480-498 Castro St, San Francisco, CA 94114

The property at 480-498 Castro Street is a mixed-use building built in 1900, consisting of 9 residential units and commercial space, currently owned by Claire Investments, Inc. The two-story structure has undergone several significant renovations and improvements over the past decade. Most recently, in October 2024, a bathroom remodel was initiated to update wiring to code and install new LED lighting throughout, with an estimated cost of $35,000. The building has seen substantial accessibility improvements, including the installation of a handicap stairlift in 2022. The property has experienced some maintenance and compliance challenges, particularly in late 2015 and early 2016, when multiple violations were recorded related to rodent infestation, heating system issues, and various safety concerns.

All of these violations were abated by December 2015. In 2023, there were several complaints regarding unauthorized work (now resolved), and there is currently an active complaint regarding common areas filed in May 2023. The building's mechanical systems have been regularly updated, including multiple water heater replacements (2015-2016), furnace system installations (2014-2016), and plumbing improvements. Notably, there have been some recent concerns about the Walgreens storefront's compliance with planning code transparency requirements, which was marked as "Abated" in 2024. The property has experienced some environmental challenges, as evidenced by multiple 311 calls in early 2025 regarding garbage, debris, and sanitation issues in the surrounding area, though these are primarily street-level concerns rather than building-specific problems.

While there have been some concerns about building maintenance and compliance in the past, the property has generally demonstrated a pattern of addressing violations and making ongoing improvements, as evidenced by the recent bathroom remodel and previous accessibility upgrades. The building's location continues to attract attention, with recent complaints regarding common areas and compliance issues, though many historical violations have been successfully resolved. Recent fire safety records show very low incidents, with only one recorded case of an alarm system activation and no civilian injuries reported. The property has undergone various electrical, plumbing, and building improvements over the years, including infrastructure updates like new ductwork installations, data cable installations, and illegal wiring removal. While the building has faced periodic maintenance challenges, particularly related to heating and plumbing systems, recent renovation activities and ongoing improvements suggest active management of the property's maintenance needs.