Board denies appeals of 939 Lombard permits after review of CEQA and technical controls; school community seeks monitoring

On March 27 the San Francisco Board of Appeals voted 5–0 to deny two appeals challenging permits for demolition and construction at 939 Lombard Street, finding that planning, the Planning Commission and the Board of Supervisors had already reviewed CEQA issues and that the permits comply with applicable codes.

Appellant Martin Ang and numerous neighbors argued the project—demolition of a carport and construction of a 4‑story single‑family dwelling—could cause prolonged construction noise, dust, traffic and safety risks for students at the adjacent Yikwu Elementary School, which uses its outdoor play area during the school day and aftercare. A parent and school site council member asked the board to require a construction safety plan, an air quality / dust management plan, and a traffic and noise mitigation schedule tailored to protect more than 200 students.

Project counsel Tara Sullivan said the project underwent multiple reviews, design revisions and CEQA consideration; the Board of Supervisors previously denied the appellant’s CEQA appeal. Planning and DBI staff told the board the site permit was properly issued, that geotechnical and shadow analyses were included in the CEQA record, and that DBI will conduct detailed structural and excavation reviews at the construction/addenda stage. DBI described site controls for demolition and excavation, including watering, dust curtains, daily street cleaning, lead‑paint precautions for pre‑1978 structures, and coordination with the Health Department where children are nearby.

Commissioners acknowledged the school community’s concerns and asked that the permit holder and city agencies maintain close communication with the school site council. After deliberation the board found no basis in the record to overturn the permits and denied both appeals 5–0. Commissioners emphasized that if the community observes construction practices that violate dust or lead‑abatement requirements they should file complaints with DBI, which will investigate and enforce.