San Francisco’s top governing body will spend time on Tuesday discussing what most residents surely would not consider a major priority for the city: whether Julie Park and Tom McDonald can raise the roof of their $2.1 million Victorian home by 7 feet and 3 inches. The project complies with city codes, and the San Francisco Planning Commission gave unanimous approval months ago.
City’s Stringent Regulations and Neighbor Disputes
In San Francisco, neighbors wield unusual power over next-door renovations and modest improvements, with the ability to appeal even minor changes. This situation has led to the city’s reputation for long-drawn planning battles, causing delays and hindering progress in construction projects.
The feud between wealthy neighbors is emblematic of the city’s languor when it comes to building anything. San Francisco has already drawn the ire of state housing officials, who have demanded that the city add 82,000 units in the next seven years, a goal that seems out of reach when many projects draw multiple rounds of challenges and years of delays.
Ms. Park, a 40-year-old consultant for start-ups and small businesses, and Mr. McDonald, a 38-year-old climate researcher, began their quest during the pandemic when they bought their three-story home on Harper Street on the edge of Noe Valley in 2020. The neighborhood is popular with families and close to hilltop hikes that provide stunning views.
