1520 California St, San Francisco, CA 94109

The four-story, 13-unit apartment building at 1520 California Street in Nob Hill, owned by Hurley Trust, was constructed in 1908 and has undergone several significant improvements over the years. Most notably, the building completed a mandatory soft-story retrofit in 2015 at a cost of $70,000, adding shear walls to the ground floor for increased seismic safety. Recent maintenance includes stair repairs in 2018 ($2,000) and routine upkeep of various building systems.

The property has experienced some concerning issues in recent years, including a serious plumbing incident in February 2023 involving sewage problems, and multiple compliance violations in May 2024 related to fire safety and building systems, though these were abated by July 2024. Historical records show various maintenance work, including roofing projects in 1993 and 2002, termite and dry rot repairs in 1996, and a heat system failure affecting all units in 1997-1998. The building has a relatively clean record regarding serious violations, though it has experienced some recurring maintenance issues. A notable incident occurred in 2006 involving unauthorized storage use of Unit #14, which was promptly addressed.

Recent 311 calls primarily relate to exterior cleaning matters rather than building-specific issues, with multiple reports of street cleaning needs and waste removal between 2023-2024. The property appears to be actively maintained, with most recent violations being addressed through compliance measures. The 2015 fire inspection resulted in no merit findings, indicating no significant fire safety concerns at that time. The building's age and history show regular maintenance and upgrades, though prospective tenants should be aware of the periodic maintenance issues that have arisen, particularly regarding building systems and plumbing.