Tenants press for protections as board continues seismic-upgrade permit at 1166 Haight

Tenants at 1166 Haight Street told the Board of Appeals on Sept. 15 they support a seismic retrofit to make the building safer but asked that the board condition any permit to protect residents from eviction, harassment and long-term displacement.

Leah Guillermo, Olivia Plattford and other longtime tenants said the landlord’s prior conduct had created a climate of hostility and that tenants had left because of pressure. They asked for clear commitments on timing, contractor qualifications, containment and assurance they could return to their rent-controlled units. "We don't oppose the seismic upgrade… but we are seeking conditions to protect the tenants from eviction," Guillermo told the board.

Structural engineer Rodrigo Santos and owner Dennis McCarthy described the building’s severe settlement and the engineering work required, including foundation replacement and jacking to address a roughly 11-inch settlement in a corner. Santos said much of the structural work is below the first occupied level and that it is "possible" to keep tenants during work but that doing so could raise costs and require careful phasing and containment. DBI Deputy Director Lawrence Cornfield said the department encourages seismic upgrades and noted city programs aim to minimize displacement for typical ground-floor retrofit work.

After extended discussion the board continued the appeal to Oct. 13 to allow parties two weeks to negotiate protections; if no settlement is reached each side may file up to a five-page brief by the Thursday before the hearing. Commissioners emphasized tenant safety, contractor bonding, a realistic schedule, and evidence of financing and coordination before moving forward.