461 Ashbury St, San Francisco, CA 94117

The two-story multi-family residential building at 461 Ashbury Street, Haight-Ashbury, has a complex history since its construction in 1900, initially as a flats and duplex building, with ongoing disputes regarding its unit count. Most significantly, there is an active complaint from January 2016 regarding unauthorized work and a disputed change of occupancy, along with multiple building violations including structural hazards, emergency egress requirements, and various safety system deficiencies (e.g., missing fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, CO alarms, and fire sprinklers). In 2016, the building was required to restore a previously unauthorized third dwelling unit, which remains a point of contention.

Recent improvements include an issued reroofing permit from August 2023 for work costing $66,400 and the installation of safety features such as handrails and fire sprinklers (2015), though concerns about work beyond permit scope were raised during a 2015 inspection. The property has undergone several significant renovation attempts, including work on a second means of egress stair and garage construction in 2006 (valued at $130,000), though this permit expired. Multiple street space permits were issued between 2014-2015, and plumbing and electrical work was completed in connection with garage improvements.

Historical complaints reveal ongoing maintenance issues, including concerns about a dilapidated garage (2013) and unsafe scaffolding (2012). Despite some recent improvements, the building continues to struggle with basic safety compliance, as demonstrated by multiple active violations and inspection complaints that have persisted or evolved since 2010. The property has also experienced periodic exterior maintenance challenges, as evidenced by multiple graffiti removal requests and cleanliness concerns documented through 311 calls, most recently in 2024.