2870-2878 16th St, San Francisco, CA 94103

The 6-unit multi-family residential building at 2870-2878 16th Street in the Inner Mission, built in 1908, has undergone significant and complex renovations since 2020. The property, currently owned by Leon1 LLC, is in tier 4 of San Francisco's soft-story program and is considered non-compliant. Major recent improvements include the installation of new fire sprinkler systems (September 2024), extensive underground plumbing work with gas lines and new tankless water heaters (November 2023), and electrical upgrades including a temporary 100-amp service (August 2023). The property has a substantial history of building code violations and complaints.

Notable past issues included foundation problems, various maintenance deficiencies in 2015-2017, and significant concerns about building conditions in 2022-2023 where multiple complaints described it as "disgusting," with mentions of structural problems and deteriorated electrical equipment. The building suffered interior fire damage in 2019, which was addressed through subsequent renovation permits. In 2020, a major renovation project was initiated to repair the building, remodel existing units, and add four new ADUs to the basement level, including necessary updates to stairs and fire safety systems. This $1.8 million project has gone through several revisions, including changes to ceiling conditions, fire-rated windows, and the removal of skylights (2023).

The building has experienced multiple fire safety concerns over the years, with several fire violations issued between 2016-2019 regarding combustible storage and exit path obstructions, though these have been abated. Recent inspections in 2022/2023 raised concerns about vacancy, lack of maintenance, and potential safety issues, including references to abandoned and derelict conditions, though many of these problems appear to be in the process of being addressed through current renovation work. The property underwent a tenant buyout program in March 2018, with multiple tenants receiving compensation, suggesting a deliberate transition to renovate the building. Current works in progress, as evidenced by multiple active permits, indicate substantial investment in bringing the property up to modern safety and living standards, particularly concerning fire safety systems, plumbing, and electrical infrastructure. The building's history includes several complaints about garbage and debris on the property (most recently in 2024) and recent concerns about encampments in the vicinity, though these external issues do not necessarily reflect on the building's current condition.