618-628 Fell St, San Francisco, CA 94102

The 6-unit multi-family residential building at 618-628 Fell Street in Hayes Valley, constructed in 1908, has undergone numerous maintenance and repair projects over the past several years, though it currently faces significant active issues. Recent permits indicate ongoing improvements, including a $38,000 re-roofing project issued in August 2024 and window replacements completed in 2023.

However, the building is currently dealing with several pressing problems: multiple active violations filed in August 2024 regarding rodent infestation, water damage, lead hazard concerns, and weatherproofing issues on siding, as well as an ongoing problem with sewage backups. These maintenance challenges appear to have persisted for some time, with a tenant complaint from July 2024 documenting repeated sewer line backups, water leaks, and rodent issues.

The building's history includes a significant explosion in 2013 causing substantial damage to ground-level units and requiring extensive repairs, as well as a pattern of water-related issues requiring plumbing and electrical work, including water heater replacements for multiple units and electrical rewiring projects. While some structural improvements have been made, including stair repairs (2020) and various weatherization upgrades, the building remains classified as non-compliant with soft-story seismic retrofit requirements. The property has also had routine safety inspections and various maintenance projects over the years, including a $65,000 smoke and water damage repair project in 2015, but recent complaints suggest ongoing maintenance challenges that require attention.