513-519 Bush St, San Francisco, CA 94108

The 26-unit, 4-story multi-family residential building at 513-519 Bush Street, built in 1907 and owned by Jack M Wu Separate Property, has experienced significant maintenance and safety issues in recent years, particularly regarding fire safety systems. Most concerning is the recent pattern of fire code violations, with multiple citations issued throughout 2023-2024 for problems including blocked exits, sprinkler/standpipe system issues, alarm system concerns, and sleeping area requirements. The building has also faced structural and safety challenges, notably a 2015 complaint about an allegedly illegal one-bedroom unit with inadequate egress and safety features.

There are active complaints from 2024 regarding work done without proper permits, and the building has accumulated multiple instances of garbage and debris issues, as documented in recent 311 calls. The property has undergone various permitted improvements over the years, including electrical upgrades (most recently a survey for a potential 400amp main disconnect change in September 2024), and commercial space renovations. Several building violations from 2000-2003 related to fire safety, elevator operation, and general maintenance issues were abated, but similar concerns have re-emerged in recent years.

The retail spaces in the building have experienced periods of vacancy, as evidenced by multiple complaints about vacant storefronts between 2019-2024. Recent fire incidents within the building have been limited to non-injurious events, primarily involving false alarms and detector activations. The building's management has completed various required repairs and improvements over the years, but the recurring nature of fire safety violations suggests ongoing compliance challenges.