Board upholds after-the-fact deck permit at 2206 20th Ave.; neighbors urged to seek low-impact screening

The Board of Appeals denied an appeal by neighbors challenging an over-the-counter permit for a shallow rear deck at 2206 20th Ave., voting 5-0 to uphold the permit.

Appellants Jeffrey (speaking for his parents Henry Chen and Su Shi Lin) said the deck, which they contend was built before a permit was issued, allows sightlines into their bedroom and has left them uncomfortable in their home. They sought compromise measures, including screening.

The property owners, Herbert and Ping Yong (the permit holders), said they followed DBI procedures, reduced the deck depth to about 4 feet from a potential maximum, and presented neighborhood signatures in support. Planning Deputy Zoning Administrator Tina Tam described the deck as a modest one-story structure within RH1 zone rules and not requiring neighborhood notification. DBI Senior Building Inspector Matthew Green confirmed the deck permit was issued over the counter after inspections and recommended scheduling the required inspections.

Commissioners noted the close living conditions in San Francisco and encouraged neighbors to negotiate informal screening solutions — for example, planters or low-intrusive privacy elements — rather than regulatory remedies. Vice President Lazarus and other commissioners found the permit was properly issued and moved to deny the appeal; the motion carried 5-0.

The decision affirms the DBI over-the-counter permit but both Planning and DBI encouraged the parties to work on privacy-focused mitigations outside the appeals process.