All Forum Posts by: Kristine Libby

Thanks so much for all the valuable feedback.

In regards to landscaping, it's just an open grassy area, so we're not too worried about damages.  The city sent me proposed renderings and it looks simple enough.  So we'll try to negotiate a slightly higher number and let our tenants know there is public transportation coming.

Again, thank you for all the info!

Hey guys, wanted to throw this up here to see if anyone's faced this before and has any advice dealing with the city. 

We own a 4-plex in an up and coming neighborhood in Sacramento, CA and the city is doing a revitalization project where they're adding bike lanes, minor landscaping and a new bus route.  This is great for the city - however, we were approached by the city asking to purchase some of our land for one of the bus stops.  It's only 8 sq ft (with 547 sq ft as a potential temporary construction easement).  I've asked for potential drawings of what the bus stop will look like (if it will just be a post or if there will be a bench, etc).  The city is offering $750 for the land and they've told us they can call on eminent domain if we don't sign.  

The pros are:

- Revitalization is great for the city. 

- A new bus stop would be convenient for our tenants

Cons are:

- It looks like construction (and use of 550 sq ft) could be a little as 2 weeks to as long as 7 months.

- Bus stops bring people congregating in front of our units. 

- Aesthetically, it can impact the curb appeal. 

- Loss of land (for $750?)

I'm asking for photos of the proposed bus stop as well as times that the lines would be running. 

Is there anything else we should keep in mind  / ask about and do we even have a choice here?

Thanks!

We're converting a SFH in SF"s excelsior neighborhood to include an ADU.

We're looking for an architect who can help draw up the plans to code and within SF zoning and who can help walk us through the permitting process.

Must have experience with accessory dwelling units and must be familiar with SF zoning / building regulations. 

Thanks!

My husband & I are in the beginning stages of purchasing and converting a SFH in SF to include an accessory dwelling unit. We're in the excelsior neighborhood and we're converting the garage to a 1 bed / 1 bath unit.

We're wondering if anyone knows an architect who's familiar with the process who can help walk us through the permitting process (we've done extensive renovations in the past, but never in this county).

Also, would love to hear any pearls of wisdom from anyone who's renovated in SF (including working through the permitting process, anything you wish you knew before you started, regulations that are unique to SF, etc.)  

This is also our first property in SF; we're doing all the research we can re: being landlords in a very strict county. But if any SF landlords have any advice, we'd love to hear it (rent control, tenants rights). 

Thanks!

Hi - Is this listing still available?

@Kevin Fox- Thanks Kevin! We'll keep an eye out!

@Deanna McCormick - Yup! Downloaded our county's book last night and we're going through it really carefully. It looks like 60 days notice is sufficient, but I agree with you - we're going to give her 75 days so she has more time to find a place to stay & start the moving process. Thank you!

@Account Closed - Thanks for the suggestions. I think that's what we're going to end up doing.

Thanks so much for all the suggestions.

There's a utility in Sacramento (water / sewage) that's billed to the tenant, but if they don't pay, we're still on the hook. The late notices were being sent to the property (we didn't see them).  We didn't find out about it until my quarterly check in.   We now have statements sent to  both the property and us.

@Ariel Smith - Hi Ariel. Our home is in Sacramento.  Thanks for any advice / feedback!