490 Francisco St, San Francisco, CA 94133

490 Francisco Street is a three-story, six-unit multi-family residential building located in San Francisco's North Beach neighborhood, constructed in 1907 and currently owned by Philip C & Elsa C Leong 198. The building has undergone significant improvements and safety upgrades over the past several years, most notably completing a mandatory soft-story retrofit in 2019 (Tier 4) at a cost of $40,000 to comply with seismic safety requirements. Major renovation work was performed in 2017-2018, including comprehensive interior remodels of multiple units (2, 4, 5 & 6) involving wall reconfigurations, kitchen and bathroom updates, and electrical system upgrades, such as the installation of a 400A service and six meters for all units in 2019.

The building's safety features have been systematically addressed, including a voluntary fire system replacement in 2016, partial sewer replacement in 2024, and various plumbing and electrical improvements across all units. The property has maintained an active compliance record, with all identified building violations from 2006 (relating to lead paint, fire escape ladders, and alarm systems) being resolved by December 2006, though there was a temporary soft-story retrofit violation notice in 2018 that was abated in October 2019. Recent maintenance issues have primarily involved exterior conditions, as evidenced by multiple 311 calls regarding sidewalk cleanliness and graffiti on postal facilities in late 2024.

A fire-related electrical systems complaint was filed and referred to the Department of Building Inspection in May 2023, though no injuries were reported. The building's 2024 service records show recurring reports of sidewalk cleanliness issues, primarily related to human waste or debris, though most have been resolved through normal city cleaning services. The property's extensive renovation history and completed safety upgrades indicate ongoing maintenance and attention to building standards, though the recent pattern of exterior cleanliness concerns may warrant monitoring.