687-691 3rd Ave, San Francisco, CA 94118

The three-unit, three-story multi-family residential building at 687-691 3rd Avenue in the Inner Richmond, owned by Shen Pei Yun & Wang Yue Zhe, has a complex history dating back to its 1910 construction. The property has undergone several significant repairs and improvements over the past two decades, including a recent $14,000 reroofing project approved in January 2025.

The building faced notable safety and maintenance challenges between 2015-2016, when multiple violations were recorded regarding fire safety (missing fire extinguishers and carbon monoxide alarms), stair repairs, and other building code issues, all of which were eventually abated. Earlier concerns in 2011 documented mold and ceiling cracks in the bathroom, while 2005 saw the removal of unauthorized modifications including an illegal bathroom, family room, and bedroom on the ground floor, along with electrical upgrades in the basement storage area. More recent maintenance records show ongoing attention to building upkeep, with the most recent major work being the roof replacement in 2025.

The building has experienced periodic infrastructure issues, including a documented recurring leak in the rear bedroom in 2016 and various electrical problems. The location has also been the subject of multiple 311 reports since 1994, primarily relating to exterior and street maintenance issues such as illegal postings, graffiti, and sidewalk-related problems. While the building has had its share of maintenance challenges and code violations, records indicate that most historical issues have been addressed, with recent permits focusing on preventive maintenance rather than reactive repairs.