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Board of Appeals adopts revised plans, issues permit for 589–591 Connecticut St.
Summary
The San Francisco Board of Appeals adopted revised plans and authorized a site permit for 589–591 Connecticut St., finding planning and building department reviews satisfactory despite an outstanding civil property‑line survey dispute; the board recorded the action 3–0 and noted a 12‑day window before the written decision.
The San Francisco Board of Appeals on Dec. 10 adopted revised site permit plans and approved the permit for 589–591 Connecticut St., recording the motion 3–0 to issue the permit with the plans dated Nov. 17, 2025. The work covers a remodel of an existing two‑unit building, a rear horizontal addition, conversion of an unconditioned basement to habitable space, and other system upgrades under permit number 202310239219.
Why it matters: Planning and the Department of Building Inspection told the board the revised drawings corrected prior drafting inconsistencies and meet applicable planning and building codes, removing earlier objections tied to plan notation and measurement references. The appellants raised a separate civil property‑line dispute and asked that the permit be conditioned so no work occurs on the neighboring parcel; the board treated that as a civil matter outside its authority and accepted the departments’ code‑compliance findings.
What the board heard: Permit representative Eric Jacobs said revisions submitted Nov. 18 corrected notational errors and added obscured glazing at specified windows to protect privacy; he told the board the overall building height is unchanged and that the site survey shows proposed work will remain within the subject parcel. Zoning Administrator Corey Teague said planning had required and received the revisions necessary to achieve compliance with rear‑yard and design guidelines. DBI said the application, as revised, meets California and San Francisco building code minimums.
Appellants’ concern and board response: Appellants flagged a civil property‑line survey dispute and requested a condition explicitly prohibiting work on the appellant’s land. The board—citing counsel and staff advice that property‑line disputes are civil matters resolved outside this forum—found no code basis to deny the permit. President John Trezwina summarized that planning and DBI evidence showed code compliance and moved to adopt the revised plans.
Outcome and next steps: The motion to adopt the revised plans carried 3–0 (Vice President Jose Lopez and Commissioner Rick Swig voted aye). The board recorded that the appeal was granted with adoption of the plans and noted a 12‑day period before the written decision will be issued; staff said the permit holder will need to pursue a special conditions permit as required and the board clerk will follow up offline on the procedural steps.
Quoted on the record: "Tonight we have these plans on hand and the appellant's brief pointed out several drafting errors and inconsistencies in their review of the plans which we have addressed," Eric Jacobs said. President John Trezwina said he had heard "code compliance from DBI, code compliance from planning" as the basis for his motion.
Board action: Adopt revised plans dated Nov. 17, 2025 and issue the site permit for 589–591 Connecticut St.; vote 3–0. The board’s written decision will follow the standard timeframe.
