DSLocicero, Architect

I’ve written about the ever changing building codes before. They are updated with changes every three years. California just adopted the 2016 Building Code, with the State’s own amendments, in January of 2017. I am now preparing the documents for projects which will be the first projects for which I will be using the 2016 […]

Next Monday, August 21st, we will experience a solar eclipse. Although the Bay Area is not in the path of “totality” – where the sun will be completely covered by the moon – we will still be able to see about 80% coverage. This is one of those “only once or twice in your lifetime” […]

There is nothing more gratifying to an architect than when an old client returns with a new project. That recently happened to me. A client for whom I designed a sizable remodel and addition about 15 years ago, recently contacted me about a project they have in mind: a brand new house on a site […]

The project in Danville is under construction and the contractor is making good time. I was out to the site last week to look at the construction, answer questions, and take some pictures. As a reminder, this is a 900 square foot addition to a 1950’s house. The addition is two stories and will be […]

With the recent changes to state law regarding Accessory Dwelling Units, you can see how various municipalities are dealing with changing their planning ordinances to come into compliance with the state legislation. In Oakland, they are allowing development within a house, and development attached to a house. They are allowing you to convert an existing […]

In California right now, there is a significant amount of interest in “accessory dwelling units” (ADUs). These used to be called “granny flats”, “in-law units”, or “back yard cottages”. Now they are most commonly called “accessory dwelling units” or “secondary dwelling units”. By definition, an ADU is a smaller dwelling that is attached to, or […]

Thanks to everybody who came out to the San Francisco Earthquake Safety Fair last Thursday. It was a very successful event. I shared a booth with Mike Miranda of MEMGC, a contractor with whom I’ve worked for a while. Mike is something of a force of nature once he gets started. The event was sponsored […]

Are you thinking about working on a project in San Francisco? It could be remodeling, or legalizing an in-law unit. Maybe you are thinking about adding a rental unit. Whatever it is, you probably have lots of questions.  This week there is an event at the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium that you might want to […]