Board revokes fence permit at 507 Mississippi after finding work done without proper plans and inspections

San Francisco — The Board of Appeals voted unanimously on April 20 to grant an appeal by a neighbor and revoke a recently issued permit for fence and retaining‑wall work at 507 Mississippi Street, after finding the permit had been issued without adequate plans and that substantial concrete and fill work was done without inspections.

Appellant Christopher Wilson described how a new high fence and poured concrete wall altered his backyard light and character; he said the work had been done without notice and that bolts holding an earlier shared fence were broken during construction. The Board heard photos and historical images showing changes to the rear grade and new poured concrete work that, according to DBI and Planning, may have extended into the rear property line and altered native grade.

Planning staff said the permit had been issued in error because it lacked proper plans and they were concerned the work may encroach on a neighbor’s property. DBI said inspectors found concrete and retaining‑wall work placed without inspections and that the permit should be denied; DBI said the owners must file full existing‑conditions and proposed drawings, obtain required inspections and may face penalties for unpermitted work.

Vice President Frank Fung moved to grant the appeal and revoke the permit because the work did not conform to planning code; the motion carried 5–0. DBI said the owners must refile with plans, expect a civil penalty assessment for unpermitted work, and participate in required plan‑check and inspections to resolve encroachment and grade questions.