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Abatement Appeals Board upholds order against unpermitted rear addition at 245 Second Avenue
Summary
The Abatement Appeals Board unanimously denied an appeal by the owner of 245 Second Avenue, finding an unpermitted rear addition nearly complete and upholding the order of abatement and assessment of costs after DBI testimony. The owner’s architect said planning delays slowed legalization efforts.
The San Francisco Abatement Appeals Board voted unanimously to deny an appeal seeking revocation of an order of abatement for a rear addition at 245 Second Avenue.
Department of Building Inspection staff told the board they inspected the property on May 5 and found a two‑story vertical addition at the rear “close to 90% completed with no permits, no electrical or plumbing inspections,” and recommended upholding the order of abatement. Sam Kwong, the architect representing the owner, said a building permit application (permit no. 201708296247) had been filed and blamed the delay on Planning Department staffing, saying planning provided an over‑the‑counter approval the week of the hearing and that the project could be finalized within 30–60 days.
Commissioners pressed the appellant for plans and square footage; Kwong estimated the living area added was about 300 square feet and said the foundation and some systems would be submitted for structural and Title 24 compliance once the site permit was issued. DBI reiterated that work observed at the site appeared to have proceeded without permit and told the board the owner had been offered options, including demolition and expedited permitting.
Commissioner Lee moved to deny the appeal, to uphold the order of abatement, and to impose assessment of cost; Commissioner McCarthy seconded. The motion carried on a unanimous roll call. The board recorded the action as a formal order; costs and any administrative assessments will be processed by DBI per standard procedure.
The decision leaves the order of abatement in place while the property owner pursues the permit pathway Kwong described. The board did not waive penalties at the hearing.
