Board of Appeals - 2026-04-22
Meeting Intelligence Preview
Meeting Summary
The San Francisco Board of Appeals continued an appeal of an emergency demolition permit for 659 Union St. (Verde Building) to May 20, 2026, seeking more information on tenants' right to return, the scope of a DPW infrastructure project, and the project sponsor's future development plans. The twice-burned historic building in North Beach was deemed an imminent hazard by DBI, but commissioners questioned the timing and whether demolition would extinguish displaced tenants' rights to return to the 28 rent-controlled units that existed before the 2013 and 2018 fires.
Key Decisions (2)
Emergency Demolition Permit Appeal for 659 Union St.
Appeal 26-019 by North Beach Tenants Committee against Powell Partners LLC's emergency demolition permit for the Verde Building at 659 Union St. was continued to May 20, 2026. The board requested additional information on: (1) legal analysis of tenants' right to return from the city attorney, (2) opportunity for appellants to hire an independent structural engineer, (3) DPW's infrastructure project scope and timeline, and (4) project sponsor's future development plans including tenant and historic preservation considerations.
Adoption of April 15, 2026 Meeting Minutes
Minutes from the April 15, 2026 Board of Appeals meeting were adopted with one correction: for items 7A and 7B, the motion was made by Commissioner Lopez, not President Trasvina.
Development Activity (2)
Verde Building Redevelopment
Original building had 28-36 rent-controlled units destroyed by fires in 2013 and 2018. 2021/2023 plans proposed retaining historic facade with approximately 24-25 units. Current proposal under discussion involves approximately 81-89 units with 15% affordable (approximately 12-15 BMR units) under state density bonus, reaching approximately 100 feet in height.
Union Street Paving and Sewer Project
Paving and sewer replacement project requiring excavation. Project halted near 659 Union St. due to building's structural instability. Includes accessible curb ramp construction over building's basement that extends under sidewalk.
Market Signals (3)
Housing Demand
State density bonus law enabling 100% density bonus is being utilized to increase unit counts from approximately 30 to 81-89 units at 659 Union St., with only 15% affordable requirement.
Sentiment
Strong community opposition to demolition of historic buildings in North Beach, with concerns about precedent for eliminating rent-controlled housing through delayed reconstruction after fires.
Infrastructure
DPW infrastructure projects may be delayed or modified when adjacent buildings pose structural hazards, as demonstrated by the Union Street paving and sewer project being halted near 659 Union St.