265-271 Church St, San Francisco, CA 94114

The 12-unit, 3-story multi-family residential building at 265-271 Church Street, owned by Carla G W Chan, has undergone significant fire safety system upgrades in recent years, with the most recent work costing over $38,000 to bring the fire alarm system into compliance with current regulations. Fire safety has been a recurring theme for this property, with two recent violations in 2023 and 2024 specifically related to alarm system maintenance. The building has experienced several maintenance and habitability issues over the years, with notable complaints in 2022 regarding unit 10 that included problems with hot water, mold, broken appliances, and other maintenance concerns.

These issues followed a pattern of similar concerns dating back to 2000, when multiple violations were documented including problems with smoke enclosure doors, window frames, rear stairs, and various plumbing and electrical systems. More recent complaints from 2022 through 2024 have focused on common areas, though specific details were less documented. The building's history also shows periodic issues with garbage management and sanitation, as evidenced by multiple 311 calls regarding debris and hazardous materials on the property, with the most recent being in October 2024. The property, built in 1904, has received various repairs and improvements over the years, including ceiling replacement work in 2003, floor deck repairs in 2008, and structural maintenance in 1993.

Several historical complaints mentioned interior surfaces, lead paint hazards, plumbing systems, and electrical infrastructure, though most of these violations were abated by 2003. There have been multiple fire safety inspections and violations, particularly between 2016-2024, with issues related to alarm systems, blocked exits, and general hazardous materials being corrected upon inspection. The building's recent history shows improved attention to fire safety requirements, with multiple fire alarm system upgrades and prompt attention to violations, though maintenance issues in common areas and individual units have persisted throughout the building's history, particularly noticeable in the last two years. The most recent fire alarm system upgrade, issued in October 2024, included installation of low-frequency sounders in sleeping areas and an updated fire panel, demonstrating ongoing efforts to improve building safety systems.