Project Sponsor Chang seeks intervention over mistakenly recorded property liens

The City of San Francisco held a meeting on July 4, 2025, to address concerns regarding a property lien and the notification process surrounding it. The discussion was initiated by a representative, Mr. Cheng, who outlined a series of events that he believes led to an error by city staff in recording a lien against a property.

Mr. Cheng explained that the project sponsor was unaware that an order was being recorded and that liens were being placed, which resulted in an untimely appeal. He referenced a lack of communication and clarity between city staff and the project sponsor dating back to 2018, during which there were ongoing discussions about monitoring fees and their abatement.

He highlighted that two certified mail documents related to the case were returned to sender, indicating a failure in the notification process. Mr. Cheng noted that the United States Postal Service tracking information for these documents was no longer available, complicating efforts to verify the mailing process. He emphasized that the absence of proper documentation on the city’s Property Tracking System (PTS) further contributed to the confusion.

Mr. Cheng argued that the lien should not have been recorded, citing previous communications with city officials that indicated the fees were to be removed. He likened the situation to a homeowner seeking forbearance from a bank only to face foreclosure, suggesting a disconnect within the city’s processes.

The meeting concluded with Mr. Cheng requesting the Affidavit Board to intervene and allow for a hearing regarding the appeal. The discussion underscored the need for improved communication and transparency in the city’s handling of property-related matters. Further actions or follow-ups from the city staff were not detailed in the meeting.