770 Natoma St, San Francisco, CA 94103

The 6-unit, 3-story apartment building at 770 Natoma Street, built in 1907 and currently owned by Natoma LLC, has undergone numerous significant renovations and faced several critical issues over the past two decades. Most notably, the building has an active Soft Story violation (Tier 4, filed December 2022) for failing to complete mandatory seismic retrofit work, which includes ongoing soil stabilization efforts with permeation grouting at the foundation footing scheduled for 2024 (permit cost: $8,833).

The building has experienced various structural and maintenance challenges, including water leak complaints in 2008 and 2009, multiple building code violations in 2004 (resolved), and a 2020 complaint regarding unauthorized structural work at the rear of the building. Recent improvement activities include significant interior and infrastructure upgrades: the building underwent major electrical system improvements in 2011-2013, including new 90-amp panels for all units, and comprehensive plumbing upgrades including gas line installations and the replacement of wall furnaces in all units.

The property has been actively undergoing modernization efforts, including attempts to add an ADU in the basement and convert the ramped basement area into a garage, though these efforts have encountered various permitting challenges and remain in various states of review or hold as of 2024. Despite these ongoing improvements, the building's non-compliance with Soft Story requirements remains a significant concern, particularly as it pertains to earthquake safety. In recent months (December 2024 - January 2025), there have been several reports of environmental and sanitation issues in the vicinity of the property, including multiple cases of garbage and debris requiring street cleaning services, and encampment-related incidents, though these are external to the building itself and relate to neighborhood conditions rather than building maintenance or compliance issues.