Commission
Resolution No. 1497, and Planning Commission Resolution No. 21858, which reasons are
incorporated herein by reference.
(f) Pursuant to Planning Code Section 302, the Board of Supervisors finds that the
proposed ordinance designating the Chula-Abbey Early Residential Historic District will serve
the public necessity, convenience, and welfare for the reasons set forth in Historic
Preservation Commission Resolution No. 1497 and Planning Commission Resolution
No. 21858, which are incorporated herein by reference.
(g) The Board of Supervisors hereby finds that the Chula-Abbey Early Residential
Historic District has a special character and special historical, architectural, and aesthetic
Supervisor Mandelman
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
Page 2
interest and value, and that designation as a Landmark District will further the purposes of and
conform to the standards set forth in Article 10 of the Planning Code.
Section 2. The Planning Code is hereby amended by amending Article 10 to add
Appendix P, to read as follows:
APPENDIX PTO ARTICLE 10
CHULA-ABBEY EARLY RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT
Sec. I. Findings and Purposes
Sec. 2. De~nation
Sec. 3. Location and Boundaries
Sec. 4. Relation to Planning Code and the Provisions o{the Charter of the City and County of
San Francisco
Sec. 5. Statement of Significance
Sec. 6. Character-Defining Features
ec. 7. Definition
Sec. 8. Standards of Revigw o[AJm.lications
Sec. 9. AdditiQ11crl Standards o(Review forAdcfitions and Ne"" ConstrnctiQn
Sec. I 0. Significance oflndividual Buildings l.Q the Historic District
Sec. I I. Paint Color
SEC. 1. FINDINGS AND PURPOSES.
The Board o(Supervisors hereby finds that !he area known and described in this ordincmce as
the Chula-Abbey Early Residential District contains 52 buildings that have a special character and
special historical. architectural and aesthetic interest and value, and constitutes a distinct section of
the Citv. Th~ Board of Supervisors further finds that designation of said area as a District will be in
Supervisor Mandelman
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
Page 3
furtherance ofand in conformance with the purposes ofArticle 10 ofthe Planning Code and the
standards set forth therein. and that preservation on an area basis rather than on the basis of
individual structures alone is in order.
This ordinance is intended to further the general purpose ofhistoric preservation legislation as
set forth in Section 1001 o(the Planning Code. lo promote the health. sa(eo, and general welfare o[lhe
public.
SEC. 2. DESIGNATION.
Pursuant to Section 1004 of the Planning Code. the Chula-Abbey Early Residential District is
herebv designated as an Article 10 District, Lhis designation having been duly approved by Resolution
o. 142~7 o{Lhe Historic Preservation Commission and Resolution No. 21858 o[lhe Planning
Commission. which Resolutions are on file with the Clerk o(the Board o(Supervisors under File
No. 251100 and which Resolutions are incorporated herein and made part hereof as though fullv seL
forth.
SEC. 3. LOCATION AND BOUNDARIES.
The location and boundaries of the Chula-Abbey Early Residential District. which contains 52
buildings, encompassing properties on the south side of Chula Lane between its intersections with
Church Street and Dolores Street withjhe exception ofa concentration o(properties located at the
intersection of Chula Lane and Abbev Slreet. The District also includes properties on both sides of
Abbey Slreet between Chula Lane and 1711, Street. properties on the west side o(Dolores Street he tween
Chula Lane and 17th Street. and properties on the north side off ?h S!J·eet between Dolores and Church
streets. The District includes lots contained within Assessor's B!Qcks 3556 and 3579 and shall be as
designated on the Chula-Abbey Earlv Residential District Map. the original o(which is on file with the
Clerk of the Board of Supervisors under File No. 251100. which Map is hereby incorporated herein as
though fitlly set forth.
Supervisor Mandelman
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
Page4
__
____,l
_L--
l
--.=-=;-::: - -
'
I
.
\
----.::- - -
I
I
- ~
-,Z: - -
,
I
I
I
---- - --. • -
.
-
-----
--•
I
I
__ _-J
---
__
\
3566003
------
·
_
___.
.::11'
I
II
3566053
-----------
___ __,
I
3566019
-
-
I
.---- --- - "'
---
L
I
3566004
I
\
_..:.,..,-;::•;:-;_ - - -
"
\~
3566020
-
,
_ - - ---J-
- · ------~
-
-
": .--
..,
~----1
I
3566018
\
·----
__--1
I\
j
~. \ ~
3566022
1 --~:,l:i6065•066 \
I
.--
i
\
g!
gi I
,
I
566096-099
\
(2 IOIS)
I
l
3566043
1 g:
·
'ii \ g;
3566067-068 '\
I
(
lots)
,
\
•. · a.
'd,
..,
~ ~ l "' \
(2 lots)
- - :--
I
3566006
'i
a, '
'-"
I
C1l
-,
,---C,·~-;.:.,....---; I
...
--- -
I
\
I
r. I ~
g; ! S
~
_
3566075-076 l~
3:,66(
• -~
_
) II
I
'
3566042 L_ "' \ ; 1 :;
~ t JSl
,;L__E.~~ -- ·~ ~- -- -- --- ) __
_{21c~'
_ .1,
ll
3566041
7 \
1,
-;~~
•~ a -Ol
:,
3566015
___
;!
3566008
\
I
r
I
I
I
----
-,
I
I
I
I
'
'
I
.
-~ , -
1566027
,
--
~
t
3566009
3566040A
I
I
I
3566040
f ~ \ "' 1
\,
..,
--•- •-L, 8l
(.l'I
I 'f
-
I
..,
I S
\ $ 10
<,J
"'
.....
