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Board upholds abatement at Second Avenue property after testimony about dangerous stairs and tenant injury
Summary
Inspectors told the Abatement Appeals Board that significant deck and stair deterioration at 74730 Second Avenue created imminent hazard; the board upheld the order of abatement and assessed costs after hearing from an owner representative who cited probate and insurance delays and from a tenant who said he was injured when the stairs failed.
SAN FRANCISCO — The Abatement Appeals Board unanimously upheld an order of abatement on Oct. 19 for property at 74730 Second Avenue after housing inspectors described severe deterioration of exterior stairs and decking and public testimony from a tenant who said he was seriously injured after falling through the damaged stair area.
Housing inspectors presented color photos showing damaged landings and stairway components and told the board a notice of violation was issued in June 2016. The inspector explained that the property is now in probate and that staff had not observed mitigation steps such as temporary shoring or plywood over holes; staff urged the board to record an order of abatement so the court and trustee would be aware of the hazard.
The owner’s grandson, Jason, said he had tried to secure contractors and that probate and an insurance claim delayed repair work; he said he signed a design contract in September and had a structural engineer preparing plans. Jason said he and his family immediately boarded over access to the most dangerous door and had sought contractors, but that the permit submittal process stalled because of title and ownership issues arising from probate.
A tenant, Gregory Jason, gave public comment describing a fall through the deck that caused severe injury, ongoing medical treatment and mold issues inside the house. "I was severely injured — I fell through it," he said, describing continuing health and housing impacts.
Commissioners expressed zero tolerance for life-safety hazards. Commissioner Walker moved to uphold the order of abatement and to include assessment of costs; the motion carried unanimously. The board emphasized staff should assist the property representative in resolving ownership and permit intake issues to expedite safe repairs.
The board recorded the order of abatement and authorized collection of assessment of costs; staff said they would offer outreach to help the appellant navigate filing a proper permit package.
