City and County of San FranciscoBoard of Appeals

March 16, 2011

Board of Appeals - March 16, 2011

 


 

BOARD OF APPEALS

 

CITY & COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO

 

AGENDA FOR REGULAR MEETING - WEDNESDAY, MARCH 16, 2011

 

5:00 P.M., CITY HALL, ROOM 416,

ONE DR. CARLTON B. GOODLETT PLACE

 

 

 

 

(1)    PUBLIC COMMENT: 

 

At this time, members of the public may address the Board on items of interest to the public that are within the subject matter jurisdiction of the Board except agenda items.  With respect to agenda items, your opportunity to address the Board will be afforded when the item is reached in the meeting with one exception. When the agenda item has already been reviewed in a public hearing at which members of the public were allowed to testify and the Board has closed the public hearing, your opportunity to address the Board must be exercised during the Public Comment portion of the calendar.   Each member of the public may address the Board for up to three minutes.   If it is demonstrated that comments by the public will exceed 15 minutes, the President may continue Public Comment to another time during the meeting.

 

 

(2)    COMMISSIONER COMMENTS & QUESTIONS: 

 

 

 

(3)    ADOPTION OF MINUTES: 

 

Discussion and possible adoption of the March 09, 2011 minutes.

 

 

 

(4)    ADDENDUM ITEMS: 

 

(4a)    ADOPTION OF FINDINGS: 

 

Subject property at

1400 Grant Avenue
aka
468 Green Street
.
  Appeal No. 10-097, Crown Fortune Properties vs. Zoning Administrator, decided January 19, 2011.  At that time, the Board voted 5-0 to grant the appeal and overrule the Zoning Administrator with the adoption of findings at a later time.  Subject Action: Notice of Violation and Penalty dated Aug. 17, 2010, addressed to PGB LLC and Crown Fortune Properties, regarding the business professional service use located at the subject property, in violation of the Planning Code.

 

 

(4b)    JURISDICTION REQUEST: 

 

Subject property at

1338 Filbert Street
.  Letter from Susan Brandt-Hawley, attorney for Jerry DeMartini, requestor, asking that the Board allow the filing of appeals against BPA Nos. 2008/10/27/5223, 2010/09/27/1690, and 2010/09/27/1691, which were all issued on Jan. 31, 2011, and all were determined to be issued pursuant to a Conditional Use (CU) authorization and thus un-appealable under the City Charter.  Permit Holders: Dominique Lahaussois and David Low.  Project, 1st permit: parking garage only; two duplexes above under separate permit.  Project, 2nd permit: renovation and remodel of two existing landmark cottages and an artist studio.  Project, 3rd permit: renovation and remodel of two existing landmark cottages. NOTE: Public hearing held on March 9, 2010; matter continued to allow for the submittal of additional evidence.

 

 

(4c)    REHEARING REQUESTS: 

 

Subject property at

2139 Taraval Street
.  Letter from Derek St. Pierre, attorney for               Greg Schoepp, permit holder, requesting rehearing of Appeal Nos. 10-105/106.  On Nov. 17, 2010, the Board voted 4-0-1 to revoke the subject permit, and on Feb. 09, 2011, the Board voted 5-0 to adopt findings with amendments.  Appellants: Canaan Tutoring Center Service, and ChineseGospelChurch.  Project: new medical cannabis dispensary (MCD) in former chiropractor’s office; minor interior alterations; BPA No. 2009/12/03/2572.

 

 

 

(4d)    REHEARING REQUEST: 

 

Subject property at

3175 – 24th Street
.  Letter from Jana Farrell, agent for Virginia Ramos, appellant, requesting rehearing of Appeal No. 10-136, decided Feb. 09, 2011.  At that time, the Board voted 2-3 to grant the appeal, overturn the department, with adoption of findings at a later time.  Four votes being required to overturn or modify any departmental action under the City Charter, the departmental action to issue the subject permit was upheld.  Requestor of Permit:  CBS Outdoor Inc..  Project: voluntary removal of 6’ X 12’ freestanding advertising sign; property owner consent attached; BPA No. 2009/11/12/1004.

