Planning Director's Hearing - 2026-03-06
Meeting Intelligence Preview
Meeting Summary
The Planning Director's Hearing approved a plan development permit amendment at 620 North 6th Street in Japantown to convert approximately 14,500 square feet of ground floor retail space into 11 residential units. The conversion reduces commercial space from approximately 18,000 to 3,500 square feet while increasing the building's residential count from 219 to 230 units. The applicant, Shea Company, cited five years of unsuccessful leasing efforts as justification for the conversion.
Key Decisions (1)
Retail-to-Residential Conversion at 620 North 6th Street
Plan development permit amendment (PDA15-055-02) approved to convert approximately 14,500 square feet of ground floor retail space into 11 residential units at 620 North 6th Street, near the intersection of 6th Street and Jackson Street. The 1.69-acre site currently has a six-story building with 219 residential units and approximately 18,000 square feet of retail. After conversion, the building will have 230 residential units and approximately 3,500 square feet of retail. Applicant is Shea Company, represented by Sean M. The project includes extended Saturday construction hours from 8AM to 5PM for interior work and minor exterior work.
Development Activity (2)
620 North 6th Street Retail Conversion
Conversion of 14,500 square feet of ground floor retail into 11 residential units averaging approximately 1,100 square feet each. Units designed as larger two-bedroom layouts with upgraded finishes. Building total increases from 219 to 230 units on 1.69 gross acres, resulting in 136 dwelling units per acre density.
Pet Grooming Retail Tenant
Pet grooming business with 5-6 other Silicon Valley locations has leased retail space and pulled permit for build-out.
Market Signals (4)
Commercial Demand
Mixed-use retail space in Japantown has remained vacant for nearly five years despite extensive leasing efforts including food hall, performing arts center, medical office, and childcare center concepts.
Commercial Demand
Restaurant and cafe build-out costs in the area are reported at $600-650+ per square foot, creating barriers to retail tenant acquisition.
Housing Demand
Developer converting underperforming retail to larger residential units (averaging 1,100 sq ft) targeting young families and couples, indicating demand for larger unit types in the market.
Sentiment
Community expressed disappointment at 78% reduction in originally promised commercial space, though acknowledged housing needs in Japantown.