Back to the OP. zzz, I wouldn’t focus on this too much, considering the age of the properties you are considering. Do the best you can with the City microfiche at the Planning Dept but don’t get too caught up in the fact that an existing garage is too close to the back fence. Obviously, some of this (unpermitted) work is “grandfathered.” I doubt anyone down there will give you a rough time over a rear patio “room addition” slapped up in 1953 without a permit.
Are you concerned because you plan to gut and remodel the interior of a Craftsman or perhaps legally add onto one? If so, I question why someone would be looking at properties this age where the room proportions and their original built-ins lend to the whole authenticity of a Craftsman. I could see adding a walk-in closet, interior laundry room or master bath using the existing space but I don’t think it’s prudent to stray too much from the original footprint or the house’s character might be lost (which is the entire reason for buying it in the first place). The buyer would be better off buying a larger Craftsman to begin with, such as those which can be found in Burlingame, South Park, Mission Hills and the Morley Field area.
If I was in escrow on a property in those zip codes, I would hire Parra Bldg consultants to inspect it during escrow. They have decades of experience in your areas of choice and will tell you much more than you thought to ask about a property. I would highly recommend following them everywhere on the property on inspection day.
What you REALLY want to know is if any part of the foundation is cracked and if there is any evidence of mold under the subfloor, behind the baseboards or on the inside of the stemwalls. These problems are expensive to fix. Don’t worry too much about an antiquated termite-eaten detached garage or cracked driveway strips, stair stoops and patios. This can all be fixed to today’s standards. Look for a 65-70 ft wide lot or alley access. If you are fortunate, you may find both of these in a property you are interested in!
