1388 Palou Ave, San Francisco, CA 94124

The two-story multi-family residential building at 1388 Palou Ave in Bayview, built in 1900, has a complex history marked by significant events and maintenance issues. Most notably, the building experienced a fire in 1999 that resulted in unaddressed damage through early 2002, when serious violations included plumbing problems, exposed electrical wires, pests, and other safety concerns. These violations were ultimately addressed between 2010-2012 through various permits and repairs, including the replacement of front stairs and wall in 2011 at a cost of $27,000, relocation of gas lines, and multiple electrical upgrades.

A concerning water damage incident was documented in January 2017, involving leaks and mold affecting multiple floors, though this was abated by April 2017. The building has required ongoing maintenance, as evidenced by multiple recent 311 calls regarding various issues including a missing side sewer vent cover (February 2024) and general cleaning needs. Recent records from 2023-2025 show mainly external maintenance issues such as street cleaning needs and parking concerns, with no major building violations or complaints recorded.

The property underwent several infrastructure improvements in 2011, including street space work and electrical upgrades, though these were small-scale compared to earlier repairs. The 2017 water damage incident stands out as the most recent significant maintenance issue affecting resident livability. While the building's more recent history shows fewer serious violations, the pattern of maintenance issues from 1999 through 2017 suggests a history of reactive rather than proactive maintenance practices, with multiple instances requiring official intervention to resolve various habitability concerns.