1864-1868 Larkin St, San Francisco, CA 94109

The three-story, 10-unit multi-family residential building at 1864-1868 Larkin Street in Nob Hill, owned by Thomas Ong & Betty Ong Szet, was constructed in 1913 and has undergone several significant improvements in recent years. Most notably, in 2023, the building received important fire safety upgrades, including a new fire alarm system with wireless communication, sounders, smoke detectors, and horn/strobes, totaling approximately $26,000. The building completed its mandatory soft-story seismic retrofitting requirements (Tier 4) and obtained a Certificate of Final Completion.

Multiple permits were issued in 2020-2021 to install ADA-compliant power door operators for accessible entrances, demonstrating compliance with accessibility requirements. However, there are several concerning current and recent issues affecting the building. An active complaint from January 2025 reports problems with the back staircase, including insufficient lighting, inadequate handrails, and a non-functioning sprinkler system.

Additionally, there are ongoing concerns about water heating capacity, with complaints in 2021-2022 regarding inadequate hot water supply for the building's occupants. A 2022 complaint noted the presence of combustible materials stored in the lobby area, while another report from 2019 highlighted multiple fire safety concerns, including expired fire extinguisher certification and various maintenance issues. The building's recent history also shows regular maintenance and compliance efforts, including a successful fire alarm system upgrade in 2023 and resolution of several fire safety violations between 2015-2026, though some problems appear to persist based on recent complaints. Infrastructure improvements have been made, including a water heater replacement in 2022, though periodic issues with garbage and debris accumulation on the property have been documented through multiple 311 calls in 2024.