Commission approves Certificate of Appropriateness for Dogpatch building at 740 Tennessee Street

The Historic Preservation Commission approved a Certificate of Appropriateness Dec. 6 for work at 740 Tennessee Street in the Dogpatch Landmark District, resolving a planning enforcement case and authorizing revised exterior work subject to conditions and final inspections.

Planning staff reported the project addresses enforcement case 2019004570ENF by relocating and screening electrical meters, moving condenser units to the roof, moving other mechanical equipment indoors, removing an exterior soffit, and legalizing raised roof eaves. Staff found the revised project preserves the building’s historic character and complies with Article 10 and the Secretary of the Interior standards.

Project sponsor Tom Tunney thanked planners and ARC members for assistance and noted a DBI approval is required for removing a portion of a wall related to egress. Commissioners asked about condenser noise buffering and higher fencing on one side yard; the sponsor said condensers are not visible from the street, an enclosure could be added, and temporary construction barriers are permissible during work. Code enforcement manager Kelly Wong said the sponsor had been cooperative and no penalties are currently assessed.

Commissioners moved to approve the COA with conditions addressing fencing, enclosures, and compliance monitoring; the motion passed unanimously 6–0.

Next steps: project sponsor to coordinate with DBI and planning enforcement staff for final inspections and to comply with the enforcement‑abatement timeline.