'(},.
-
~ gi \.:;§
~ I
~ \
~
l,.)g -u,
T
~ -o, S.c.o l
..
4.,..l
U'J
•
-
C)
35660341
...
"'
~
I..>
<1' "' s
<,J I
N
,.
S" j
L-___.
t!,
C1l
~
~
<,J
~
JI
~ -
3566093-095
t3 lots)
1566010
_.,_ --- __ ___ I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
!:l-~
"'8'
j
• ~ ~
~
.J-- J..-- --
~·
r--------
·, /ti"' s:
I
I .. ----------------,
11tt-: s~
I
---]-~:-
\
I
I
\
I t:
,.,
,., I
J
~ ~ <,J
..,
1-..,
\ "'
~ I
••~ • .,,
"'
°'
~ \~~ \ 3579022A I 8 \ 8 t
~. Ji'il' ~ 8
~ § b
~
~ I
:':!,. ~ ,, £ 'ii,
~
~ I ~1
I
\
,,
rn : "'
\
I
I
!
I ___ , __ .,.
•
•
----
- -
- -- --·-
r
-i- -,-
\
! ,I\
I
1 357903
3579032 1-, , ..
I
__ _ .....,._ _____ _
3579001
...,
~. I
~ 1 -;a 1"7519037-038
)g • ~ t
(21ots)
~ \
l--
~
--
35790018
--•--- 4
The boundaries of the Chula-Abbey Early Residenliqj~Oistrict are outlined
\ I
a
~
,.
-!!
SEC. 4. RELATION TO PLANNING CODE AND THE PROVISIONS OF THE CHARTER
OF THE CITY AND COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO.
(a) Article JO o(/he Planning Code is Lhe basic law governing historic preservation. in the City
and County o(San Francisco. This ordinance. being a specific application of Article I 0, is both subiect
Lo and in addition to the provisions thereof
(b) Except as mav be specifically provided to the contrarv in this ordinance, nothing in this
Supervisor Mandelman
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
Page 5
ordinance shall supersede. impair or modify any Planning Code provisions applicable to propertv in
the Chula-Abbev Earlv Residential District, including but not limited to existing and fiaure regulations
controlling uses. height. bulk. lot coverage, floor area ratio. required open space. off-street parking
and siw~s.
SEC. 5. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE.
Identified through the Mission Dolores Neighborhood Context Statement & Survev. the Chula-
Abbev Earlv Residential District is a one-block long stretch ofproperties, centered on Chula Lane,
Abbev Street, and J ?1h Street. significant as a representative collection of Folk Victorian, Italianate,
Classical Revival. and Oueen Anne residential buildings associated with the themes of "Early
Neighborhood Development (1864-1906)" and "1906 Earthquake and Reconstruction (1906-1915 ). "
The period ofsignificance is 1865 to 1912. The District is comprised of52 properties, 37 of which
include contributing resources. located in the Mission Dolores neighborhood. There are 15 non-
contributing properties.
The Chula-Abbev Earlv Residential District is significant as a representative collection of
residential buildings that physicallv illustrate the neighborhood's pre- and post-1906 Earthquake and
Fires development transition. Because it was spared from the 1906 fires that decimated many nearby
neighborhoods. the district provides a unique combination of early, small scale single-family homes
along with post-1906 reconstruction-era's larger scale multi-family fiats and apartments. The maiority
of buildings within the Chula-Abbev Earlv Residential District were constructed before the 1906
Earthquake and Fires. with only a small portion dating from the reconstruction period. The District
provides a rare example of the neighborhood's small-scale residential and agricultural development
pauerns in the late nineteenth centurv.
Centered around Chula Lane. an east-west midblock alley, and Abbey Street, a north-south
midblock allev. the buildings in the district physicallv illustrate the neighborhood's transiLion of
development fi:om earlv. small scale single-family homes to larger scale multi-family fiats and
Supervisor Mandelman
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
Page 6
apartments. The building'i related to the "Early Neighborhood Development (1864-1906) " theme are
largely focused along Chula Lane and Abbev Street as a linear grouping of/ow-scale. /i-eestanding
buildings that evoke modest. working-class cottages in a less urban setting. Larger, (i-eestanding.
.Xi1Jgle-familv dwellings were also built during this early period along the primarv streets. including
3639 17'" Street (1874) and 3656 17'" Street (1885). ~Many ofthese larger residential buildings were
converted into flats in the 1890s while surrounding properties were developed in a similar manner.
These infill construction and reconstruction properties relate to
111906 Ectrthquake and Reconstruction
(1906-1915)" theme.
The Chula-Abbey Early Residential District is also architecturallv significant as distinctive
grouping of Victoricm-era residenlial dwellings in Folk Victorian. Italianate. Stick-Eastlake. and Oi,een
Anne stvles. The Chula-Abbey Earlv Residential District is a representative collection of buildings
where the overall scale and massing. wood construction. and rhvthmic bavs ofthe contributing
buildings create a sense of continuitv.
The period ofsignificance for the District is 1865 to 1912. inclusive of the period of
construction of all contributorv buildings within the Districl. Additional historic information. and
descriptions ofindividual buildings. mav be found in the Chula-Abbev Ear~ Residential District
Designation Report. ·which is herebv incorporated herein as though fully set forth.
SEC. 6. CHARACTER-DEFINING FEATURES.
Whenever a building. dislricl. site. obiect. or landscape is under consideration for Article J 0
Landmark designation. the Historic Preservation Commission is required to identify character-defining
features. This is done to enable owners and the public to understand which elements are considered
most important to preserve the historical and architectural character oft he proposed landmark or
landmark district.
