Working on any existing structures in the Bernal Heights District come with many restrictions since the neighborhood has a design committee along with building guidelines specific to that area. First, it is very difficult to demolish any existing structures, even if it is dilapidated, as seem in the photos. Second, it is a very arduous task of reading the planning code to maneuver around a solution. It took four building officials to come up with a conclusion. After a a couple of days in the building department, I was able to convince the city of converting an existing stair way and rear enclosed back porch into an open air deck and stairway combination. It was agreed that the building footprint would have to remain, and a percentage of the structure can only be removed and replaced. For finishes, the new deck is an environmetally friendly material called, Trex. The rear back porch was remodeled by opening up the walls up to 42" from the floor to act as a guardrail wall. Most of the existing stairway was replaced where necessary in order to retain some of the existing structure.
Contractor : Dave Ruchelle, General Contractor | CA License 832027 | (415) 601-4038
Working on any existing structures in the Bernal Heights District come with many restrictions since the neighborhood has a design committee along with building guidelines specific to that area. First, it is very difficult to demolish any existing structures, even if it is dilapidated, as seem in the photos. Second, it is a very arduous task of reading the planning code to maneuver around a solution. It took four building officials to come up with a conclusion. After a a couple of days in the building department, I was able to convince the city of converting an existing stair way and rear enclosed back porch into an open air deck and stairway combination. It was agreed that the building footprint would have to remain, and a percentage of the structure can only be removed and replaced. For finishes, the new deck is an environmetally friendly material called, Trex. The rear back porch was remodeled by opening up the walls up to 42" from the floor to act as a guardrail wall. Most of the existing stairway was replaced where necessary in order to retain some of the existing structure.
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