5636 California St, San Francisco, CA 94121

5636 California Street is an 8-unit, 3-story multi-family residential building constructed in 1960 and currently owned by the Wong Family Trust. The property has undergone numerous significant renovations and faced several concerning issues in recent years. Most notably, there are multiple active complaints from 2023-2024 regarding stairway safety, heating issues, possible window leaks, water damage, and mold problems.

The building's exterior and structural elements have required considerable attention, including a seismic retrofit completed in 2017 (soft-story program Tier 3), concrete step replacements in 2021-2024, and ongoing stucco repairs. Recent building permits indicate work related to compliance with notices of violation, particularly concerning damaged walls and fire safety requirements. The building's maintenance history shows a pattern of both routine upkeep and urgent repairs, with various improvements made to individual units including kitchen and bathroom remodels, electrical upgrades, and plumbing work.

However, there have been several concerning administrative oversight issues, including complaints about work being done without proper permits and the recent expiration of stairway permissions. Multiple building violations were recorded in 2023, including concerns about fire safety (fire extinguisher maintenance) and structural integrity (stairway access). The property has also experienced some exterior maintenance challenges over the years, such as peeling paint and issues with drainage and landscaping as noted in complaints. While many historical violations have been abated, several active issues from 2023-2024 remain unresolved, particularly concerning building safety and habitability concerns.