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Planning Commission conditions approval at 655 Alvarado after DBI finds extensive unpermitted demolition
Summary
The commission found that work at 655 Alvarado exceeded approved demolition and removed roughly 88–90% of the building; after hearing neighbors’ damage claims and DBI reports, commissioners required the rebuilt massing to match the prior legal building, a Certificate of Final Completion/Occupancy and progress reporting.
The Planning Commission, after extended testimony and a DBI presentation that described extensive unpermitted demolition, approved a conditional use authorization for 655 Alvarado Street on the condition that the rebuilt structure match the legal massing of the pre‑demolition building and that the project secure a Certificate of Final Completion and Occupancy (CFCO) to ensure a habitable result.
DBI Chief Building Inspector Patrick O’Riordan reported demolition at the site exceeded the approved scope: ‘‘At stop work in October of 2017, in excess of 2,800 square feet of the total 3,192 had been removed — 88%.’’ DBI issued multiple notices of violation for unsafe excavation, work without permits and undermining of adjacent foundations; the matter has been referred to code enforcement with an order of abatement.
Neighbors from 651 and 661 Alvarado described foundation damage, missing property‑line fences and months of repair negotiations. They asked the commission to require the sponsor to restore neighbors’ properties and delay further permitting until adjacent repairs are completed. Neighbors and BIC representatives urged stronger professional accountability for architects, engineers and contractors.
Project architect Zach Madry said the owners received permits and that demolition was performed by a general contractor who has since filed bankruptcy; he asked the commission to allow completion so the site would not remain a hazardous, vacant lot. Commissioners debated enforcement options, professional responsibility and appropriate remedies.
To balance competing concerns, the commission approved the project with a unanimous vote conditioned on reconstruction to the legal massing that existed under prior legal permits, issuance of a CFCO and periodic staff memos on progress and coordination with DBI to prioritize necessary neighbor repairs. Commissioners asked staff to monitor enforcement and report back on progress.
Commissioners also discussed system reforms — pre‑site inspections, clearer responsibilities for licensed professionals and legislative proposals under consideration — to reduce recurrence of similar illegal demolitions.