 

 

 

(4e)    REHEARING REQUESTS: 

 

Subject property at 1468 Folsom Street.  Letter from Sean Marciniak, attorney for CBS Outdoor Inc., appellant, and a letter from Guerrero Espinoza, agent for Bay Community Housing LP, permit holder, requesting rehearing of Appeal No. 10-132, decided Feb. 09, 2011.  At that time, the Board voted 3-2 to uphold the permit on the basis that it complies with the Code, and the City did not err in issuing said permit.  Project: removal of 14’ X 23’ general advertising wall sign per DCP NOV; BPA No. 2010/10/13/2815.

 

 

(4f)    JURISDICTION REQUEST: 

 

Subject property at

3206 Jackson Street
.  Letter from George Chan, requestor, asking that the Board take jurisdiction of BPA No. 2010/10/06/2397, which was issued on Jan. 04, 2011.  The appeal period ended on Jan. 19, 2011, and the Jurisdiction Request was received at the Board office on Feb. 28, 2011.  Permit Holders: Renu Agrawal and David Weber.  Project: replace front/rear shingles with stucco; replace windows and modify openings; widen garage door; modify entry stairs; new deck railings; replace sliding glass doors and modify opening; infill deck area and foyer; add bedroom; relocate legal bathroom; remodel kitchen; relocate powder room; remodel master and staircase; add flat skylite.

 

 

(5)  APPEAL NO. 11-003

MISSION DOLORES

CITIZENS FOR HEALTHY TREES, Appellant(s)

                        vs.

 

DEPT. OF PUBLIC WORKS

BUREAU OF URBAN FORESTRY, Respondent

 

Requestor of Permit: HOUSING AUTHORITY

1855 –

15th Street
.

Appealing the denial on Jan. 03, 2011,          of Tree Removal Permit (four trees).

ORDER NO. 179,025.

FOR HEARING TODAY.

 

 

(6)  APPEAL NO. 11-004

JEFF & NICOLE COOPER, Appellant(s)

                        vs.

 

DEPT. OF PUBLIC WORKS

BUREAU OF STREET-USE & MAPPING,

                                                      Respondent

156 –

27th Avenue
. 

Protesting the issuance on Sept. 08, 2010, to NextG Network Inc., Wireless Box Permit.

PERMIT NO. 10WR-0021.

JURISDICTION GRANTED JAN. 12, 2011.

FOR HEARING TODAY.

 

 

(7)  APPEAL NO. 11-005

DAVID TORNHEIM, Appellant(s)

                        vs.

 

DEPT. OF PUBLIC WORKS

BUREAU OF STREET-USE & MAPPING,

                                                      Respondent

36 Ashbury Street
.

Protesting the issuance on Oct. 26, 2010, to NextG Network Inc., Wireless Box Permit.

PERMIT NO. 10WR-0116.

JURISDICTION GRANTED JAN. 12, 2011.

FOR HEARING TODAY.

 

ITEMS (8A), (8B) AND (8C) SHALL BE HEARD TOGETHER:

 

(8A)  APPEAL NO. 11-007

NANCY WUERFEL, Appellant(s)

                        vs.

 

DEPT. OF BUILDING INSPECTION, Respondent

2514 –

23rd Avenue
.

Protesting the issuance on Jan. 20, 2011, to Mary Galvin, Permit to Alter a Building (comply with NOV’s; replace skylights; new gutters and downspouts; replace broken windows; replace rear patio doors; misc. siding repair; mold remediation at basement level; removal of sheetrock).

APPLICATION NO. 2011/01/20/8698.

FOR HEARING TODAY.

 

(8B)  APPEAL NO. 11-008

NANCY WUERFEL, Appellant(s)

                        vs.

 

DEPT. OF BUILDING INSPECTION, Respondent

2514 –

23rd Avenue
.

Protesting the issuance on Jan. 20, 2011, to Mary Galvin, Permit to Alter a Building (re-roofing of existing roof areas less dormer).

APPLICATION NO. 2011/01/20/8701.

FOR HEARING TODAY.

 

(8C)  APPEAL NO. 11-020

NANCY WUERFEL, Appellant(s)

                        vs.

