Board of Appeals honors Deputy Zoning Administrator Scott Sanchez at retirement

The San Francisco Board of Appeals on Nov. 17 honored Deputy Zoning Administrator Scott Sanchez as he prepares to retire from the Planning Department, with commissioners and agency leaders praising his technical knowledge and impartial service.

President Honda presented a proclamation and described Sanchez as “like a flipping encyclopedia,” noting Sanchez’s long record of informing the board with accurate technical information so commissioners could make informed rulings. Commissioners Tina Chang, Anne Lazarus and Jose Lopez, former executive directors and agency directors, and representatives from the Department of Building Inspection and other city agencies spoke for several minutes about Sanchez’s fairness, institutional knowledge and mentorship.

“His ability to be fair and impartial and above all to inform this body, with very correct information so that we are able to make a decision is just astounding,” President Honda said, and Commissioner Chang called Sanchez’s tenure “incredibly meaningful to the City of San Francisco.” Sanchez responded that appearing before the board was a highlight of his public‑service career and thanked staff and colleagues.

Speakers said Sanchez’s attention to detail and neutrality made complicated land‑use and permit hearings more accessible to commissioners and the public. Several former board members and departmental leaders recounted working with Sanchez on planning code issues and hiring panels.

The board moved on to the evening’s calendar after the tribute, and Sanchez’s service and colleagues’ remarks were recorded in the meeting minutes.