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Neighbors and engineers warn DBI that proposed 4‑story addition at 120 Howard could worsen seismic risks; debate over peer‑review process intensifies
Summary
Neighbors, the State Bar and independent engineers told the Building Inspection Commission that a vertical four‑story addition proposed for 120 Howard Street raises serious seismic concerns and that the department's peer‑review process should allow broader scrutiny; DBI and the project's engineers said peer reviewers generally found the addition 'feasible' and that detailed plan check remains ongoing.
Neighbors, tenant groups and outside structural engineers pressed the Building Inspection Commission on Aug. 15 to require a more open or fuller peer review of a proposed four‑story vertical addition to 120 Howard Street, arguing the project could worsen existing seismic deficiencies.
Terry Perrett of engineering firm WJE told the commission the building "exhibits serious seismics deficiencies that will lead to structural failure during a major earthquake," and said the proposed addition will make existing problems worse. Perrett and other independent engineers highlighted short or "sill" columns and said those features can cause column shear and collapse in…
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