Neighbors:

The development under construction on the southwest corner of Copper and Aliso has exceeded the 39 ft. height limitation specified in the Nob Hill Highland Sector Development Plan. Per our sector plan, construction in this parcel is limited to 3 stories and 39 ft. in height, measured from grade to the top of the parapet. The building is currently 4 stories and at least 42 ft. high.

I spoke with the developer on Saturday, November 18, and he stated that the building measures 39 ft. from floor level to the roof deck. When the height of the parapet and the distance from grade to the floor level are included, the building is at least 42 ft. high. Why is the city allowing construction to continue?

When the city red-tagged the project in September, they knew that the building already measured 22 ft. from the sidewalk to the top of the second story and that it would be nearly impossible to squeeze another 2 stories plus the parapet into the remaining 17 ft. Defying reason, the city approved a special exception for a fourth story, knowing full well that the final building would likely exceed the 39 ft. height limit.

Now the building does not comply with the 3 stories AND it does not comply with the 39 ft. maximum height. It is also likely that it does not comply with the required stepback at 26 ft. on the Copper side.

The neighborhood has made our concerns known to city Code Enforcement. Even the developer admits that the building does not comply with zoning height limits. What does it take to get the city to enforce the zoning code?

-Govinda Haines, Nob Hill