518 38th Ave, San Francisco, CA 94121

The 8-unit, 2-story multi-family residential building at 518 38th Avenue in the Outer Richmond, owned by the Li Family Living Trust, has undergone several significant upgrades and faced some concerning issues in recent years. Most notably, in 2023, the building underwent comprehensive improvements including window replacement, weatherproofing, and stucco repair costing $80,000, followed by tenant buyouts totaling $90,000 for two tenants. In 2015, the building completed important safety improvements including seismic retrofitting to address its Tier 3 soft story status ($110,000), re-roofing ($24,000), and electrical system upgrades involving Ufer grounding installation.

The plumbing system received attention in 2014 with a sewer line replacement, though this permit is listed as expired. The building has experienced several maintenance and safety challenges, particularly related to its fire safety systems. There was a significant complaint in 2022 about crumbling drywall, wooden blocks between units, and mold infestation in unit #2, and earlier fire alarm system issues were noted in 2012 and 2003.

A carbon monoxide detector activation was recorded, but no CO was found. The property has generated multiple 311 calls in recent years, including a sewage backup in November 2023 and several requests for general cleaning of loose garbage. While the building appears to have addressed many of its historical compliance issues, including a 1986 order to bring the building into full compliance with municipal code, the frequency of recent maintenance and safety-related complaints suggests ongoing challenges with property upkeep, particularly related to fire safety systems and building envelope maintenance.