Board continues Geneva Avenue dispute, upholds Twentieth Street permit with condition

Two smaller permit matters concluded the Board of Appeals meeting on Dec. 11.

Geneva Avenue (1150–1152): Karen Galvez challenged an over‑the‑counter permit that would add a half bath in an existing light well. Planning staff told the board the work should have been accompanied by signatures from immediately adjacent owners or a short public notice under the zoning bulletin rules for visible light‑well fill. To avoid revoking the permit immediately, the board continued the matter to Jan. 29 so the permit holder can obtain the required adjacent signatures or Planning can send the required notice; if a timely neighbor objection triggers discretionary review, the hearing will be relisted.

Twentieth Street (3547): An appeal by Robert Daves challenged a DBI alteration permit issued to remedy a Notice of Violation (remove an unpermitted shed, relocate vents and repair dry rot). DBI staff explained the permit corrects NOV items and that light wells cannot be used for storage. The permit holder agreed to remove an optional 36‑inch parapet at the property line; the board upheld the permit conditioned on removing that parapet (5–0).

Procedural note: Planning staff and DBI clarified that drainage from the small light‑well roofs must be piped to the city sewer and that vents and plumbing fixtures must meet plumbing and building‑code requirements. The continuance for Geneva Avenue gives parties time to resolve notification and minor technical concerns without immediate permit revocation.