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Neighbors urge penalties after alleged unlawful demolition at 655 Alvarado; commission continues case for DBI determination
Summary
Adjacent property owners told the commission that excavation and removal at 655 Alvarado undermined neighboring foundations and exceeded permitted scope; after extensive testimony the Planning Commission continued the CUA request to April 19 to allow the Department of Building Inspection to provide a written determination about whether the work constitutes an unlawful demolition under the building code.
The commission heard a contested conditional‑use authorization for 655 Alvarado Street after neighbors said the structure was effectively demolished without a demolition permit and that excavation undermined adjacent foundations.
Planning staff presented project background and recommended modifying the project to create two units to meet code criteria. Numerous neighbors (Mary and John Ferretti, others) said the building was taken down in December 2016, the contractor excavated adjacent to their foundations without underpinning, and DBI continued issuing permits without recognizing the demolition. Several speakers asked for penalties including a five‑year moratorium and reduction of the new proposal to the pre‑demolition envelope.
Because commissioners expressed concern that DBI’s interpretation of "demolition" and the notices of violation warranted a written technical determination, Commissioner Richards moved to continue the matter to give DBI time to provide a written determination; the motion to continue to April 19 passed unanimously.
