Appeal seeks removal of illegal construction at 3552 20th Street property

The San Francisco Board of Appeals convened on July 4, 2025, to address several agenda items, including a significant appeal concerning a property alteration permit at 3552-3558 Twentieth Street. The meeting began with procedural discussions, including a motion that was unanimously approved to continue a matter to June 7, indicating the board's commitment to thorough review and consideration of ongoing issues.

The primary focus of the meeting was the appeal filed by Amalia Lazcano against the Department of Building Inspection regarding an alteration permit issued for the property in question. The appellant, representing her brother and herself, argued against an unpermitted addition that had been made to the property. They requested the board to mandate the complete removal of the addition and to ensure that the light well area remains open indefinitely, without any future construction.

During her presentation, Lazcano highlighted concerns about safety and compliance, asserting that the construction had proceeded without proper permits and had caused disturbances to tenants in the building. She emphasized that the addition was misrepresented as a kitchen, which raised safety issues due to the lack of proper approvals. The appellant expressed frustration over ongoing construction noise and the lack of communication from the permit holders regarding the status of the project.

The board members engaged with Lazcano, seeking clarification on the nature of the construction and the conditions surrounding the permit. They confirmed that the fundamental request was for the illegal construction to be removed and for the property to revert to its original state.

Following the appellant's presentation, the permit holders were given the opportunity to respond. Mimi Lee, the project architect, began to outline the circumstances surrounding the permit issuance and the construction activities. The board's inquiry into the matter indicated a thorough examination of the facts and a commitment to ensuring compliance with city regulations.

The meeting concluded with the board members indicating their intention to deliberate on the appeal and the implications of the case for future construction practices in the city. The outcome of this appeal could set a precedent for how similar cases are handled, particularly regarding unauthorized construction and tenant safety in San Francisco.