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Board reduces penalty for unauthorized removal of historic firehouse hose tower
Summary
The Board reduced a $1,700 violation penalty for the unpermitted demolition of a hose tower at a converted 1896 firehouse (117 Broad Street) to two times the regular permit fee, citing the owner’s efforts to obtain a site permit and the building’s preservation status.
SAN FRANCISCO — The San Francisco Board of Appeals on Sept. 19 voted 3–0 to reduce the penalty assessed after the unpermitted demolition of a historic hose tower at 117 Broad Street.
Owner Piper Murakami told the Board the hose tower was removed during a storm because it appeared unstable; she has since filed for a permit to rebuild a like structure and presented photographs and an architect’s involvement. DBI Inspector Patrick O'Riordan described the inspection, the notice of violation and the property’s status as a known historic resource. O'Riordan noted a site permit had been filed and approved in concept on Sept. 10 but that the demolition without prior review triggered a penalty established by the building code.
Planning Department staff said the property — the former Engine Company No. 33 firehouse, built in 1896 — is a Category A known historic resource and has been considered for landmarking. Commissioners discussed the possibility of bracing and less costly remedies but concluded the current issue before them was the penalty amount, not final design.
Vice President Frank Fung moved to reduce the penalty to two times the regular fee, within the Board’s discretion; the motion passed by a 3–0 vote.
What’s next: The penalty will be reduced to two times the standard permit fee. The owner continues to work with an architect and a structural engineer to submit final permit drawings for rebuilding the hose tower with planning approval.
