127-129 18th Ave, San Francisco, CA 94121

The 6-unit, 2-story multi-family residential building at 127-129 18th Avenue, constructed in 1921 and currently owned by the Lam Family Trust, has undergone significant improvements over the past several years, particularly focusing on safety upgrades. Most notably, the building completed mandatory soft-story retrofit work in 2018 (Tier 4 status: Work Complete, CFC Issued), along with the installation of a new fire alarm system with sprinkler monitoring in 2020 ($16,000) to meet current fire code requirements.

The building also underwent major renovation in 2018-2019 with the conversion of ground floor storage and garage area into a 2-bedroom ADU (approximately 947 SF), including comprehensive upgrades to meet current building codes, followed by additional modifications to meet soundproofing requirements. The property has a history of addressing safety and habitability concerns, particularly during a 2003-2004 violation period where multiple issues were identified and subsequently abated, including problems with heating, electrical systems, fire escape maintenance, and water leakage. Recent complaints in 2023 regarding soundproofing compliance in the newly constructed ADU suggest ongoing concerns about building systems performance.

The building experienced two fire code violations in May 2020 related to alarm system issues, though these were promptly addressed. Several recent 311 calls primarily relate to parking enforcement and street cleaning matters outside the building, with minimal implications for resident safety or comfort. The property's recent history shows a pattern of proactive improvements and compliance with safety regulations, though some persistent concerns about soundproofing and building systems performance remain.