Chestnut Street appeal challenges alteration permit for controversial rooftop deck project

The San Francisco Board of Appeals convened on July 4, 2025, to address an appeal concerning an alteration permit for a property located at 379 to 399 Chestnut Street. The permit, issued to Wilson Chiu, involves the construction of a deck on the roof of the building, which has been a contentious issue among neighbors.

The meeting began with the appellant expressing concerns about the proposed deck's impact on privacy and safety. The appellant presented photographs illustrating the deck's proximity to their windows, emphasizing that the structure would obstruct light and views, and could potentially lead to disturbances from future occupants. They highlighted previous attempts to build a deck at this location, which had been halted due to violations, including construction without permits. The appellant argued that the current zoning laws do not support the deck's construction, as it fails to meet the required distance from neighboring structures and light wells.

Following the appellant's presentation, Matt Owens, the designer of the deck, spoke on behalf of the property owner, Mr. Chiu, who was unable to attend. Owens detailed the history of the project, noting that it began in 2019 and faced delays due to a red tag issued by the Department of Building Inspection. He asserted that the deck had previously existed and provided evidence from aerial photographs dating back to 1938 to support the claim that it was a legitimate structure. Owens stated that the project had undergone a full planning review, which included a public comment period with no objections from neighbors.

The discussion highlighted the ongoing tension between property rights and neighborhood concerns, with the appellant urging the Board to revoke the permit to prevent further construction attempts. The Board of Appeals is expected to deliberate on the matter and issue a decision in the coming weeks, which will have implications for both the property owner and the surrounding community.