Board upholds permit after disputed piers and footing inspections at Baker Street property

Appellants raised safety concerns about an existing multi‑story porch structure and recent foundation work at 719–723 Baker, telling the Board of Appeals the original 2009 work was unpermitted and that piers now sit at inconsistent heights and may lack adequate foundations.

"The piers are not balanced. They're sunk into the ground at different heights, and they're not sitting on any foundation," appellant counsel said while showing photos and arguing the permit should not be closed until DBI required new plans and inspections.

The permit-holder’s counsel and the project’s structural engineer said the porch supports date back decades and that retrofit work has been reviewed; they said special inspections and structural observations were performed and reviewed by DBI. DBI inspector Matthew Green said the inspector approved the work and that special inspection submittals and structural observation letters had been accepted.

Commissioners debated whether a follow‑up inspection by a senior DBI inspector would be prudent for public confidence. Ultimately, the board voted 4–0 to deny the appeal and uphold the permit. DBI offered to send a senior inspector to re-check the record and confirmed it would accept complaints and investigate remaining issues.

The board’s decision upheld the permit; appellants may pursue DBI complaint routes if they find further concerns.