Board of Appeals grants appeals of Fulton Street flag-lot permits, requires 36-inch interior gate

The San Francisco Board of Appeals on Oct. 30 granted three appeals of building permits for a proposed four-unit flag-lot development at 1819–1825 Fulton Street, resolving a months‑long dispute over whether the project’s narrow utility alley provides adequate emergency access.

The appeals were filed by neighbors who said the lot’s only street access is a narrow 42‑inch corridor that quickly narrows where a gate and hardware would further reduce the clear opening, creating a ‘‘choke point’’ that could trap residents during a fire, earthquake or other emergency. ‘‘If we were in this unit … there’s a real likelihood of folks being trapped in this lot,’’ said Meg Gray, representing NOPA West Neighbors, during the hearing.

The developer’s team, including project architect and co‑owner Troy Kishanipur, told the board the project meets applicable building and fire codes and that DBI and the San Francisco Fire Department reviewed and approved the proposed site…