126-136 Valparaiso St, San Francisco, CA 94133

The three-story, six-unit multi-family residential building at 126-136 Valparaiso Street in Russian Hill, owned by Yuan/chen Family Trust, has undergone several significant safety upgrades and faced periodic maintenance challenges since its construction in 1907. Most notably, the building completed a mandatory soft-story retrofit in 2017, bringing it into compliance with seismic safety requirements and earning a Certificate of Final Completion. The property experienced multiple fire code violations in recent years, with the most recent occurring in September 2024, specifically citing issues with electrical hazards, alarm systems, emergency lighting, sprinkler maintenance, and storage conditions.

These violations have generally been addressed through the appropriate corrective actions, though some were referred to hearing. The building has a documented history of maintenance issues requiring attention, including a notable series of violations in 2001 that focused on various safety concerns such as stair repairs, fire extinguisher maintenance, security bars, and sanitation matters, all of which were abated by March 2003. More recent building complaints include a 2017 incident involving water damage in the kitchen and a 2022 report about deteriorating railings and debris in the backyard.

The property has maintained historical integrity with various repairs over the years, including plaster replacement in 1996 and kitchen wall repairs in 1995. Recent 311 calls from 2024 indicate ongoing concerns with garbage and debris, though these were generally resolved through city services. The building's fire safety systems have required periodic attention, with multiple violations related to alarm systems, exits, and emergency lighting recorded between 2013 and 2024, though most have been corrected through proper channels.