San Francisco commission upholds unlawful demolition ruling at 1681 Tenth Avenue
July 21, 2021 | San Francisco City, San Francisco County, California
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The San Francisco Building Inspection Commission convened on July 4, 2025, to address a significant case regarding unlawful demolition at 1681 Tenth Avenue. The meeting focused on a notice of decision issued by the Department of Building Inspection (DBI) concerning the demolition of a two-story, single-family dwelling that was built in 1926.
The discussion began with a detailed account of the events leading to the unlawful demolition. A site permit for a vertical addition and other renovations was issued in June 2020, but it was clarified that no work could commence until additional permits were granted. In August 2020, a separate permit for kitchen and bathroom remodels was issued. However, by late October 2020, a complaint was filed regarding unauthorized demolition activities. An investigation revealed that approximately 90% of the structure had been demolished without the necessary permits.
The DBI documented the findings, noting that only a small portion of the building remained intact. Following a thorough review, a notice of violation was issued, confirming that unlawful demolition had occurred. The commission was informed that a hearing was held, led by a hearing officer from the Mayor's Office of Disability, who concurred with the DBI's findings.
The hearing officer's decision, issued on May 3, 2021, concluded that an unlawful residential demolition had indeed taken place. The penalty for such an action, as outlined in the San Francisco building code, prohibits the issuance of any construction or alteration permits for five years, with specific exceptions for rebuilding under certain conditions.
The commission was urged to uphold the notice of decision, emphasizing the severity of the violation and the importance of adhering to building regulations. The outcome of this case serves as a reminder of the city's commitment to enforcing building codes and maintaining the integrity of residential structures. Further actions and potential appeals regarding this decision were also discussed, highlighting the ongoing implications for the property in question.
The discussion began with a detailed account of the events leading to the unlawful demolition. A site permit for a vertical addition and other renovations was issued in June 2020, but it was clarified that no work could commence until additional permits were granted. In August 2020, a separate permit for kitchen and bathroom remodels was issued. However, by late October 2020, a complaint was filed regarding unauthorized demolition activities. An investigation revealed that approximately 90% of the structure had been demolished without the necessary permits.
The DBI documented the findings, noting that only a small portion of the building remained intact. Following a thorough review, a notice of violation was issued, confirming that unlawful demolition had occurred. The commission was informed that a hearing was held, led by a hearing officer from the Mayor's Office of Disability, who concurred with the DBI's findings.
The hearing officer's decision, issued on May 3, 2021, concluded that an unlawful residential demolition had indeed taken place. The penalty for such an action, as outlined in the San Francisco building code, prohibits the issuance of any construction or alteration permits for five years, with specific exceptions for rebuilding under certain conditions.
The commission was urged to uphold the notice of decision, emphasizing the severity of the violation and the importance of adhering to building regulations. The outcome of this case serves as a reminder of the city's commitment to enforcing building codes and maintaining the integrity of residential structures. Further actions and potential appeals regarding this decision were also discussed, highlighting the ongoing implications for the property in question.
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