The character-defining interior features of buildings in the di.strict are identified as: None.
Supervisor Mandelman
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
Page 7
The character-defining exterior features o(contributorv buildings in the district are identified
as: All exterior elevatio11!J~ro9flines, historic doors and fenestration. historic materials and finishev,
historic front setbacks. aBd historic architectural d~tails. as described below.
The following section describes in further detail the character-defining features of the dislricl
and o[individuaf buildings.
A. Overall Form, Scale and Proportion
Due to the briefperiod o[construction - most contributory buildings were constructed between
I 865 and I 905 - buildings within the district exhibit characteristics o(one o(two basic residenlial
propertv types: single-(amilv earlv residential or multi-familv reconstruction residential (as defined in
the Mission Dolores Context Statementl.
District buildings are almost all residential. composed primarilv of detached. attached or semi-
al/ached. single-family dwellings and residential flats or apartments. A couple ofmixed-·use buildings
within the districf (tvpicallv located on street corners) with residences on upper floors also include
commercial use at the street level. Buildings in the district range fi-om I ½ storv-over-basement to four
stories in height. with I ½ and three stories predominating. Roofforms are predominantlv flat. front-
facinggable, or front-facing gable behind a projecting parapet and/or cornice. Several buildings have
hipped roofs.
The district's smallest residences are on lots facing the neighborhood's allevs and narrow mid-
block streets. These buildings are typically I ½- to two-slOries in height, have raised. recessed
entrances accessed by straight-run 1;vood staircases with turned balustrades. o[len have deep front
se!backs. and feature Folk Victorian. modest Italianate or Slick-Eastlake detailing on the primary,
street-facing facades. Folk Victorian style buildings are often adorne_d withhasic decorative elements
such as spindle work porches. Some ofthese smaller buildings have been converted from single- to two-
units.
Buildings fronting wider streets - J 7'h and Dolores streets - have larger footprints. are taller.
Supervisor Mandelman
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
Page 8
and consist a/residential flats or apartments. These buildings are typically 2 ½- lo four-stories in
height. have recessed. raised entrances. straight run stairs. and feature Queen Anne, Classical Revival.
Italianate. or Stick-Eastlake detailing on the primary. street-facing facades. Romeo Flats buildings at
Dolores Street are built to the front lot line while residential flats buildings at 17th Street are often
setback with n-ont yards.
Although the roofforms - particularlv at the non-visible rear facade - ofa substantial number
of buildings have been altered lo incorporate skylights. small dormer windows. fire escapes. stair
penthouses, or solar panels these alterations were constructed outside of the Period of Significance and
have not gained significance.
Gcmeral characteristics o[lhe district ·s two primary residential building types (Single-Family
Early Resici~1JtiaL and Multi-Family Reconstruction Residential) and one sub-type (Romeo Flats) are:
Single-Fctmilv Early Residential: Properties dating fi-om the "Early Neighborhood
Development (186-f.-1906) " period are unified bv their common forms. massing. and
materiality representative of the earlv residential and agricultural development of the Mission Dolores
neighborhood. Character-defining features o[Lhe properties within the district dating from this
p_eriod_i11clude:
•
Small. one-story over- inte,;[l'ated garage or two-story massing
•
Horizontal painted wood siding
•
Front-facing gable roof Italianate stvle flat-font parapet roofform. or proiecling
bracketed cornices
•
Wood double-hung ·windows with ogee lugs
•
Architectural ornament including brackets. applied columns. window and/or door
hoods. and other facade ornamentation indicative of the various architectural styles
•
Front se1back or location on lot in re[§rence to street
•
Central or offset primarv entrance and stair
Supervisor Mandelman
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
Page 9
Multi-Family Reconstruction Residential: Properties dating from the "Earthquake and
Reconstruction (1906-1915)" period are unified by their larger scale, form, and massing to meet
housing needs o(the growing population ofthe Mission Dolores neighborhood. Character-defining
features of the residential flats or apartment buildings within the district dating from this period
include:
•
Two or three-sLory over-integrated garage or three-story massing
•
Horizontal painted l-VOod siding
•
Front-facing gable roof or proiecting cornice
•
Wood double-hung ·windows with ogee lugs
•
Single or paired proiectingbay(s) at fi·ont facade
•
Front setback/location on lot in re{grence to street
•
Offset entrance ·with recessed. straight-run original slair configuration
Romeo Flats: The Rom_eo flat. a San Francisco-based. high-density form ofrental housing with
four to six units, generally for working-class tenants. was tvpically built afier the 1906 earthquake and
fires. Romeo flats are multi-unit. residential buildings with three bays lining the facade. An open or
enclosed. central winding staircase located in the central bay divides the facade vertically. Balconies
are located at each story of the central bav ifit is open. When enclosed, windows are located at each
landing Several district buildings along Dolores Street are Romeo Flats.
B. Materials and Finishes
Buildings in the district are of wood frame construction and were historically clad in horizontal
wood siding Exterior surface finishes are painted. Channel drop wood siding is typical at the
secondary and rear facades. while a combination of flush lap. channel drop, clapboard, or shaped
shingles are typically found at the primary facades. Most buildings retain their historic siding though a
few were later clad in stucco, masonite, or composite shingle siding These replacement siding
materials have not gained significance.
