Several neighbors are protesting a Castro family's plans to add another story to their home. The addition would block part of the view of the neighborhood from a nearby outdoor stairwell.

But Cathy Gashi, the mother in the family, said that they need more room. A city official said that the only way the Gashis can expand is up. And the family fears if they have to move out of the house, they'll be priced out of the city.

Gashi's two-bedroom, one-bath house, which she shares with her husband, her 12-year-old son, and her 2-year-old daughter, sits at the intersection of 20th and Douglass streets, across the street from the base of the Douglass Street Steps.

The steps link two ends of Douglass Street over a hill that's too steep for a road. People who oppose the project say they treasure the steps for the view. Parts of the Castro, including the rainbow flag and the Castro Theatre, are visible from some of the steps. The steps also offer a stunning view of the city's skyline.

Though the view of the skyline would remain mostly unobstructed, the addition would block the view of the rainbow flag and part of the theater, based on a rendering of what the addition might look like.

James Hollenbeck, who's lived in the neighborhood at least 15 years, said the stairwell is "the exact center of San Francisco."

"To think that the heart of San Francisco is going to lose the view of the Castro is devastating to me," he said, noting that the addition would also block views of the Castro business district.

Tony DeYoung, who's lived near the steps with his partner Joe Metro for 13 years, said that at night the steps are an ideal spot to watch the city "twinkle."

"There really is no place like that in terms of a view," DeYoung said. "It's just a peaceful place."

The Gashis moved into the non-descript 1,000-square-foot house about 10 years ago. Now, "We're running out of room," she said. Gashi said her daughter sleeps with her, and her husband sleeps in the living room.

"We need some room to breathe," Gashi said.

Gashi said the Castro is an "ideal neighborhood" for the family. They only have one car, so easy access to public transportation is important. Having a good school within walking distance is essential, too.

So far, about 200 neighbors have signed a petition urging the city's planning commission to perform a "discretionary review" of the family's plans, according to Hollenbeck.

As required by the city, notice of the family's plans was sent 30 days in advance, giving neighbors time to review them. The deadline to apply for discretionary review is January 25. If the neighbors were to let the plans go undisputed, they would be approved automatically. But if someone files an application with a check for $300, the Gashis might not be able to proceed with their plans.

If an application is filed, it's hard to say how long it could be before the Planning Commission holds a hearing, said Elizabeth Watty, the planner assigned to the Gashis. It partly depends on what else the commission has on its calendar.

Several neighbors wonder why the Gashis don't just expand into their backyard. But Watty said that type of expansion is not permitted. She also noted the Gashis' project would bring the home's height to only about 30 feet. That's 10 feet shy of the maximum allowed.

"They're keeping this as short as possible," she said. Watty also said the Gashis' plans comply with the city's standards.

Watty said petition signatures aren't necessary, and this isn't a situation where there's "power in numbers." But Gashi said she knows of neighbors who support her, and if her plans come to a review, she might do some petitioning, too.

Tony Loncich, who's lived in the one-bedroom apartment underneath the Gashis' home for more than 14 years, said he supports the family's plans.

Referring to the flag, Loncich, who is openly gay, said, "One angle of the view is lost, we're not losing anything it stands for."

The house was owned by Cathy Gashi's great uncle before she moved in. Loncich said for the Gashis to lose their family home and have to leave the city "for such a small reason doesn't seem right to me."

DeYoung said he understands the Gashis want to expand, but he thinks the family should consider how their plans affect their neighbors.

Gashi said she respects her neighbors, and she and her husband thought hard before deciding to plan an addition. They wanted to be sure the view from others' homes wouldn't be blocked. They won't be, she said, since the only homes that might have been affected are perched on a steep hill across the street.

Gashi said she didn't learn of neighbors' concerns over losing the view of the flag until recently, and she said she respects the flag.

"It's important our children grow up at an early age really understanding what acceptance and diversity means," she said.

However, the flag is already only visible from a few of the steps, and Gashi said there are better views from other places nearby.

Opponents of the plan say the steps are a popular place to linger and take in the view.

But Gashi points out that her windows directly face the steps, and she said the only people she sees stopping are those catching their breath before they finish climbing up the steps' four landings.

On two recent weekend nights – a Friday and a Sunday – several people walked the steps. But nobody appeared to be taking in the view.

Bill Sullivan, an openly gay man who was out walking his dog, said he's lived up the street for 10 years and walks by the steps often.

"I don't see people lingering on the stairs to marvel at the view," Sullivan said.

Hollenbeck said he will represent the neighbors at a mediation meeting with Gashi on Saturday, January 19.

Those opposed to the plan have a Web site at www.savetheview.com.