San Francisco Board evaluates building safety after unpermitted construction violations
September 22, 2021 | San Francisco City, San Francisco County, California
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The San Francisco City Council meeting on July 4, 2025, focused on significant concerns regarding the structural integrity and safety of a building undergoing renovations at 1550-1552 Lake Street. The discussions highlighted issues related to unpermitted work and the submission of potentially fraudulent plans by the project's licensed structural engineer.
During the meeting, a concerned resident, Mr. Drattler, raised alarms about the building's condition, stating that the engineer's plans overstated the building's size by 1,800 square feet. He expressed doubts about the safety of the renovations, citing unpermitted seismic work and inadequate inspections of the rebar and concrete strength. Drattler called for an independent structural engineer to assess the work done before any new plans could be considered.
In response, Mr. Tunney, representing the project, assured the council that they would comply with all city building code requirements. However, he indicated that an independent assessment might not be necessary unless mandated by the city.
Deputy Director Joe Duffy from the Department of Building Inspection (DBI) acknowledged the complaints and confirmed that a stop work order had been issued in 2019. He supported Drattler's request for a thorough site inspection and suggested that the DBI might need to issue a new notice of violation based on the structural concerns raised. Duffy emphasized the importance of consolidating all previous and proposed work into a comprehensive permit to ensure compliance and safety.
Public comments further underscored the community's apprehensions. Residents expressed frustration over the perceived lack of oversight and accountability in the permitting process. Concerns were raised about the potential dangers posed by the building's current state, with one resident recounting a personal experience of unpermitted work that had endangered their family's safety.
The meeting concluded with a consensus on the need for careful scrutiny of the building's renovations and a commitment from city officials to ensure that all future work adheres to safety standards. The council's next steps will involve a detailed review of the project and potential actions to address the community's safety concerns.
During the meeting, a concerned resident, Mr. Drattler, raised alarms about the building's condition, stating that the engineer's plans overstated the building's size by 1,800 square feet. He expressed doubts about the safety of the renovations, citing unpermitted seismic work and inadequate inspections of the rebar and concrete strength. Drattler called for an independent structural engineer to assess the work done before any new plans could be considered.
In response, Mr. Tunney, representing the project, assured the council that they would comply with all city building code requirements. However, he indicated that an independent assessment might not be necessary unless mandated by the city.
Deputy Director Joe Duffy from the Department of Building Inspection (DBI) acknowledged the complaints and confirmed that a stop work order had been issued in 2019. He supported Drattler's request for a thorough site inspection and suggested that the DBI might need to issue a new notice of violation based on the structural concerns raised. Duffy emphasized the importance of consolidating all previous and proposed work into a comprehensive permit to ensure compliance and safety.
Public comments further underscored the community's apprehensions. Residents expressed frustration over the perceived lack of oversight and accountability in the permitting process. Concerns were raised about the potential dangers posed by the building's current state, with one resident recounting a personal experience of unpermitted work that had endangered their family's safety.
The meeting concluded with a consensus on the need for careful scrutiny of the building's renovations and a commitment from city officials to ensure that all future work adheres to safety standards. The council's next steps will involve a detailed review of the project and potential actions to address the community's safety concerns.
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