Board denies appeal challenging DBI permit that legalized a heat-pump installation

The Board of Appeals denied an appeal filed by a resident challenging Department of Building Inspection (DBI) action legalizing a heat-pump installation that had been installed in 2015 and later permitted. The decision was recorded 4-0.

Appellant Sean Chaffee said the installation substantially altered common-area spaces (including a large duct/box) and raised questions about plans, inspection refusals and whether the later-submitted drawings reflect the work actually done. Permit-holder Sean Olsen and contractor Richard Cattell of Associated Heating said the system was installed in 2015 by a licensed contractor, the contractor failed to pull the permit at that time but, once the matter was raised, they obtained architectural plans, pull the permit and paid fees and penalties. DBI clarified the permit was issued and inspection will confirm fire-stopping, penetrations, wiring and code compliance.

Commissioners heard the technical details, were reminded that DBI may investigate other out-of-scope work on referral and that inspection remains the route for verification. After questioning, the Board found the permit had been properly issued and denied the appellant’s request to overturn the permit, 4-0.

Next steps: DBI will perform inspections and issue corrections or further enforcement if violations are confirmed; the Board’s denial preserves DBI’s permitting path for the work to be inspected and approved or corrected as needed.