582 Birch St, San Francisco, CA 94102

The 20-unit, 3-story apartment building at 582 Birch Street in Hayes Valley, owned by Joel S & Justine R Coopersm, has undergone several significant safety and maintenance improvements since the 2000s. Most recently, in June 2023 and April 2024, the building received important fire safety upgrades, including the installation of low frequency sounders in sleeping rooms, replacement of smoke detectors, and improvements to the fire alarm system totaling over $22,000. The building completed its mandatory Soft Story Retrofit Program requirements in 2017 (Tier 3), with work valued at over $128,000, demonstrating compliance with earthquake safety regulations.

The building's maintenance history reveals various improvements and some recurring issues. In 2019, repairs were made to the front facade's damaged stucco and two windows were replaced. Several building violations and complaints have been addressed through the years, including issues with mold (2018), smoke detectors (2015), and window repairs (2008). A notable cluster of problems was documented in 2015, including mold in bathrooms, window repairs needed, and various safety violations, though these were subsequently abated.

The property has maintained regular safety inspections, with the most recent routine inspection occurring in 2018. Environmental concerns identified through 311 calls between 2015 and 2024 included reports of garbage, debris, and hazardous materials on or near the property, while fire-related issues were investigated in 2022 with conditions corrected. The building's decade-long record shows a pattern of addressing safety compliance requirements, particularly regarding seismic retrofitting and fire safety systems, while also managing various maintenance issues typical of a century-old multi-family building. Recent improvements to fire safety systems and completion of soft-story retrofit work represent positive steps in building safety improvements.