434-438 Vallejo St, San Francisco, CA 94133

The 6-unit residential building at 434-438 Vallejo Street in Telegraph Hill, owned by Thomas W. Payne Jr., has undergone significant renovations and faced several compliance issues since 2012. Built in 1908, this two-story flats building has seen substantial unit improvements including multiple bathroom and kitchen remodels, electrical upgrades, and plumbing work between 2013-2018, with project costs totaling over $175,000.

The property faced several building code violations between 2015-2016, including issues with mechanical ventilation, window repairs, weatherproofing, and heating systems, most of which were abated by March 2016. There were multiple complaints about unauthorized construction work and related noise disturbances during 2015-2018, including concerns about work being done without proper permits. Notably, there is an active complaint from 2016 regarding an allegedly illegal unit (434A) in the rear structure.

Recent developments include proposed seismic upgrades and vertical/horizontal additions to the property, as well as basement conversions to habitable space, with plans currently under review. The property has also been involved in short-term rental violations, with a notice of violation issued in 2017 for operating multiple short-term rentals on Airbnb/VRBO without proper authorization, though this issue was subsequently resolved with penalty fees paid. The building's infrastructure has been notably improved, with a 400-amp service installation with multiple meters and various unit-specific upgrades, suggesting significant investment in modernizing the property's systems and addresses many previous compliance issues. The building's history shows a pattern of necessary improvements being addressed, although often following notices of violation or complaints, indicating some initial non-compliance with building codes and regulations.