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Board upholds Potrero Hill encroachment permit despite neighbor notice complaints
Summary
Neighbors raised process and notice concerns about public-right-of-way work tied to a new home at 791 San Bruno Avenue. Commissioners concluded technical review by departments supported the encroachment and voted 5-0 to uphold the permit; neighbors were urged to work with the owner and departments on landscaping and safety details.
The Board of Appeals on June 30 upheld a minor sidewalk encroachment permit for a new house at 791 San Bruno Avenue (Potrero Hill) after neighbors complained they were not adequately notified about excavation and proposed public-right-of-way work.
Joyce Book, an adjacent homeowner, told the board she and other neighbors supported the residential project overall but said they had not been made aware that substantial work occurred in public right-of-way and that earlier demolition and excavation had left the community uninformed. "This is public land and the public seems to have been left out," Book said during public comment.
Project architect Douglas Frong and owner Ed Schumer described the retained design and the landscaping proposal for the public strip, and DPW representative John Quang explained the department—s practice for minor sidewalk encroachments (to maintain a 6-foot pedestrian zone and allow landscaped treatments outside that area). Quang said encroachment review included a 150-foot radius mailing as required by DPW and a public hearing; urban forestry would review planting plans.
Commissioners acknowledged neighbors— frustration but found the departments had reviewed the technical elements and that the encroachment, which provides a breezeway and required clearance for property-line windows, was appropriate. The board voted 5-0 to uphold the permit and encouraged the permit-holder and DPW to continue neighborhood outreach on plantings and final details.
Next steps: DPW/Bureau of Urban Forestry will finalize species selection and planting plans; DBI will track implementation of conditions attached to the encroachment.
