Board denies appeal of notice‑of‑violation decision for 118–120 Fifteenth Ave.; owner told to schedule DBI inspections

The Board of Appeals on Aug. 17 denied an appeal by property owner George Tedeschi challenging a zoning administrator’s notice of violation and penalty decision related to corrective permit work at 118–120 Fifteenth Ave.

Planning staff summarized a six‑year enforcement history, saying the property remains out of compliance because corrective permits issued in 2016 remain incomplete. "To date the corrective permit filed in 2016 remains only issued and not yet completed," Planning’s Tina Tam told the board, and the department asked the board to uphold the zoning administrator’s decision.

DBI confirmed that many required permits were issued and that DBI is ready to inspect once the owner assembles the approved plans and calls for inspection; DBI said its inspector could not conduct a final because approved plans were not on site during a February inspection.

Tedeschi said he has completed most building work and disputed some Planning characterizations; he acknowledged he did not file a brief and said he was willing to schedule DBI inspections and provide proof of work but asked planning to close the enforcement case after inspection. He also disputed an assertion that a dwelling unit was removed, saying the property remains a two‑unit building.

Planning and DBI told the board the owner must present approved plans and obtain sign‑offs (electrical, plumbing and DPW sidewalk work) before DBI can perform a final inspection and Planning can close its enforcement file. Planning staff also said $3,343 in staff time and materials remains outstanding and that administrative penalties (a daily $250 amount) have not been assessed while the case has been pending on appeal.

After deliberation Commissioner Jose Lopez moved to deny the appeal and uphold the zoning administrator’s decision; the motion carried 5–0. The board urged the owner to schedule DBI inspections and to work with Planning staff and the zoning administrator’s office about the outstanding staff‑time fee and any consideration for reduction based on hardship.