70 Hancock St, San Francisco, CA 94114

The 4-unit, 3-story multi-family residential building at 70 Hancock Street, constructed in 1890 in the Eureka Valley/Dolores Heights neighborhood, is currently facing significant scrutiny regarding recent construction activities. Most notably, there are active investigations into unauthorized construction work, with complaints filed in June and July 2023 regarding unpermitted demolition and reconstruction of the rear building, including possible height increases beyond approved permits.

This situation has led to multiple planning records being placed "On Hold," seeking to address the unauthorized changes and potential violations of Planning Code Section 317 requirements for conditional use authorization and Section 134 rear yard variance. The property has undergone numerous renovations and repairs over the past several years, including a complete reroofing project in January 2024 costing $19,000, interior remodels of various units (notably Unit A in 2018 and Unit C in 2016), and significant structural work such as footing replacement with new concrete foundation at the rear building in 2022.

Several permits related to plumbing and electrical work have been issued and completed, demonstrating ongoing improvements to the building's systems. Historical records show a series of fire safety violations in 2001, which were abated by February 2001, and there were multiple complaints about unpermitted work and construction practices between 2012-2015, though these issues have since been resolved. Recent 311 calls primarily relate to parking enforcement and street cleaning matters, suggesting no major systemic issues in these areas.