 

DEPT. OF BUILDING INSPECTION, Respondent

2514 –

23rd Avenue
.

Protesting the issuance on Feb. 09, 2011, to Mary Galvin, Plumbing Permit (replace shower and sink of the same kind).

APPLICATION NO. PP2011/02/09/927.

FOR HEARING TODAY.

 

(9A)  APPEAL NO. 11-010

DEAN PRESTON, Appellant(s)

                        vs.

 

DEPT. OF BUILDING INSPECTION, Respondent

401 Divisadero Street.
Protesting the issuance on Jan. 10, 2011, to John Brennan, Permit to Alter a Building (Chase Bank; install 8 awnings; signs under separate permit). APPLICATION NO. 2010/12/29/7555. FOR HEARING TODAY.

 

 

(9B)  APPEAL NO. 11-011

DEAN PRESTON, Appellant(s)

                        vs.

 

DEPT. OF BUILDING INSPECTION, Respondent

 

401 Divisadero Street
.

Protesting the issuance on Jan. 10, 2011, to John Brennan, Permit to Alter a Building (Chase Bank; revision to BPA No. 2010/10/18/3214; includes window and brick wainscotting modifications; revised floor heights and associated ramp; revised entry and structural revisions for door and ATM openings).

APPLICATION NO. 2011/01/07/8051.

FOR HEARING TODAY.

 

 

ADJOURNMENT.

 

Note A: Each item on this agenda may include the following documents: 1) Preliminary Statement of Appeal and Appellant’s Brief; 2) Permit Holder's, Respondent’s or Other Parties’ Brief;                  3) Departmental decision, order, permit, determination, resolution, or notice of violation; and 4) Correspondence.  These items are available for public inspection at the Board's office during normal office hours (Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm,

1650 Mission Street
, Room 304).

 

Note B: If any materials related to an item on this agenda have been distributed to the Board members after distribution of the agenda packet, those materials are available for public inspection at the Board’s office during normal office hours (Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm, 1650 Mission Street, Room 304).

 

Please call 415-575-6880 if you have any questions concerning this agenda. 

 

Date posted:  March 11, 2011

 

 

 

MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF APPEALS

 

KENDALL GOH

PRESIDENT

MICHAEL GARCIA

VICE PRESIDENT

FRANK FUNG

COMMISSIONER

CHRIS HWANG

COMMISSIONER

TANYA PETERSON

COMMISSIONER

                 

 

 

 

PROCEDURE AT HEARINGS

 

Except when the Presiding Officer finds good cause to order the presentations otherwise, the order of presentation of an appeal shall be as follows: (a) In all cases, the appellant shall speak first and shall be allowed seven minutes to present relevant testimony and evidence. Then the permit holder, representatives of the department, board, commission or person from whose order the appeal is taken, and/or other parties, shall be allowed seven minutes for presentation of relevant testimony and evidence. Three minutes for rebuttal shall be provided to all parties in this same order; (b) In all cases, the Board may request a departmental response at its own discretion.

 

Other persons desiring to speak before the Board on an appeal may speak once for up to three minutes, unless the presiding officer further limits time uniformly. 

 

 

 

SPECIAL NOTES

 

In the event that a matter is continued to a specific date by the presiding officer and announced to the parties in the hearing room, no additional mailed notice will be sent.  Please call the Board office at     575-6880 for scheduling or other information during regular business hours, or visit our website at www.sfgov.org/boa

 

The complete Rules of the Board are available for review at the Board office, and on our website.

 

Material submitted by the public for Board review prior to a scheduled hearing before the Board, should be addressed to the Board President, and be received at the Board office, 1650 Mission Street, Room 304, no later than 4:00 p.m. two Thursdays prior to the scheduled public hearing.  Persons unable to attend the scheduled public hearing may submit written comments regarding a calendared item to the Board office.  Comments received before noon on the day of the hearing will be made a part of the official record and will be brought to the attention of the Board at the public hearing.   For complete distribution to all Commissioners of the Board, necessary staff and case files, submit an original and ten copies.  Please note that names and addresses included in these submittals will become part of the pubic record.  Submittals may be made anonymously.

