1517-1525 California St, San Francisco, CA 94109

The two-story multi-family residential building at 1517-1525 California Street, owned by Chin Jean Y Living Trust, has a complex history since its construction in 1922 as part of a flats and duplex structure containing 4 units. The property has experienced several significant safety and maintenance issues in recent years, most notably in 2024 with multiple fire code violations including problems with sleeping area requirements, sprinkler systems, and elevator functionality. Between late 2023 and throughout 2024, there were recurring violations and maintenance issues related to fire safety systems, including problems with the alarm system, extinguishers, and elevator operations.

The building underwent gas line replacement work in 2012 and had its roof replaced in 1997, though that permit is now expired. Recent activity around the building has been marked by numerous 311 calls in late 2024 and early 2025, primarily relating to street cleaning, garbage, debris, and encampments near the property. A building inspection was conducted in December 2024, and there were reports of graffiti as of January 2025.

The property has experienced tenant turnover, with a documented buyout of $13,600 for one tenant at 1507 California Street in August 2021. While the building has received some corrective actions for various violations over the years, including a successful resolution of multiple fire safety issues in 2019, several violations remain open as of the latest data, particularly concerning sleeping area requirements and sprinkler system maintenance as of late 2023-2024. The building's location in Downtown has exposed it to urban challenges, as evidenced by the recent 311 calls regarding encampments and street maintenance issues.