1443-1449 Powell St, San Francisco, CA 94133

The 35-unit, three-story multi-family residential building at 1443-1449 Powell Street in North Beach, built in 1911, has undergone numerous renovations and faced significant compliance issues in recent years. Most concerning is an active violation filed in March 2023 highlighting multiple safety hazards, including improper occupancy, unapproved wiring and plumbing, lack of emergency egress, and questions about fire-resistant construction materials. The building's systems have shown persistent problems, including recurring fire alarm system violations (most recently in July 2024), and multiple complaints about security concerns, water supply issues, and electrical problems throughout 2023-2024.

Recent work includes kitchen and bathroom remodeling, installation of handrails, and soft-story retrofit compliance, though there are ongoing compliance issues with unapproved habitable rooms and related plumbing and electrical violations. The property has a history of maintenance challenges, as evidenced by multiple unit-specific complaints about power outages, lack of cleaning, and inadequate safety systems. Between 2023-2024, there were numerous reports regarding temperature control (hot water supply), electrical issues, and fire safety systems.

Recent permits show efforts to address some of these problems, such as restoring unauthorized habitable rooms to their original storage configuration and installing handrails. The building's maintenance record shows both completed and expired permits for various systems upgrades and repairs, including significant electrical and plumbing work in multiple units. The property has successfully completed its mandatory soft-story retrofit program, indicating compliance with seismic safety requirements, though other areas of building maintenance and safety continue to require attention.