The fast-growing Academy of Art is under intense scrutiny by the City of San Francisco for code violations.
The Academy, the largest for-profit art school in the country, was supposed to have completed an environmental study in October 2013 as part of a deal struck with city planning officials. San Francisco's city attorney issued a letter last month criticizing the city's planning department for repeatedly failing to enforce building-code violations.
One of the largest private property owners in San Francisco with about 50 buildings including office buildings, old churches and other properties, the school reached an agreement with the city in spring 2014 over code violations at multiple properties, and agreed to produce an environment impact report. As part of that deal, the Planning Department said it would start to fine the school $5,250 per day for non-compliance on Nov. 1.
The school did not meet the deadline and received an extension. The city attorney said he will call for hearings at the Board of Supervisors if the Academy does not complete its draft environmental report within 60 days of Dec. 29.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Oct 26, 2021
Drownings during Hurricane Ida point out FEMA flood map flaws
Eleven people drowned in New York City in areas marked as low risk.
Codes and Standards | Oct 26, 2021
Dept. of Energy’s REScheck tool updated for the 2021 International Energy Conservation Code
Previous version incorporated 2018 code.
Codes and Standards | Oct 20, 2021
New York City passes overhaul of construction codes
Over 600 major changes along with thousands of smaller updates slated for 2022.
Codes and Standards | Oct 20, 2021
One-quarter of U.S. critical infrastructure at risk of failure due to flooding
Police and fire stations, hospitals, airports, and wastewater treatment facilities face threat.
Codes and Standards | Oct 19, 2021
Pittsburgh enacts first-in-the-nation “Dark Sky Lighting” law
Applies to all city parks, facilities, and streetlights.
Codes and Standards | Oct 15, 2021
New Calif. law mandates use of lead-free plumbing fixtures
Must meet NSF/ANSI/CAN 61-2020 in 2023.
Codes and Standards | Oct 14, 2021
Building industry leaders urge governments to boost emissions reductions targets
Scores of large AEC firms and organizations sign letter to UN’s COP 26 group.
Codes and Standards | Oct 13, 2021
FEMA’s new flood insurance plan will sharply raise insurance costs for seaside properties
Risk Rating 2.0 will have more accurate assessment of flood risk.
Codes and Standards | Oct 12, 2021
Three new laws expected to spur more affordable housing in California
Trio of measures could aid carbon reduction in built environment.
Codes and Standards | Oct 11, 2021
New program to promote mass timber construction launched in Boston
City’s planning and development agency to award grants for projects in early-stage planning.