Supervisor Mandelman
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
Page 10
Histori~ally. there were several rypes of stairs constructed in the district: longer flights of wood
stairs that typicallv proiect ow fi·om Italianate or Stick-Eastlake style buildings and shorter flights
tvpicaflv found within the recessed enLries of Progressive-era flats and apartment buildings. Many of
the Folk Victorian residenceLhave wood porches with spindlework details at the ground level
entrances.
At the buildings along alleys and narrow streets. enlrv stairs are often solid and uniform in
appearance featuring closed risers. solid cheek walls beneath the stairs. turned wood balustrades. and
capped newel posts. and have a painted finish. Some flights of stairs were later replaced with new wood
stairs and balusters. Raiseclsmtrances to these smalier residential buildings lead to narrow openings
highlighted with wood trim and bracketed hoods. Wood paneled and gla~ed doors with transom
window sit within a shallow paneled recess.
Progressive-era buildings - Oueen Anne or Classical Revival stvle - within the district.
particularly those on 17th and Dolores streets. feature wood or terrazzo steps with solid cheek walls
and landings. These stairs are typicallv localed partiallv within the building envelope and provide
access to recessed entrance doors. The recessed vestibules have wood paneled walls, coffered or
stucco-clad ceilings, and floors clad in wood. terrazzo. or tile (usually hexagonal tiles with a
polychromatic trim or mosaic tile). Entrances of Progressive-era flats are tvpicallv flanked bv
Classical columns or pilasters, and decorated with applied plaster ornament. such as garlands and
floral fi-iezes.
While compatible. replacement stairs have not gained significance in their own right.
Existing gable roofs are tvpically finished ·with asphalt or composite shingles. Though generally
compatible. these roofing materials have not gained significance.
C. Doors and Fenestration
J\1any of the district's buildings retain their original primary entrance doors. These paneled
wood doors. often slightly wider Lhan contemporary entrance doors, are commonly glazed at the upper
Supervisor Mandelman
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
Page 11
portion and feature corniced and bracketed hoods and incised or applied ornament. Occasionally, a
ingle fixed window is located adiacent to the entrv door o[Oueen Anne buildings. and many entrv
doors are to[2J2_ed with transom windows.
Fenestration is remarkably consistent throughout the district. consisting of vertically oriented
double-hung single-light wood sash windows, with ogee lugs, s~et in wood surrounds. Windows are
typically set in wide angled bavs with smaller windows set flush with the fcicade. often adiacent to or
above the primarv entrv. Window surrounds are typically topped with cornices, occasionally featuring
pediments, wilh ornamented details. Smaller vertically oriented windows, set in a single or paired
configuration. are typical on Italianate buildings. Some windows have segmental-arched upper sash.
Several buildings. typicallv Progressive-era flats buildings, feature curved wood~ash windows set in
curved structural bavs. Angled or curved bavs tvpically contain three windows. though certain bavs of
corner buildwgs contain four or five windows. Most windows are rectangular although there are
several buildings with arched windows.
Large flats buildings. particularly Romeo flats. have continuous slacked angled bavs flanking
enclosed central stair with flush window at each landing.
On visible side and rear elevations. windows are typicallv single or paired double-hung sash
with simple wood surround~.
While manv buildings within the district retain some or all historic double-hung wood sash
windows with ogee lugs on primarv, street-facing elevations. many others have replacement sash.
Replacement windows made of aluminum or vinvl sash. casement or slider windows. or windows with
divided lights that were added lo buildings after the Period o(Signi(icance have no/ gained
significance.
The addition ofgarages has altered the front facades and yards of many District properties.
Many of the historic buildings within the district were not originallv constructed with an integrated
automobile garage. Manv front yards have been (idly or partially paved Lo accommodate drivewavs for
Supervisor Mandelman
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
Page 12
garages inserted in the basement ofmcmv buildings. Garage structures, openings. and drive1,11avs have
not gained significance.
Several cornf3r buildings have ground floor commercial spaces 1hat are characlerized bv glazed
entrv doors set in recessed vestibules with large. fixed storefi-onl windows on solid raised bulkheads.
Transom windows span the storefronts.
D. Architectural Details
Common trails found Lhroughout the district are bav windows. gable roofs, parapets. decorative
cornices. ornamental shingles. and spindle work. as well as more classically influenced detailing such
as dentils. pediments. columns. and applied plaster ornament.
Late Victorian- and Progressive-era architectural stvles predominate with Italianate. Stick-
Eastlake, Oueen Anne. and Classical Revival stvles most widelv represented. Architectural details
commonlv found on the district's Italianate and Stick-Eastlake buildings - usually at the smaller
dwellings on allevs and narrow streets - include cornice lintels. bracketed hoods, raised panel fi'iezes
and bracketed cornices. and false shaped parapets sometimes with pent roofs for Italianates (3639 J Jlh
Street features a canted bay window with colonette mullions and an elaborate cornice at each story)
and bracketed cornice caps. elaborate bracketed door hoods (flat or pedimented) and trim. [a!Je
parapets with paneled friezes, brackets, raised porches with spindlework frieze and turned wood
supports, and proiecting cornices on Stick-Eastlakes (3656 17'" St1·eet chamfered bay window feature"
mullions with engaged colonettes and paneled aprons. while a cornice defines its first story windows;
3620-3624 171h Street features a box bay capped with a tall. false pedimented gable with sunburst
inlay)_.
Folk Victorian buildings were most o/f:en simple working-class residences, or modest
vernacular buildings that were adorned with basic decorative elements such as spindle work porches
or cornice-line brackets
The district ·s larger flats buildings, facing onto the wider, primary streets. are typically
Supervisor Mandelman
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
Page 13
Classical Revival style. including all the district's Romeo Flats buildings. Buildings in the district in
this stvle feature wide angled or round bav windows, flat roofs. bulky projecting cornices with
modi/lions or dentils. raised panel spandrels. scroll keystones. broken entablatures, and pedimented
and columned porch or portico enlriev.
