Board of Appeals allows multiple garden structures within a contiguous 100 sq ft footprint, recommends 36‑month enforcement hold

The San Francisco Board of Appeals on Sept. 23, 2020, granted an appeal over a Planning Department letter of determination that had been interpreted for more than three decades to allow only a single rear‑yard garden structure. On a 5–0 vote, the board directed staff to revise the letter so that more than one garden structure may be allowed provided the total contiguous coverage does not exceed 100 square feet, and it recommended that the Planning Department and the Department of Building Inspection refrain from enforcing the related Notice of Violation for 36 months.

The case concerned 150 Morningside Drive and two freestanding, non‑permanent sheds the homeowner had placed in the rear yard. Appellant Joshua (Josh) Ryskin testified that the sheds are used to store medical equipment, bedding and supplies needed to care for his 88‑year‑old mother, who has advanced dementia. “My mom is 88, disabled, has advanced dementia, and is currently…