309 5th Ave, San Francisco, CA 94118

The two-story multi-family residential building at 309 5th Avenue in San Francisco's Inner Richmond district, owned by the Donna P Cho Revocable Trust, was constructed in 1961 and contains 5 units. The property has undergone several significant improvements over the past decades, most notably a completed soft-story retrofit in 2017 (tier 3), which included the installation of an ordinary steel moment frame and foundation reinforcements, demonstrating compliance with seismic safety requirements. Recent safety upgrades include the installation of a new fire alarm system in December 2023 (with corresponding electrical work completed in April 2024), reflecting ongoing commitment to fire safety improvements.

The building previously underwent substantial renovations in 2010-2011, including the merger of units 3 and 6, substantial interior modifications, and the addition of a new laundry room and bathroom facilities, along with comprehensive electrical and plumbing updates. The property's maintenance history indicates regular upkeep, including a reroofing project in 2022 valued at $17,500. Several building inspections have been conducted over the years, with specific attention to fire safety in 2003 and 2010, though all identified violations were abated and the cases are marked as not active.

Historical records show earlier issues in the mid-1980s, including fungus damage repairs and water damage, but these were resolved. The building's recent history shows no major violations or recurring maintenance issues, and all current essential systems appear to be up to code, with the most recent improvements focusing on building safety and seismic compliance. The surrounding area has experienced typical urban challenges including occasional graffiti and abandoned vehicles, as documented in 311 calls, but these are external to the building itself.