3279 Cesar Chavez St, San Francisco, CA 94110

3279 Cesar Chavez Street is a 2-story, 5-unit multi-family residential building located in Bernal Heights, constructed in 1925 and currently owned by the Kenneth A Tonna Revocable Trust. The property has undergone several significant improvements over the years, most notably completing a seismic upgrade in 2017 to comply with San Francisco's mandatory soft-story retrofit program, which was performed at a cost of $48,000. Other historical improvements include a reroofing project completed in 1989 and code compliance work in 1986.

The building has experienced multiple maintenance and safety issues in recent years, with the most pressing concerns centering around water damage and security. In 2021, there was an unresolved ceiling leak problem in Unit 1A (the in-law unit) that began in March and continued through August of that year, despite the landlord's attempts to address the issue. Prior to this, in 2016, there were multiple violations related to mold, interior surfaces, and security requirements, all of which were abated by April 20, 2016.

Historical complaints dating back to 2014 documented problems with water leaks causing electrical hazards and mold in common areas, and a 1998 complaint raised concerns about security and various maintenance issues across multiple units. The building's common areas and exterior have been the subject of numerous 311 calls in recent months (through 2025), primarily regarding garbage and debris, though these exterior maintenance issues are handled by city services rather than the building management. The property's compliance history shows that while many violations have been addressed, there have been recurring patterns of water-related issues and concerns about interior maintenance. The recent completion of the soft-story retrofit demonstrates compliance with important seismic safety requirements, though the building's age (98 years) and history of maintenance complaints suggest ongoing attention to building systems and infrastructure may be necessary.