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DBI reports stop-work order and potential litigation for unpermitted work at 135 El Camino Del Mar; probe continues at 793'795 Arguello
Summary
DBI staff reported a stop-work notice and multiple notices of violation at 135 El Camino Del Mar after staff discovered an owner-installed third floor and other unpermitted changes. Separately at 793'795 Arguello, DBI found conflicting records and CFCs indicating four units despite incomplete planning sign-offs; both matters are under investigation with possible director hearings and litigation referral.
At the Dec. 17 meeting DBI staff briefed the Building Inspection Commission on two separate enforcement matters.
Ed Sweeney described the case at 135 El Camino Del Mar. He said an older repair permit had been renewed and, on inspection, staff discovered a larger scope of work than records supported. "We immediately filed a stop work notice," Sweeney said, adding that subsequent document checks and satellite photos showed additions and unpermitted habitable space. DBI issued initial and second notices of violation for front and side additions, declined to accept the owner's attempt to legalize the work with the previously finaled permit, and plans to hold a director's hearing; if the hearing does not resolve the matter the department will refer the case to the litigation committee and the city attorney's office for possible legal action.
On 793'795 Arguello, Sweeney summarized the property's long permit history: a pool hall converted to flats, then through a series of permits to what DBI records and CFCs now reflect as a four-unit building on two floors. However, planning sign-offs did not always match the building files, and DBI found unpermitted rooms on the ground floor during a recent review. The department issued a notice of violation for the downstairs rooms and is investigating whether units were merged or otherwise reconfigured without proper planning approval; the assessor currently lists the parcel as a four-unit property, which DBI staff noted complicates the legal status.
Commissioners asked about the owner's role; Sweeney said the owner of 135 El Camino admitted making unpermitted changes himself and that records indicate the owner has an engineering background. Both matters remain under active investigation with director's hearings and follow-ups planned.
