Board grants jurisdiction in tenant dispute over property‑line bedroom window at 270 Roosevelt Way

The San Francisco Board of Appeals voted 4–0 to grant jurisdiction on a tenant request concerning a notice of violation for a property‑line bedroom window at 270 Roosevelt Way (BPA number 200910169171). The action opens a new 15‑day appeal period.

Tenant Paul Hassan told the board he and his housemates were notified in writing only days before filing their jurisdiction request and said boarding the bedroom window would leave the room nearly uninhabitable, reduce light and air and create egress concerns in a fire or earthquake. He described long‑running neighbor conflict and alleged harassment and safety worries. The owner, Roxanne Gould, and the property’s agent (Mr. Kornilowicz) said they were complying with a Department of Building Inspection notice of violation and had discussed alternatives such as fire‑rated glazing or modified light/ventilation solutions; the owner said she had tried to work with tenants but felt pressured by adjacent neighbors and federal/local enforcement concerns.

Building department staff explained the code generally prohibits property‑line windows for fire‑protection reasons and that the DBI notice requires a plan showing how the property‑line window will be addressed; DBI staff also said alternative compliance measures (fire‑rated glazing, glazing block, or removal) are available. The board said the record raised neighborhood and habitability concerns meriting a full review and voted to grant jurisdiction; the board directed that a new 15‑day appeal period begin the following day.

The board’s action requires the parties to return with a fuller record and any plans the permit holder intends to rely on; DBI and planning staff said they would supply relevant permit documents when the matter returns to the board.