191 5th Ave, San Francisco, CA 94118

The 8-unit, 3-story multi-family residential building at 191 5th Avenue in the Lake-Presidio neighborhood, built in 1916 and owned by Chan Preston Paul, has undergone multiple significant renovations and faced several challenges in recent years. Notably, the building suffered fire damage in 2017 affecting units 1, 3, and 5, requiring extensive repairs to kitchens, bathrooms, and electrical systems in those units, which were completed under permits totaling approximately $15,000.

The building underwent a successful soft-story retrofit in 2022, achieving compliance with seismic safety requirements. Recent concerns include three complaints filed in 2024-2025 regarding illegal construction/permit issues, blocked exits, and unauthorized residential use of a commercial unit, though these complaints have been marked as "Not Active" or resulted in no clear resolution. The property has a history of fire safety improvements, including multiple fire alarm system upgrades between 2018 and 2022, and the installation of low-frequency sounders in accordance with current codes.

A significant cluster of violations were addressed in 2019, including issues with stairs, smoke enclosures, and fire safety systems, all of which were abated by April 2019. The building's systems have been generally well-maintained, with completed permits showing regular updates to plumbing and electrical systems, including bathroom remodels, kitchen updates, and comprehensive electrical system improvements. Recent 311 calls (2024-2025) primarily relate to exterior maintenance issues such as graffiti and debris removal, though there are some concerns about exit blocking and construction work.