Referral for an SF architect familiar with legalizing in-law unit

[Katrina Razavi]

Hi BP friends!

I'm looking for a SF architect who has experience legalizing illegal units. I have an SFR with an illegal in law downstairs that we want to bring up to code. Any referrals welcome! Thank you.

[Vahe Ohannessian]

@Katrina Razavi

Katrina, typically when I hear of an "illegal unit" it has to do with a zoning code violation, not a building code violation. In other words, the unit could be built perfectly in terms of meeting building codes for stair dimensions, egress window requirements, etc, but not be allowed by the zoning code: for example, a second rental unit in a single family zone (based on their zoning map) would be illegal with regard to zoning. There may also be building code violations, but find out from the city what exactly the violation is (building vs zoning), and what part of the code is being violated. You can hire an architect to do that but I think this first step should be easy enough for you to do yourself, then you can decide on your next step. If the violation is in fact a zoning violation, it could be very difficult or impossible to make legal (except by getting rid of the second unit!), unless the zoning ordinance has an avenue to apply for a variance.

I hope this helps.