 

 

Pursuant to Government Code § 65009, if you challenge, in court, the approval of a variance or development permit, you may be limited to raising only those issues you or someone else raised at the public hearing described in this notice, or in written correspondence delivered to the Board of Appeals at, or prior to, the public hearing.

 

Calendared items are sometimes withdrawn or rescheduled the day of hearing, or are taken out of order to accommodate special needs.  The Board urges all parties to be present in the hearing room from 5:00 p.m. so that everyone has an opportunity to participate in the relevant public hearing when it is called.

 

 

PROHIBITION OF SOUND-PRODUCING ELECTRONIC DEVICES

 

The ringing of and use of cell phones, pagers and similar sound-producing electronic devices are prohibited at this meeting.  Please be advised that the Chair may order the removal from the meeting room of any person(s) responsible for the ringing or use of a cell phone, pager, or other similar sound-producing electronic devices.

 

 

ACCESSIBILITY INFORMATION

 

American sign language interpreters and/or sound enhancement system will be available upon request by contacting Board staff at 575-6880 at least 48 hours prior to the hearing.  Individuals with severe allergies, environmental illness, multiple chemical sensitivity or related disabilities should call the accessibility hotline at 554-8925 to discuss meeting accessibility.   In order to assist the City's efforts to accommodate such people, attendees at public meetings are reminded that other attendees may be sensitive to various chemical-based products.   Please help the City to accommodate these individuals.  The closest accessible BART station is the CivicCenter station located at the intersection of Market, Hyde and Grove Streets.  Accessible curbside parking has been designated at points along

McAllister Street
.  Accessible MUNI lines serving City Hall are the 42 Downtown Loop, 9 San Bruno and 71 Haight/Noriega and the F line.  Accessible MUNI Metro lines are the J, K, L, M, and N.  For more information regarding MUNI accessible services, call (415) 923-6142.

 

 

KNOW YOUR RIGHTS UNDER THE SUNSHINE ORDINANCE

 

Government's duty is to serve the public, reaching its decisions in full view of the public.  Commissions, boards, councils and other agencies of the City and County exist to conduct the people's business.  This ordinance assures that deliberations are conducted before the people and that City operations are open to the people's review.

 

For more information on your rights under the Sunshine Ordinance (Chapter 67 of the San Francisco Administrative Code) or to report a violation of the ordinance, contact the Sunshine Ordinance Task Force:  by mail to Administrator, Sunshine Ordinance Task Force, City Hall, Room 244, 1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place, San Francisco, CA 94102-4689; by phone at (415) 554-7724; by fax at (415) 554-7854; or by e-mail at sotf@sfgov.org.   Citizens interested in obtaining a free copy of the Sunshine Ordinance may request a copy from the Sunshine Ordinance Task Force Administrator or by printing Chapter 67 of the San Francisco Administrative Code on the internet at www.sfgov.org/sunshine/.

 

 

LOBBYING ACTIVITY

 

Individuals and entities that influence or attempt to influence local legislative or administrative action may be required by the San Francisco Lobbyist Ordinance [SF Campaign and Governmental Conduct Code § 2.100] to register and report lobbying activity.  For more information about the Lobbyist Ordinance, please

contact the San Francisco Ethics Commission at

30 Van Ness Avenue, Suite 3900, San Francisco, CA94102
; telephone (415) 581-2300; fax (415) 581-2317; web site www.sfgov.org/ethics.

 

 

SUGGESTIONS TO IMPROVE EFFICIENCY

 

The Board welcomes suggestions from the public regarding improvement of the efficiency of its operations.  Please direct your comments and suggestions to Board staff, at 415-575-6880 or fax        415-575-6885.  A customer satisfaction survey form is available at the meetings, the Board office, and on the Board’s web site, www.sfgov.org/boa.

 

 

DVD’S OF MEETINGS

 

 

DVD’s of meetings may be obtained from SFGTV, Channels 26 & 78.  Please telephone 415-554-4188 for information.

 

 

 

BOARD OF APPEALS

CITY & COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO

1650 Mission Street
, Room 304

San Francisco, California94103