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55 Palm Ave

Jordan Park/Laurel Heights, SF 94118 1040011 4 units · 2 fl · 1915

A handful of records on file over the last seven years, and our model sees a moderate chance of more in the next 12 months. A few records worth reading before you sign. Check whether they were closed out, and ask what was actually fixed.

NOVs (7y) vs. neighborhood
Records already on file, against a typical building in Jordan Park/Laurel Heights — not a forecast
Above average
avg 0.9
1
FewerMore

This building has 1 novs (7y), above the Jordan Park/Laurel Heights average of 0.9.

Rent & eviction protection

Is 55 Palm Ave rent-controlled?

San Francisco's Rent Ordinance caps rent increases and provides eviction protection for most residential units built before 1979 with 2+ units. Here's how this building scores.

Built before 1979
Built 1915
2 or more units
4 units
Property type
Multi-Family Residential
Zoning
RM1
Likely rent-controlled. Building age and unit count suggest this property falls under San Francisco's Rent Ordinance.

Based on SF Assessor records. Not legal advice — confirm with the SF Rent Board.

Statewide backstop · AB 1482

California Tenant Protection Act of 2019

Even when a building isn't covered by local rent stabilization, the statewide Tenant Protection Act (AB 1482) may still apply. It caps annual rent increases and requires the landlord to state a legal reason to end most tenancies.

15+ years since occupancy
Built 1915
Annual rent increase cap
5% + CPI, max 10%
Just-cause eviction
After 12 months
Local rent control likely takes priority. This building appears to fall under the local ordinance above, which is stronger than AB 1482. Where a local just-cause ordinance applies, its rules govern instead of the state cap.

AB 1482 does not apply to single-family homes and condos unless owned by a corporation, REIT, or an LLC with a corporate member; to owner-occupied duplexes; or to deed-restricted affordable housing. The Act is in effect until January 1, 2030. Not legal advice — see the California landlord–tenant guide.

Building characteristics
Units4
Floors2
Year built1915
Total area4,310 sq ft
Property typeMulti-Family Residential
Tax statusNone
Blocklot1040011
Ownership

Registered owner per SF Assessor-Recorder (secured roll).

Mailing address
42 Twelveoak Hill Dr San Rafael CA 94903
Last sale
August 13, 2019

Landlord portfolio

Other SF properties this owner holds, with a risk rating for each.

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Augrented Insights
Initial analysis

The two-story, four-unit multi-family residential building at 55 Palm Avenue, constructed in 1915 and currently owned by Dover Canyon Partners LLC, has undergone several significant renovations and faced various maintenance issues over the past two decades. Most notably, in December 2022, unit #4 underwent mold remediation, including ceiling drywall removal and installation of new LED recessed lighting, at a cost of $18,000. The building has also experienced some concerning events, including an active building violation and complaint from May 2020 regarding unpermitted construction of an approximately 8-foot tall wall at the property line and new enclosed guardrail at the first-floor deck, which remains active as of 2023. This complaint was filed during construction work that allegedly violated pandemic safety protocols regarding mask use.

The property has undergone multiple significant improvements, including a complete reroofing in 2017 ($23,800), restoration of ground floor units in 2021 ($45,000) to comply with previous permits and violations, and various unit-specific renovations such as a bathroom remodel in unit #1 in 2017. Infrastructure improvements include the installation of a fire alarm system in 2000 and multiple electrical upgrades. There have been several routine housing inspections over the years, with some persistent maintenance issues noted in 1999 related to heating and lighting in common areas, though these were resolved. The building's recent history shows consistent attention to major repairs and upgrades, but the unresolved 2020 building violation regarding unpermitted construction remains a significant outstanding issue. The property has also experienced numerous parking-related incidents near the building, with multiple citations issued for blocking driveways between 2023 and 2024, suggesting ongoing challenges with parking management in the area.

AI-generated · may contain errors · check the source data tables below

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Risk rating

How 55 Palm Ave's risk score is calculated

We trained a model on 7 years of SF DBI inspection data — notice of violation filings, complaint history, and owner track records. It estimates the probability that DBI inspectors will issue a Notice of Violation at this address in the next 12 months. Lower % = safer.

What the score means for you

Lower risk — safer than most nearby

DBI rarely finds violations here. Strong maintenance history and a clean complaint record.

Typical — about average for the neighborhood

Some past violations or complaints on record. Worth asking the landlord about any open issues before signing.

Higher risk — riskier than most nearby

Elevated violation and complaint history. DBI has found issues here before and is statistically likely to again.

Neighborhood percentile
27thpercentile

Out of 272 buildings in this neighborhood, 199 are predicted to be safer. The band is relative to this neighborhood, so a share of every neighborhood falls in each colour.

RiskiestSafest
Predicted 12-month outcome
70%
No DBI
violation
30%
DBI violation
likely
Model explanation

What's driving this score

The three data points that most influenced this building's risk rating — ranked by the weight the model placed on each one.

Number of units

The number of units affects how the model reads complaint and violation totals — more units means more potential sources.

DBI tenant complaints (past 7 years)

Formal complaints tenants filed with DBI about this building over 7 years.

Director's hearings (past 7 years)

Director's hearings are escalated enforcement actions for buildings that haven't resolved violations — a serious signal.

12-Month risk forecast
Moderate failure risk 30%
Estimated probability of receiving a DBI Notice of Violation in the next 12 months. Model: full_hgb_balanced.
Apartment reviews

55 Palm Ave apartment reviews

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On the map

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The story over time

55 Palm Ave event timeline

Violations, complaints, fire incidents, permits, and buyouts — most recent records in order.

2026
Planning Record Apr 02
Revision to permit: Modifying design of two existing balconies at rear to two decorative balconies. Modify design of balcony on north side from existing balcony to decorative balcony.
Closed
Building PermitMar 27
Revision to 202108236903 (ref 202511240340): 1 modify design of proposed replacement of 2 existig balconies at west elvtn to smaller decorative balconies. modify design of proposed replacement of balcony at nw elevation to smaller decorative balcony.

See all 19 events

Full history back to 2020 — violations, complaints, permits, buyouts, and fire incidents.

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Every record we have

Full data for 55 Palm Ave apartments

13 SF public datasets for this parcel — permits, violations, complaints, fire records, 311 calls, planning records, and buyouts.

Side by side

How 55 Palm Ave compares to the neighborhood

This building against comparable properties in Jordan Park/Laurel Heights. Toggle filters to narrow the peer group.

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Cancel anytime · Data sourced from SF Open Data, DBI, SFFD, SF Rent Board & Planning

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