796-798 38th Ave, San Francisco, CA 94121

The property at 796-798 38th Avenue is a 2-story, 4-unit multi-family residential building constructed in 1914 and currently owned by Benjamin Walker Meyers. The building has undergone significant renovations and faced several challenges in recent years, with the most pressing issues centering around water damage, plumbing problems, and structural concerns. In 2023, repair work was required for water damage in a hallway closet, and in 2022, there were documented health concerns including mold, pest infestations, and alleged hoarding issues in one unit. The property has experienced persistent plumbing issues, with multiple sewer-related complaints and repairs between 2020-2021, including a broken sewer line that required a complete replacement.

The building underwent substantial renovation work in 2017-2019, including electrical system upgrades, kitchen and bathroom remodels, and roof replacement. These improvements included upgrading the electrical service to 200A with four meters, complete rewiring of unit 798, and renovation of two kitchens and bathrooms. However, during this renovation period, there were multiple building violations issued in September 2017, including issues with interior surfaces, fire safety equipment, and fire escape maintenance, all of which were subsequently resolved by October 2017. A notable incident occurred in November 2017 when construction work led to structural concerns in a neighboring unit, though this complaint was resolved.

The building has maintained an active housing inspection record, with the most recent complaint from 2022 still showing as active with the Code Enforcement Section regarding compliance requirements. Recent permit activity shows ongoing attention to building maintenance, with work being completed to address water damage and maintain building systems. The property has faced recurring challenges with its infrastructure, particularly in terms of plumbing and moisture control, as evidenced by multiple 311 calls and building complaints related to these issues. The most recent notable complaints involve structural maintenance and safety concerns, though many historical violations and complaints have been resolved through proper remediation and repairs.