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Board continues 4121 20th Street appeal after engineers cite undermining and inadequate shoring
Summary
After DBI and neighbor engineers reported undermining and inadequate shoring at 4121 20th Street, the Board of Appeals continued the appeal to Feb. 11, 2015 and instructed DBI and the parties to address immediate life‑safety shoring and reconcile engineering plans.
The San Francisco Board of Appeals continued an appeal concerning excavation work at 4121 20th Street on Jan. 21 after DBI inspectors and engineers warned that the site’s excavation had undermined neighboring foundations and that existing shoring and water mitigation might be inadequate.
Neighbor Tom Goddard told the board that his engineer found soil caving at the property line and that excavation extended below the base of the neighbor’s foundation, removing lateral support and creating a collapse risk: "...nothing is holding their foundation laterally because my property is on a higher level," Goddard said. He urged immediate shoring or an expedited new foundation plan and sought continued coordination between the parties’ engineers.
DBI inspector Joe Duffy said a Dec. 2, 2014 notice of violation cited undermining and inadequate shoring and recommended shoring and structural support under a geotechnical or structural engineer. The permit holder, Jonathan Black, said emergency shoring was installed after the city inspection, that a new engineer had been retained, and that revised plans had been submitted and discussed with the neighbor’s engineer.
Commissioners and DBI agreed the site warranted urgent attention; DBI said it could expedite reviews and, if necessary, issue an emergency permit to permit immediate life‑safety work while the parties finalize a permanent design. The board directed that parties attempt to resolve engineering differences, that DBI focus on isolating immediate life‑safety fixes from longer-term redesign, and continued the matter to Feb. 11, 2015 to allow submission of revised plans and further inspection. No on-site work beyond life‑safety measures authorized by DBI was permitted while the permit remained suspended.
The board recorded the continuance 4-0. DBI committed to expedited oversight and to coordinate closely with both engineers and the appellant about shoring adequacy and possible emergency permits.