Architectural details commonlv found on Oueen Anne buildings in the district include raked
cornices. flared eaves, shingled tvmpanums. fish-scale shingling. proiecling bracketed cornices. steeplv
pitched gable roofs. finials. geometric applied ornament at spandrel panels, dentils, friezes decorated
with wood ornament. egg and dart molding, cut-out screens, sunbursts. intermediate cornices, window
and door hoods, spindle screens. turned wood balustrades and newel posts. turned wood porch
supports. a variety of wood cladding and patterned wood shingles. arched porticos. and Corinthian or
Composite columns and pilaslers.
SEC. 7. DEFINITIONS
Visibilitv: Visible from within a 150-foot radius of the parcel boundaries. Visibility from a
public right-of-way can be determined bv drawing circles with a radius of] 50 feet at each corner ofa
lot that fronts on a public right-of-way and then determining which portions of a property are visible
when standing in the public right-of-wav.
Public Right-of-Way: A public right-of-way is a street or side·walk
Primary Facade or Elevation: A primarv facade is a building's main street-facing facade.
Corner buildings have two prima,-y far.:ades.
Rear Facade or Elevation: The rear facade is located at the rear ofthe building and faces the
backvard.
SEC. 8 STANDARDS OF REVIEW OF APPLICATIONS
The standards for review of all applications for Certificates of Appropriateness are as set forth
in Section 1006. 6 of Article J 0. For the purposes o[revieM1 under those standards. lhe "character of the
Supervisor Mandelman
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
Page 14
Historic District" shall mean the exterior architectural features o(the Chula-Abbev Earlv Residential
District referred lo and described in Section 6 ofthis Appendix.
The three levels ofreview are: "No Certificate of Appropriateness" is required: an
''Administrative Certificate o(Appropriateness" is required. which is approved adminis.Lrativelv bv
Planning Department Preservation staff as delegated pursuant to Section J 006.2(b) o[fhe Planning
Code: and "Certificate o[Appropriateness" is required pursuant to Section 1006 ofthe Planning Code
ctt a regularly scheduled Historic Preservation CommJssion hearing. The procedures. requiremenL,
controls and standards o(Article IO of the Planning Code shall apply Lo all applicalions for
Certificates o[Appropriateness and/or Administrative Cerlificates o(Appropriat<!1Jess in the Chula-
Abbev Earl'J!._Residential District.
Anv exterior change wilhin the Chula-Abbey Early Residential Districl shall require a
Certificate of Appropriateness, pursuant to the provisions of Article J 0. when such work requires a Ci/JI.
permit. with the exception of: scopes of work outlined in Section J005(e)(l-JO) o(Article 10: proiects
subiect to the HousingAccountabilityAct (HAA) that complv with the Preservation Design Standards:
and the specific scopes of work as outlined below.
Ancillary Structures within the R.eqr Yard- Construction o~Removal
o Certificate o(Approprialehess shall be required for the construction ofanv structure within
the rear 'LCJrd {hat is no more than ten feet in height above grade and covers no more than 120 square
feet of/and regardless o(visibilitv from public rights-of..way. A Certificale o[Approprialeness shall not
be required for the removal of anv non-historic ancillary structure within the rear yard.
Claddillg
No Certificate o[Appropriateness shall be required for replacement of cladding on rear facades
not visible -from the public right-of..way. Vinyl siding will not be permitled on any elevation regardless
o(visibility.
Decks, Stairs & Raili11gs
Supervisor Mandelman
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
Page 15
Front Stairways and Railings: No Certificate o{Approprialeness shall be required for lhe
replacemen/ o{slairways and/or railings with compalible s/airways and/or railings provided !hat lhe
proposal is based on phvsical or documented evidence and is found to be compatible in terms of
!Qcation. configuration. materials. and details with Lhe charac/er-deflning fealures o(the building
and/or district. This does not apply to the replacement o(porlicos. porches. or other architectural
components of the entrv.
Rear Yard Decks. Stairs. and Railings: No Certificate o(Appropriateness shall be required for
repair. replacemenL. or inslallation of decks. stairways and associated structural elements (such as
,firewalls) or elevator shafls located al rear ofsubiect property regardless of visibililv fi·om public
rights-o(-way.
Doors. Windows, and Other Openillgs
Doors. Windows. and Other Openings - non-visible elevations: No Certificate of
Appropriateness shall be required for replacement of doors. including garage doors. and windows in
existing openings at elevations not visible from the public right of wav. No Certificate of
Appropriateness shall be required for adding. expanding or removing openings at elevations noL visible
li·om the public right of way.
Garage Doors: A Certificate of Appropriateness shall not be required for the replacement of an
existing garage door and/or trim provided that the new features are compatible in terms o(matJzrial.
patLern. finish. and fenestration. Replacement garage doors must have a solid. painted finish and mav
feature no more than 25 percent glazing.
Tradesman Doors: No Certificate o(Appropriateness shall be required for replacement of
tradesman doors provided the new tradesman door is compatible with the building and Dislricl to
minimize visual impacts on the character-defining features of the building and District.
Exploratory a11d Investigative Work
No Certificate of Appropriateness shall be required for the removal of non-historic material to
Supervisor Mandelman
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
Page 16
conducl investigation about the historic structure and to determine the existence ofunderlving historic
materials, ghosting, and scarring. This scope of work shall be limited, al the Department 's discretion,
to no more than 15% oft he total surface area o{lhe fc1cc1de. This work area must be stabilized and
protected after the investigation is complete.
