490 Hill St, San Francisco, CA 94114

The two-story, 6-unit multi-family residential building at 490 Hill Street, owned by Patrick Regan and built in 1960, has undergone several significant improvements and faced various challenges over the past few decades. Most notably, the building completed a mandatory soft-story retrofit in 2017 (Tier 3), enhancing its seismic safety with wood shear wall infill. The property has seen substantial window improvements, including the replacement of 8 street-facing windows in 2017 with energy-efficient fiberglass Milgard windows, and previous upgrades in 2013 for Unit #4 using Simonton vinyl windows.

The building's maintenance history shows attention to basic repairs, with a documented dry rot repair in 1998 and electrical upgrades completed in 2004. The property has experienced periodic maintenance challenges, particularly regarding sanitation and safety compliance. In September 2016, there was a hoarding situation that required intervention, along with concerns about garbage and debris that were ultimately abated.

Two previous fire safety issues were recorded in 2004 and 2010, relating to fire extinguisher maintenance and fireproofing, both of which were resolved. The building's infrastructure has shown recurring issues requiring attention, particularly regarding the sewer system, with multiple sewage backup incidents reported between 2012 and 2021, indicating an ongoing plumbing system needing monitoring. A 1999 complaint highlighted concerns about water damage affecting floors, window seals, wall casings, and roofing in the front units, though this appears to have been addressed over time. While the building has required various maintenance interventions over the years, recent improvements such as the soft-story retrofit and window upgrades suggest ongoing efforts to maintain and improve the property.