Board upholds renovation permit with 90-day tenant-protection condition

The Board of Appeals voted 5-0 to uphold a building permit for renovation work that had prompted tenant objections and concerns about piecemeal permitting, displacement duration and project cost estimates.

Tenant advocates told the Board the permit estimate—$30,000 in the record—appeared far too low and argued the Board should impose limits to reduce the risk of prolonged displacement. Tenants described uncertainty about how long they would be required to leave and cited past cases where displacement stretched beyond the statutory expectations.

Permit holders (identified in the record as Alex Volkov and a partner) said estimates were preliminary and that older buildings commonly reveal additional work as permits proceed; they offered alternatives including a $15,000 relocation payment and two months' free rent as options for temporarily vacating tenants.

Following extended questioning and negotiation in the hearing chamber, commissioners discussed conditions that could protect tenants: a 90‑day maximum for completion of work tied to the tenant displacement start date, limits on construction hours (weekdays 9 a.m.–5 p.m.), and use of a block-book notice so displaced tenants receive timely notice of additional upstairs permits. The Board adopted a motion to grant the permit with a condition requiring that all work under the current permit be completed within 90 days from the start date of any temporary eviction or displacement. The vote was 5-0.

The Board noted it lacks unilateral authority to cap allowable pass-throughs under rent law but used project-condition tools within its administrative powers to try to limit tenant hardship and required that staff pursue block-book notification and other coordination with the Rent Board if necessary.

The condition applies to the current permit; any additional permits (for upstairs work, for example) may be subject to separate review or appeal.