Fences
A Certificate o[Appropriateness shall not be required for the construction or replacement of
rear or side vard fences.
Ground Disturbance
lv(Qst properties within the Chula-Abbey Early ResidenLial District are also located ·within the
Planning Department's Archaeological Sensitivity Zone 1 (areas that have high sensitivitv for
archaeological resources thaL are at or just beneath the current ground surface). No Certifica1e of
Appropriateness shall be required for any project where ground disturbance is nof: 2 feel or deeper
(depth below existing street elevation), and more than 25 cubic yards.
Where a project exceeds the ground dislurbance criteria o{Zone 1. no Certificate of
Appropriateness shall be required where Planning Department cultural resources staff after inilial
review, cle(ennines that the proposed development project is unlikelv to result in damage or desJruction
of significant archaeological resourcev.
Non-Co11tri!mtorv buildings:
No Certificate o(Appropriateness shall be required for any exterior change on elewtiQnsnot
visible from the public rights-of way for non-contributorv properties.
NQ~Certificate of Appropriateness shall be required for anv alteration or replacement of
exterior building features on visible elevations of non-contributory properties. prQvided that
reasonable efforts shall be made to produce compatibility with the District, and in no event shall there
be a greater deviation from compatibility. The Planning Department will evaluate these proposals for
compatibility with the character ofthe historic district as described in the designating ordinance, as sel
Supervisor Mandelman
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
Page 17
forth in Section 1006. 6 of the Planning Code.
Preservation Design Standards
A Certificate o(Appropriateness shall not be required for proiects involving additions and
modifications of district buildings that are also subiect to the Housing Accountability Act (HAA),
provided they comply with the adopted objective design standards outlined in the Preservation Design
Standards.
Ordinarv Maintenance and Repairs
No Certificate o(Appropriateness shall be required if the proposed work consists of ordinary
maintenance and repairs. as defined in Section 1005 (e)(3) ofthe Planning Code as any work, the sole
purpose and effect o(which is to correct deterioration. decay or damage of existing materials.
including repair of damage caused by fire or other disaster.
Replacement of Character-Defi1ti11g Features
A Certificate of Appropriateness shall not be required for the in-kind replacement of character-
defining features that are deteriorated bevond repair. including historic architectural details such as
porticos, porches. cornices. stringcourses. plaster work. tympanum. roofiine. and eaves) regardless of"
visibility fi·om the public righl-or-wav. For this standard. "in kind" shall mean repair or replace
exactlv to match the feature's material. dimensions. finish. profile. and details. Use of alternative
material(s) does not qualify as "in-kind."
Roofillg - Repair or Replacement
No Certificate of Appropriateness shall be required for roof repair or replacement provided the
proposed roo(work does not change the roof character. form. structure, or character-defining features.
ew roofing shall be compatible with existing roofing.
No Certificate of Appropriateness shall be required for repair and/or replacement ofroofing
materials other than visible surface materials. including but not limited to underlayment, structural
members, chimneys, guuers. and scuppers, that does not alter !he existing roof's form or character-
Supervisor Mandelman
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
Page 18
defining features.
Rooftop Equipment (excluding cellular i11stallatio11s)
A Certificate o(Appropriateness shall not be required for the installation o(rooftop equipment
provided that the rooftop equipment is not visible from a public right-of way and that the roofiop
equipment is installed in a manner that may be easily removed in the future without disturbing any
histQric fabric.
Security Mea_S]Jre~
A Certificate o(Appropriateness shall not be required for installation or replacement ofmetal
security doors. window grilles. or securitv gates on rear elevations regardless of visibilitv from the
public right-of wav.
Solar Panels
A C!!rtificate o[Appropriateness shall not be required for the installation of solar panels.
including the installation of structures that support solar panels. regardless of visibility. provided that
the installation would not require alterations to the building greater than normally required to install a
ola1· energy system. such as:
(a) Set with a low profile, and
(b) Mounted parallel with the slope ofthe roof(ifroo(is sloped greater them 1112), and
(c) Not visible -from adiacent street sightlines if on a flat roof and
(d) Set in from the perimeter walls ofthe building, including the building's primarv facade.
Windows
Window Repair: Repair and relent ion of historic windows is encouraged. No Certificate of
Appropriateness shall be required to correct deterioration. decay, or damage to existing historic
windows, at any facade. including window glazing, sash. muntins. iambs, pulleys, sills and other
historic window components. See "Ordinary Maintenance and Repqjrs."
Windo"v Replacement - Windows visible from public righr-ofwav: No Certificate of
Supervisor Mandelman
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
Page 19
AppropriaLeness shall be required for replacement of non-historic windows. provided that replacement
windows are wood (original windows are assumed to have been wood); are recessed between two and
three inches from the surrounding exterior wall surfaces, measured f;-om the primarv exlerior clac/c/ing
lo sash: have true divided lites or simulctte~cfjyided lites with dark-colored spacers where sash fealure
muntins. Replacement windows are not required to be single-glazed even if the original windows are
single-glazed Vinvl windows are not permitted as a replacement for cmv window.
Window Replacement - Windows not visible from public rights-of..wav: No Certificate o[
Appropriateness shall be required for window replacement on facades not-visible from Lhe public rig/11-
of..way. provided the replacement windows occur within the existing opening. Replacement ·windows
can be any material (except vin.vD. any configuration. operation. profile. or dimension. Vinvl windows
are not permitted as a replacement for any window.
