DBI details enforcement and reforms after discovery of 20 unpermitted units at San Bruno Avenue buildings

City building inspectors reported July 21 that interdepartmental inspections of five connected properties at 2867–2899 San Bruno Avenue uncovered multiple violations, including 20 unpermitted dwelling units, deviations from approved plans and changes that altered occupancy classifications.

Acting Deputy Director Joe Duffy told the Building Inspection Commission that the properties were originally permitted as mixed-use buildings with one residential unit per upper floor but that inspections found additional dwelling units, garage and façade deviations and other code violations. DBI issued 16 notices of violation and orders of abatement, assessed $27,000 in code-enforcement fees and said the owner has appealed, which will send the abatement orders to the abatement appeals board.

Duffy said the change from an R-3 to an R-2 occupancy is significant because it triggers more stringent exit, fire-life-safety and accessibility requirements. DBI required immediate safety improvements in 2019, including sprinkler and fire-alarm work and installation of a temporary fire escape; Duffy said the temporary fire escape was inspected and found stable during a recent site visit.

To determine whether similar problems exist elsewhere, DBI has opened a quality-control audit led by Senior Building Inspector Edward Donnelly, supported by data analysis, plan and record review and site visits. Duffy said DBI is seeking third-party oversight and is coordinating with the city controller’s office on the audit approach. Reforms announced include extended inspector orientation and mentoring, more frequent senior reviews of inspection reports, written documentation of any inspection reassignments, limits on senior inspectors assigning themselves inspections, and enhanced ethics training.

Public commenters raised questions about the role of special inspections and whether special inspection services or engineers submitted false affidavits. Jerry Drantler urged DBI to consider removing special inspection services from the approved list if warranted. Ryan Patterson, counsel for the owners, said the owners assembled a new, independent design and life-safety team, are cooperating with DBI and that planning commission review is scheduled for Sept. 9.

DBI staff said they would re-examine special-inspection records and would involve the city attorney where appropriate; they emphasized that a planning approval or new permit process will be required to legalize the units if Planning grants conditional authorization. The department plans a follow-up site inspection in three months and will act on interim complaints as received.