Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Seismic Retrofit topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Board clears revised seismic retrofit permits for 40 & 50 Alta Street after tenants raise transparency concerns
Summary
After tenants complained about a history of withdrawn permits, delayed work and unclear notice, the board granted appeals and adopted revised plans for mandatory soft‑story seismic upgrades at 40 and 50 Alta Street; Planning and DBI said the revised plans focus on required seismic work and do not require additional Planning review; the board urged improved communication to tenants and scheduled administrative follow‑ups.
The Board of Appeals on May 13 approved revised plans for mandatory soft‑story seismic retrofits at 40 and 50 Alta Street, adopting revised submissions that Planning staff said limit work to the required seismic retrofit and do not trigger further Planning review.
Tenants, represented by appellants Brian Raffy and Roxanne Davis, told the board they fear displacement, poor communication and lengthy construction delays. Raffy recounted a long history of withdrawn permits, inconsistent notices and extended periods with vacant units. "Our appeals were never about blocking seismic work," he said; "we want transparency and protections to keep tenants in their homes."
Owner counsel said the parties have withdrawn earlier permits that required Planning review and submitted revised plans focused on mandatory seismic upgrades. Planning reported staff reviewed the May 8 revised plans and concluded they do not require department review because they avoid exterior changes that would trigger Section 3.11 or other discretionary review. DBI confirmed it has issued similar soft‑story retrofit permits citywide and that the permits themselves were properly reviewed and issued; DBI also noted outstanding administrative notices of violation for noncompliance and said building permits have a 12‑month life and that construction may proceed under public‑health guidance.
Commissioners pressed the parties about tenant protections and suggested stronger outreach and clearer project timelines. The board granted the appeals and adopted the revised May 8 plans so that the mandatory seismic permits can proceed; commissioners asked Planning and DBI to ensure clear notice to tenants and encouraged the owner to pursue reasonable temporary‑relocation or comparable‑unit accommodations where necessary.
What happens next: The Board adopted the applicant's revised plans for the soft‑story work. DBI and Planning will continue to monitor permits and enforcement, and tenants were directed to rent‑board and DBI resources for procedural protections; tenant advocates asked the owner to offer comparable available units for temporary relocation if displacement becomes necessary.
