Board of Appeals

About

To comply with CBC requirements, on September 15, 2025, the City Council adopted Ordinance 693 and Ordinance 694 designating the duties of the Board of Appeals to the Planning Commission and directed staff to engage a neutral third party to assist when an appeal is presented before the Planning Commission. The purpose of this policy is to ensure impartiality, transparency, and consistency in the review of appeals heard by the Planning Commission sitting as the Board of Appeals. The Building Appeals Board hears and decides appeals on orders, decisions, or determinations of the Building Official regarding the suitability of alternate materials, methods of construction, and reasonable interpretation of the provisions of the Building Standards Code.

On December 4, 2025, the Planning Commission approved Resolution P-17-25, allowing the Board of Appeals Policy to take effect on January 1, 2026. 
 

Policy Statement

The City will retain a qualified, neutral third-party consultant/consulting firm to review the application materials and appeal, conduct analysis and any investigation or tests deemed necessary by the Planning Commission and assist the Planning Commission in preparing written findings at the conclusion of the appeal hearing to transmit to the Appellant and Building Official. This consultant will maintain professional independence in their findings and recommendations.
 

How To Appeal

1. File An Application
   A Board of Appeals Policy and Application Form must be submitted to building@fostercity.org.
    
2. Pay Fees
   Appeal Fees will become effective January 1, 2026. Please view our Master Fees and Service Charges Schedule.
   
   
3. Submit Documentation
   Provide comprehensive statements, supporting documents, plans, and evidence within 10 days.
    
4. Attend Hearing
   The Planning Commission will conduct a public hearing at a regular or special meeting to consider the appeal and all relevant evidence. Regular Meetings occur on the 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month located at 620 Foster City Blvd, Foster City, CA 94404. Agendas and related documents will be made available prior to the meetings.

Building Board of Appeals Members

Robert Pedro - Chair, term date: May 2027
Doug Stoveland - Vice Chair, term date: May 2026
Nicolas Haddad - Commissioner, term date: May 2028
Ravi Jagtiani  - Commissioner, term date: May 2028
Shankar Kenkre - Commissioner, term date: May 2029