Board upholds DBI repair permit with conditions to protect tenant laundry access

The San Francisco Board of Appeals on Aug. 10 upheld a Department of Building Inspection permit to repair stairs and decks at a multiunit rental at 122 Tiffany Ave., but imposed conditions to protect long‑standing tenant laundry access.

Tenants had appealed after the new owner obtained an over‑the‑counter permit to abate housing notices of violation for deficiencies in stair and deck conditions. Appellants said several long‑term tenants rely on washing machines located on service decks—one tenant is disabled and cannot access off‑site laundry—and worried the permit could be used to eliminate those facilities.

Owner John Britton said he purchased the 1880s building recently and that immediate, life‑safety repairs are required: holes in decks, rotting posts and blocked egress. DBI inspector Joseph Duffy confirmed significant localized deck deterioration and said contractors would likely have to move personal property to make repairs.

After hearing argument and inspection testimony, the Board conditioned its decision. The permit was upheld on the record, but the Board ordered (1) no work be performed on the Ground‑Floor deck adjacent to the impacted tenant’s unit while the appeal is resolved, and (2) that any laundry appliances removed during permitted work be returned to deck locations if and to the extent code allows them to be placed there safely. Commissioners tied the second condition to DBI confirmation of code compliance.

The motion passed unanimously, and the Board noted that DBI retains authority to address immediate life‑safety hazards and to allow necessary emergency repairs.