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Board approves 2467 Pacific permit with conditions to protect adjacent historic properties
Summary
After extensive testimony about a 13-foot excavation adjacent to a 170-year-old landmark, the Board of Appeals voted 5-0 to allow the 2467 Pacific Avenue permit to proceed but conditioned approval on compliance with San Francisco Building Code section 3307.1 and California Civil Code section 8 32 and required monitoring and geotechnical safeguards.
The San Francisco Board of Appeals approved the permit for renovation and excavation at 2467 Pacific Avenue, imposing conditions intended to protect neighboring historic homes.
Neighbors and appellants raised detailed structural concerns about a planned 13-foot excavation and shoring sequence and urged the board to require underpinning, soil permeation grouting on adjacent properties, pre-construction surveys, regular monitoring and insurance naming neighbors as additional insured. Phil Lalonde described the adjacent landmark house at 2475 Pacific and warned that excavation without adequate protections could cause settlement and damage.
The project team, represented by architect John Maniscalco, said the permit underwent full department review, that exploratory test pits and peer reviews had been completed, and that the sponsor had agreed to conservative measures including grout permeation zones and ongoing geotechnical monitoring. "The drawings have been prepared, shared with both of the neighbors...showing the grout permeation zones," Maniscalco said, adding that revised shoring drawings are ready for submission once the appeal is lifted.
Department of Building Inspection Senior Inspector Joe Duffy and Planning staff said the permit followed proper review and reiterated that excavation work could not begin without required permits, monitoring and inspections. DBI highlighted on-site geotechnical oversight and special inspections during active excavation.
Commissioners discussed whether to delay work until a formal neighbor agreement was finalized or to approve the permit with explicit code-based protections. Commissioner Swig moved to grant the appeals and issue the permit on the condition that revised permit materials require compliance with San Francisco Building Code section 3307.1 and California Civil Code section 8 32 (sections that address excavation and protection of adjoining property). The motion passed 5-0.
Under those conditions, the project sponsor said it will submit revised shoring drawings and geogrout plans, conduct weekly monitoring during active work, provide photo documentation and continue discussions with neighbors about insurance and data sharing. DBI confirmed that required permits and inspections must be in place before excavation begins.