SEC. 9. ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS FOR ALTERA TIONS1 ADDITIONS AND NEW
CONSTRUCTION.
Excluding the exceplions defined in this Appendix. anv exterior change to a conlributorv or
non-contribworv building or new construction within the Chula-Abbey Early Residetztial District shall
require a Certificate of Appropriateness. pursuant to the provisions of Article 10, wbJ~}L_such work
requires a Citv permit. The following standards shall guide the approval of exterior alterations,
additions,_and new construction.
(a) Character of the district. New construction shall complement and support the hisloric
character of the district. Proposals for exterior alterations that result in greater conformity ·with the
charc1cter of the districL and are based on physical or documented evidence are encouraged.
@lJistoric Materic_tls. Exterior alterati_ons or new constructio_1_1 _3_hall not destrov historic
materials. features and spatial relationships that characterize the property. Repair and refention of
historic windows is encouraged.
(c) Compatibilily. New construction shall be differentiated from the old and shall be compatible
Supervisor Mandelman
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
Page 20
with the historic materials. features, size, scale and proportion, and massing to protect the integrity of
the propertv and its environment. Additions shall be reviewed for compatibility with the historic
building and the District, ·while infill construction shall be reviewed for compatibility with the overall
District. Neither should imiLate nor replicate existing features. Additions should not physically or
visuallv dominate existing buildings in the District. Infill construction should reflect the character of
the District. including the prevailing heights of contributing buildings without creating a false sense of
historv. The following standards shall guide the approval of additions and new construction:
Additions. Horizontal and vertical additions on contributing and non-contributing buildings. a
well as addition of new features such as garages or window openings in visible elevations of
contributing buildings. shall be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Proposed addi!iQL~should be
located in an inconspicuous location and not result in a radical change to the form or character o[the
historic building or surrounding District. Due to their diminutive scale and the setbacks ofmanv oft he
contributory buildings along the narrow alleys and side streets in the District. vertical additions 10 the
contributory buildings facing Chula Lane and Abbev Street are generally discouraged unless it is can
be demonstrated that the addition does not impair the form or character-defining features o[!he
building, and that it is not visible from the surrounding public rights-of way ·within the District.
As part o{the Planning Department review process, the proiect sponsor shall conduct and
submit an analvsis tha1 illustrates the relative visibility ofa proposed vertical addition from 1,,vithin the
District. As part o{lhis analvsis. sightline cross-sections and perspective drawings illustrating the
proportionality and scale, as well as the visible extent of the addition Ii-om prescribed locations should
be submitted.
The Planning Department will evaluate these proposals for compliance with the Secretary o[lhe
Interior's Standards (as set forth in Section 1006. 6 o(the Planning Code). and, mav. at their discretion.
refer to the Sile Design/Architecture slandards o(/he Preservation Design Standards (adopted bv
Historic PreS_e_rvalion Comm_iS_sionl.
Supervisor Mandelman
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
Page 21
New Construction. Where the District provides an opportunity for new construction through
existing vacant parcels or bv replacing non-contributing buildings, a sensitive design is of critical
importance. The new construction shall respect the general size. shape, and scale of the character-
defining features associated with the district and its relalionship to the character-defining features o[
the immediate neighbors and the district. Contributory buildings within the District should be utilized
and referenced for design context. For new conslruclion, con1emporarv design that respec/s the
District's existing character-defining features without replicating historic designs is encouraged. The
Planning Department will evaluate these proposals for compatibilitv wilh the character of the historic
district as described in the designating ordinance, as set forth in Section J 006. 6 o(lhe Planning Code.
and when applicable. the Citywide Design Standards.
The following standards shall guide the approval of exterior alterations and new construction:
1. Stvle. New construction shall be compatible with the charac/er-defining features of the
district. vet is contemporarv in design.
2.
Scale and Proportion. New construction shall be compatible with the massing, size, and
~cale of the adjacent conlributing buildings within the districL.
3.
Setbacks. New constru(jjon shall conform to existing setback patterns found in ad;acent
buildingr; and within the district.
4.
Roofline. Gabled, cross-gabled, or hipped roofforms or flat roofs with proiecling
cornices are common within the district and new construction shall reference the massing and form of
adjacent buildings.
5.
Dormers and Additions. The enlargement or construction of dormers, penthouses and
horizontal or vertical additions shall be designed in a nwnner that requires minimal change to the
chamcter-defining features o[Lhe subject building and the district in terms of materials. fenestration.
cladding. mass;ng and ornamentation
Supervisor Mandelman
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
Page 22
6.
Garages. The insertion of a garage shall minimize the physical and visual impacts on
the characler-de/ining features of the existing building and fi-onl yard selling The design ofgarages
and garage doors shall be unoblrusive and simple. Palmed roll-up doors with panels and minimal
glazing ate encouraged.
7.
Driveways and Front Yard Setbacks. The addition of new drivewavs shall minimize the
removal o[Landscaping and include permeable paving materials in order to minimize disrupLion to
front yard setbacks and the character-defining features of the subject building and the district.
8.
Details. Architectural details on new construction shall be contemporary, yet
compalib7e with the character-defining features found on the contributing buildings within the district.
SEC. 10. SIGNIFICANCE OF INDIVIDUAL BUILDINGS TO THE DISTRICT.
EachbuiLding wiLhin the Chula-Abbey Early Residential District is assigned lo either oft he
follolving categories.
