Board conditions permit revision for Valencia Street fire‑escape replacement

The Board of Appeals voted to grant an appeal and condition an alteration permit for 524–528 Valencia Street after DBI inspectors and the project architect presented revised plans addressing safety and AB 19 requirements.

DBI Senior Building Inspector Joe Duffy told commissioners that the architect supplied new drawings only after a recent meeting with DBI plan check staff and that the proposed counterbalance inclined ladder includes handrails and other safety improvements. Architect Patrick Moore described the revised ladder — a swinging counterbalance with handrails — as a safer alternative to the previously proposed drop‑down ladder, and said DBI’s Mr. Mark Walls had preapproved the design pending formal plan check. Appellant Joe Kenis, a tenant at the Crown Hotel, said he had received the new drawings only moments before the hearing and raised concerns about the ladder’s facing and the ongoing problem of the restaurant storing materials under the fire escape, which could obstruct egress.

Commissioners pressed DBI on enforcement options if an egress were later blocked; Inspector Duffy explained that DBI, Housing Inspection and the Fire Department could each investigate complaints about blocked exit paths. After deliberation President Frank Fung moved to grant the appeal and issue the permit on the condition that the permit be revised to reflect the plans submitted at the hearing (dated Feb. 27, 2018). Commissioners Lazarus, Honda, Wilson and Vice President Swig voted aye; the motion passed.

The board’s decision requires the permit holder to file revised drawings showing the revised counterbalance ladder with handrails and compliance with AB 19; DBI will verify the revised plans before finalizing the permit.