Neighbors and commissioners criticize DBI communication in Third Avenue enforcement; department acknowledges mistakes

The Board of Appeals used its May 10 meeting to revisit concerns about Department of Building Inspection handling of work at 14620 Third Avenue, hearing sustained criticism from neighbors and several commissioners about missed steps and poor communication after the board’s December order.

Commissioners noted the board’s December decision required soil compaction testing and monitoring reports, and several neighbors and lawyers told the board those requirements were not followed or communicated. Public commenters said excavation and concrete poured at the property occurred without adequate notice and that, because soil had been removed before a compaction test could be taken in the spot ordered by the board, the neighbors lost the opportunity to verify whether their foundations had been undermined.

Several speakers urged DBI to take stronger action. "There are winners and losers in this situation," one public commenter said, arguing that neighbors who followed rules were left unsure whether their homes remain structurally sound. Brad Solomon, a former senior attorney in the California Attorney General’s Office who described himself as a nearby neighbor, asked what remedies remain for neighbors who say the board’s conditions were not carried out.

Matthew Green of DBI told the board the department did not communicate as well as it should have, apologized for errors, and acknowledged a field inspector had misstated requirements on site. Green said DBI had performed start‑work inspections and engineering reviews, had not written a notice of violation in every instance because permit holders pursued corrective permits, and that monitoring reports and final inspections remain outstanding in some cases. He said DBI will withhold final sign‑off until structural special inspections and monitoring reports are submitted and will follow up on outstanding items.

Multiple commissioners endorsed stronger and clearer communication between DBI and affected neighbors when an appeal or enforcement matter is pending. The board accepted DBI’s response letter for discussion; no new board order was issued at the hearing and the item was kept as information only, though commissioners urged department leadership to reassess the matter and to ensure neighbors receive monitoring reports and clear notice of work and inspections going forward.