San Francisco's city officials are addressing ongoing concerns regarding the safety and compliance of a deteriorating retaining wall in a residential area. During a recent meeting, inspectors reported that the property owner had temporarily used plywood to protect an unsafe section of the wall, which has shown signs of significant deterioration, including cracks and plant growth.

The owner failed to secure the necessary permits for repairs within the required timeline, prompting a scheduled hearing on September 5, 2023. The hearing will determine the next steps, including a potential order for the owner to complete all required work, including final inspections and payment of enforcement fees, within 30 days.

A revision permit was issued on September 7, 2023, allowing for the construction of a new structure in front of the existing retaining wall to address outstanding violations. However, as of the meeting date, no inspections had been conducted on this permit.

Henry Cornelius, the owner’s agent and a general contractor with decades of experience, argued that the retaining wall has been in its current condition for over 20 years without posing an immediate hazard. He emphasized that the original permit addressed only a specific section of the wall, and subsequent inspections expanded the scope of required repairs unnecessarily.

Cornelius proposed that the design changes being considered would not directly impact the retaining wall but would instead prevent additional stress on the property. He urged the board to reconsider the order of abatement, asserting that the situation does not constitute a life safety issue.

As the city moves forward with this case, the outcome of the hearing will be crucial in determining the future of the property and the safety measures required to ensure compliance with city regulations. The community awaits further developments as officials work to resolve this pressing issue.