San Francisco Planning Department investigates potential illegal units at 33120 Eighth Avenue

The San Francisco City Council meeting held on July 4, 2025, focused on a contentious property development issue involving a residential building at 33120 Eighth Avenue. The meeting began with discussions regarding the condition and modifications of the building's second-floor deck, which had raised concerns among council members and residents.

The initial discussion centered on the deck's status, with council members questioning whether it was newly constructed or an alteration of an existing structure. The assistant to the property owner, Mr. Poon, indicated that the deck was indeed new, which prompted further inquiries about the building's history and the legality of its current use.

Tina Tam from the Planning Department provided an overview of the property, noting that it is a three-story, two-family dwelling built in 1911. She explained that the proposed project involves converting an exercise and playroom on the ground floor into a bedroom, office, and kitchenette, along with the addition of a new bathroom. Importantly, she stated that there would be no changes to the building's facade or expansion of its envelope, and the property would remain classified as a two-family unit.

However, the council expressed concerns about potential planning code violations and the lack of historical documentation regarding the building's modifications. Tam indicated that the Planning Department was unaware of any violations at the time the permit was issued but would open an enforcement case to investigate the situation further, particularly regarding the deck's enclosure.

Council members raised questions about the occupancy of the building, specifically whether the Poon family was living in a legal or illegal unit. Tam confirmed that the Department of Building Inspection classified the property as a two-unit building, but acknowledged that illegal units are not uncommon in San Francisco. The council requested a thorough inspection to clarify the building's occupancy status and any potential illegal units.

The meeting concluded with a consensus that no decisions would be made until further inspections and historical assessments of the property were conducted. The council emphasized the need for clarity on the building's legal status and the implications of any unauthorized modifications. The Planning Department was tasked with gathering more information to ensure compliance with city regulations and to protect the rights of current occupants.