Board revokes permit for 349 Urbano Drive, finding inadequate neighbor notice and inaccurate drawings

The San Francisco Board of Appeals voted Feb. 7 to revoke a building permit for 349 Urbano Drive, concluding the permit was issued in error because required neighborhood notification under Planning Code section 3.11 was not performed and because submitted plans were inaccurate.

Residents and the Ingleside Terraces Homes Association presented photographs, marketing materials and a declaration arguing that a third-floor sunroom and rear enclosure were not part of the property when the permit files were created. Ann McDonald, speaking for Concerned Neighbors of Ingleside Terraces, said the back of the house “was simply an upper level that ended with the back wall of the front bedroom and then open space. That open space has been filled in by a new addition that did not exist before.” Several neighbors testified they had watched framing go up and that the new windows now look down into adjacent yards.

DBI and Planning staff told the board the second permit and the later set of elevations showed inconsistencies with earlier plans and that the changes appeared to have increased the roof line and enclosed previously open areas. DBI recommended revoking the second permit and requiring new, accurate plans and proper neighborhood notification.

After extended public comment, commissioner discussion and staff input, President Garcia moved to revoke the permit with a finding that it had been issued in error for lack of section 3.11 notice and because of inaccurate drawings. The motion carried 4-1. The board asked DBI and Planning to require corrected drawings and to proceed with the neighborhood-notification process before any exterior work affecting the shell proceeds.

The revocation affects the permit at 349 Urbano Drive and places responsibility on the permit holder to submit accurate, comprehensive plans and to follow the Planning Code notification process before further exterior work is authorized.