1243 Pine St, San Francisco, CA 94109

The Lau Family Trust owns this 12-unit, 3-story multi-family residential building located at 1243 Pine Street in Downtown, constructed in 1912. The property has undergone several significant safety upgrades, including a recent ($0) permit filed in January 2025 to replace the fire alarm control panel with an off-site communicator and install additional smoke and heat detectors in common areas. However, previous fire safety improvements have faced setbacks, such as the cancellation of a 2021 fire system upgrade that would have added radio monitoring and new pull stations.

The building has experienced recurring fire safety issues, with multiple fire complaints between 2017 and 2024 related to alarm systems, blocked exits, and multiple code violations. A critical structural improvement was completed in 2013-2016 with a $140,000 soft-story upgrade, and significant plumbing work was completed in 2020-2022, including the replacement of four water heaters and kitchen/bathroom pipe replacements. Historical maintenance records show regular upkeep of individual units, including renovations to unit #8 in 2008 (kitchen and bathroom remodel) and window replacement in unit #9 in 2007.

The building has faced several violations, particularly in 2003-2009, related to fire safety concerns such as combustible storage, handrail requirements, and egress obstructions, all of which were eventually abated. More recent maintenance issues have primarily involved exterior conditions, with multiple 311 calls in 2024 reporting sidewalk defects and street cleaning concerns. The property has experienced various fire alarm system malfunctions and false alarms, though notably no civilian injuries have been recorded in any incidents. The most recent fire violation from November 2024 was issued for alarm system maintenance, though this appears to have been corrected.