388 5th St, San Francisco, CA 94107

The three-story multi-family residential building at 388 5th Street, constructed in 1909, contains 12 units and is currently owned by the Jeryn Byrne 2020 Living Trust. The property has undergone several significant safety-related improvements over the past two decades, including completion of the mandatory soft-story retrofit program in 2016 at a cost of $90,000, and various plumbing and electrical updates in 2007 involving fixture replacements and system repairs. However, the building has experienced persistent safety and maintenance issues, particularly in recent years, with multiple fire safety violations recorded in 2024 regarding sprinkler systems, fire extinguishers, and sleeping area requirements.

A 2023 complaint highlighted several concerning conditions in one unit, including water leaks, broken furnace, security issues, missing fire alarm, and mold. The building's maintenance history shows attention to structural elements, with repairs to wood stairs and siding completed between 2008-2010, though issues with fire escapes and emergency systems have recurred. Recent 311 calls from January 2025 indicate ongoing neighborhood concerns including sidewalk defects and encampments near the property, while the building's immediate vicinity has experienced multiple fire code violations in 2024 requiring correction.

The property's documented history reveals a pattern of recurring maintenance challenges and safety compliance issues, particularly regarding fire safety systems, though some progress has been made through completed retrofit programs and various building improvements. The building has undergone periodic inspections and received multiple violations requiring correction, with the most recent issues primarily focusing on fire safety systems, while earlier concerns included structural elements, plumbing, and electrical systems. The most recent tenant buyout recorded at the property occurred in March 2022 for $10,000, involving one tenant.