Board revokes permit for major alterations at 1550–1552 Lake Street amid life-safety concerns

The Board of Appeals voted unanimously on Sept. 22 to revoke the permit for 1550–1552 Lake Street after Planning and DBI staff, appellants and neighbors described extensive unpermitted demolition and construction that may have created life-safety risks.

Deputy Zoning Administrator Scott Sanchez told the board that plans and permit documentation appear to understate the scope of work and that, based on DBI’s NOV, more than 75% of interior framing may have been removed — a threshold that triggers Planning Code Section 3.11 notification. Sanchez recommended denying the permit and starting over with a consolidated, accurate permit set.

Appellant Jerry Dratler and several neighbors described substantial, unpermitted interior demolition, questionable structural work and multiple complaints over several years. Dratler requested that the board or DBI require independent structural review before accepting new plans. Neighbors recounted missing foundations, water intrusion and other conditions they said posed safety risks.

Joe Duffy of DBI told the board he supports revisiting the NOV, conducting a full site inspection, and compiling a staff report; he also offered to arrange temporary weatherization or shoring if immediate safety measures are needed. After discussion, the board revoked the permit on the basis that it does not comply with building and planning codes; the motion carried 5–0.

DBI said it will follow up with inspections, consider amended NOVs that address structural and demolition issues, and work with the parties on a consolidated permitting path if the owners seek to proceed.