Commission approves Certificate of Appropriateness for Third Street project with neighbor encouragement

The Historic Preservation Commission on Dec. 16 approved a Certificate of Appropriateness for case number 2013.0829A, for work at 2476–2478 Third Street, and added a finding encouraging the project sponsor to consult with the neighboring property owner and Planning Department staff about property-line window issues.

A neighbor and nearby property owner, Tun Jai Chil, told the commission he had not received earlier notice, described the historic lot pattern on that corner and voiced concern that changes to windows and potential roof-deck activity could affect the historic fabric and his property rights. Chil said he supported roof decks generally but sought opportunity to work with the owner to find mutually agreeable solutions before permits proceed.

The applicant said the windows facing the neighboring property had existed since about 1900 and that some plans were approved previously; staff (Tina Tan) and the applicant explained that Department of Building Inspection procedures require property-line window acknowledgments for new windows and that minor adjustments in window size or location had triggered historic review once additional permits were submitted.

Commissioners limited their review to matters within the Commission’s purview (historic impact and design), noted that building-department and planning-code enforcement issues fall to DBI and other departments, and added a finding that encourages the parties to coordinate with Planning Department staff and DBI. The motion to approve the matter with that finding passed unanimously, 6 to 0.

Ending: The commission’s action approves the Certificate of Appropriateness with conditions and a finding encouraging resolution of property-line issues through project coordination with Planning Department staff and DBI.