Board denies neighbor appeal of rear‑deck final inspection; DBI to inspect electrical and noncompliant items

The San Francisco Board of Appeals on Feb. 21 denied an appeal by Christian Ard concerning a rear deck that was built under a 2017 permit but never received a final inspection. Ard asked the board to require a privacy screen, removal of post(s) and wiring installed after the original permit, and an electrical inspection.

Ard said the deck is used daily by the permit holders and that additional lights and an 8‑foot post created a visual and auditory nuisance; he also asked for a wiring inspection because he believes an outlet and electrical feed were installed without a permit. The permit holders and their counsel said inspections occurred during construction and that a contractor’s failure to complete the final sign‑off led to the present procedural lapse; they said they are ready to complete any remaining work and have contracted to finish the final inspection.

Kim Birmingham of DBI told the board the department will perform a final inspection tied to the 2024 permit application and will issue correction notices if inspectors find electrical work done without permits or unapproved structural posts. Birmingham said prior inspections had been performed but the final sign‑off was missed in 2017 and that instances of temporary, plug‑in lighting are not necessarily covered by the electrical code if they remain portable.

Commissioners expressed sympathy for neighbor relations but concluded the proper remedy is DBI follow‑up, not revocation of the permit. Commissioner Rick Swig moved to deny the appeal; the motion passed 4–0. Commissioners suggested the parties consider raising the existing lattice screen and undertaking cooperative neighbor outreach; DBI said it will check the post and any electrical outlets during inspection and issue correction orders if required.

Outcome: appeal denied; DBI to perform final inspection and take corrective action where code violations are found.