Contribulorv. This category identified buildings that date from the District 's period of
significance and retain integrily. These structures are ofthe highest importance in maintaining the
character of the District. The maximum suspension period allmvable under Article IO shall be imposed
on etppliccuions for demolition of Contributory buildings.
The following buildings are deemed Contributory to the Chula-Abbey Early Residential
District:
From
APN
St.#
3579 034
3615
3579 033
3621
3579 039-042
3623
Supervisor Mandelman
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
To St.
Street Name
Date Built
!i.
3619
17th St
1910
3621
17th St
1910
3625
17th St
1912
Page 23
3579 031
3639
3579 030
3643
3579 028
3653
3579 043-045
3657
3579 035-036
3663
3579 046-048
3667
3566 039
3696
3566 038
3680
3566 035
3666
3566 033
3656
3566 079-080
3650
3566 030
3640
3566 071-073
3634
3566 011
3620
3566 016
3566 026 (081-
083)
3566 028
3566 029
30a
3566 015
3566 027
3566 014
3566 030A
Supervisor Mandelman
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
3641
17th St
1900
3647
17th St
1905
3655
17th St
1900
3657
17th St
1907
3665
17th St
1906
3667
17th St
1911
3698
17th St
1900
3682
17th St
1905
3668
17th St
1900
3656
17th St
1900
3650
17th St
1888
3642
17th St
1907
3638
17th St
1959
3624
17th St
1890
Abbe}!_ Street
1900
Abbe}!_ Street
1900
Abbe!!.
1900
30b
Abbe!!.
1900
Abbe"J!. Street
1900
Abbe}!. Street
1907
Abbe'!!. Street
1900
Abbev Street
1909
Page 24
3566 049
Chula Lane
1912
3566 048
Chula Lane
1912
3566 047
Chula Lane
1900
3566 045
Chula Lane
1900
3566 044
Chula Lane
1907
3566 003
Dolores
1900
3566 004
Dolores
1905
3566 007 (077-
Dolores
1908
078)
3566 008
Dolores
1907
3566 009
Dolores
1905
3566 009A
Dolores
1900
C093-095l
3566 010
Dolores
1907
Noncontributorv. This category identifies buildings that postdate the District's period of
significance and/or no longer retain sufficient integrity LO convev significcmce.
The folio-wing buildings shall be deemed Noncontributorv to the Chula-Abbey Eflrly~Residential
District:
From
APN
St.#
3566 0JJA
3626
3579 032
3627
Supervisor Mandelman
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
To St.
Year
Street Name
Ii.
Built
3626
17th Street
1905
3633
17th Street
1904
Page 25
3566 012
3630
3632
17th Street
1900
3566 031
3646
3648
I 7th Street
1900
3579 029
3649
3651
I 7th Street
1903
3566 034
3658
3664
17th Street
1923
3566 036
3670
3674
J Jlh Street
1890
3566 037
3676
3678
17th Street
1900
3566 059-061
3684
3688
17th Street
1993
3566 062-064
3690
3694
17th Street
1994
3566 013A
Abbey
1911
3566 046
Chula Lane
1900
3566 005
Dolores
1922
(069-0702
3566 065
Dolores
1922
3566 006
Dolores
1925
SEC 11. PAINT COLOR.
Nothing in this legislation shall be construed to regulate paint colors within the District.
Section 3. Effective Date. This ordinance shall become effective 30 days after
enactment. Enactment occurs when the Mayor signs the ordinance, the Mayor returns the
ordinance unsigned or does not sign the ordinance within ten days of receiving it, or the Board
of Supervisors overrides the Mayor's veto of the ordinance.
Supervisor Mandelman
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
Page 26
Section 4. Scope of Ordinance. In enacting this ordinance, the Board of Supervisors
intends to amend only those words, phrases, paragraphs, subsections, sections, articles,
numbers, punctuation marks, charts, diagrams, or any other constituent parts of the Municipal
Code that are explicitly shown in this ordinance as additions, deletions, Board amendment
additions, and Board amendment deletions in accordance with the "Note" that appears under
the official title of the ordinance.
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
DAVID CHIU, City Attorney
By:
Isl Peter Miljanich
Peter Miljanich
Deputy City Attorney
n:\legana\as2025\1800206\01878730.docx
Supervisor Mandelman
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
Page 27
City and County of San Francisco
Tails
Ordinance
City Hall
I Dr Carlton B Goodlett Place
San Francisco, CA 94102-4689
File Number:
251100
Date Passed: February 10, 2026
Ordinance amending the Planning Code to add a new Appendix P to Article 10, Preservation of
Historical, Architectural, and Aesthetic Landmarks, to create the Chula-Abbey 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.
February 02, 2026 Land Use and Transportation Committee - RECOMMENDED AS
COMMITTEE REPORT
February 03, 2026 Board of Supervisors - PASSED ON FIRST READING
Ayes: 10 - Chan, Chen, Dorsey, Fielder, Mahmood, Mandelman, Melgar, Sauter,
Walton and Wong
Excused: 1 - Sherrill
February 10, 2026 Board of Supervisors - Fl NALLY PASSED
Ayes: 11 - Chan, Chen, Dorsey, Fielder, Mahmood, Mandelman, Melgar, Sauter,
Sherrill, Walton and Wong
File No. 251100
I hereby certify that the foregoing
City and County of San Francisco
Daniel Lurie
Mayor
Pagel
Ordinance was FINALLY PASSED on
2/10/2026 by the Board of Supervisors of the
City and County of San Francisco .
.Jd~
f Angela Calvillo
Clerk of the Board
2 / 1 ~ I ],b
Date Approved
Printed at 9:04 am on 2/11/26