Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Residential Permit topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Board conditions 2nd‑floor deck permit in Outer Richmond, orders 3‑foot pull‑in
Summary
After neighbors argued a proposed second‑floor deck at 8222 Geary Boulevard would harm privacy and shade rear yards, the Board of Appeals upheld the building permit but required the deck be pulled in 3 feet toward the house (4‑1 initial count; final 4‑1 with charter threshold met).
Neighbors appealed a building permit that authorizes a second‑floor rear deck at 8222 Geary Boulevard, citing loss of light, privacy and disruption of the mid‑block open‑space pattern. Susan Wong and other nearby residents said the deck projects deeply into the shared rear yard and would allow direct views into bedrooms and living areas.
The permit holder, Evan Howells, said the project complies with RH‑1 zoning rear‑yard and height rules, and that the deck is nine feet above grade — within building code limits. Structural engineer Rodrigo Santos said the deck measures about 248 square feet and is designed to meet wind and structural requirements for the neighborhood.
Commissioners weighed privacy and mid‑block open‑space concerns against code compliance. The board debated conditional changes, with several commissioners urging a negotiation between parties; Mr. Howells offered to reduce the deck depth. The board ultimately upheld the permit but imposed a modification that pulls the deck in three feet toward the rear building wall to reduce impact on the neighbor’s key lot and mid‑block open space; the board recorded the required four‑vote majority for changing a departmental action and the action passed 4‑1.
What’s next: The permit is upheld with the 3‑foot reduction as a condition. The permit holder must revise plans to reflect the smaller deck depth and comply with DBI issuance conditions before commencing work.
Attribution: Testimony recorded May 6 from Susan Wong (appellant), Evan Howells (permit holder), Rodrigo Santos (structural engineer), DBI/Planning staff (Scott Sanchez, Joe Duffy).
