12-14 Somerset St, San Francisco, CA 94134

The property at 12-14 Somerset Street in Portola is a three-story, two-unit residential building constructed in 1965, currently owned by Lau Hing Gin & Sandy Ow. The building has undergone several significant improvements over the years, including a complete reroofing project in late 2024 costing $5,000, major interior renovations in 2015 that added three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and various living spaces on the first floor, and electrical upgrades in 2011 to separate common area services with a 200-amp installation.

Notable concerning incidents include three building complaints filed in October 2024 regarding unpermitted construction work and sidewalk occupation, and a building violation in February 2019 related to inadequate heating in occupied rooms, though this issue was abated within nine days. The property has experienced various maintenance and compliance issues in recent months, particularly in late 2024 and early 2025, with numerous reports of garbage and debris on sidewalks (seven separate reports), sidewalk defects indicating potential infrastructure concerns, and a traffic signal damage incident.

While most of these issues have been resolved through appropriate channels, the frequency of garbage-related complaints suggests an ongoing maintenance challenge. The building's history shows consistent upgrading and maintenance work, including the relocation of gas meters in 2016 and various electrical improvements, though some recent work has prompted complaints about unpermitted construction activity. The owners have demonstrated a pattern of maintaining and upgrading the property, as evidenced by the 2015 renovation project and recent roofing work, though there are notable concerns about recent unpermitted work and infrastructure maintenance based on the most recent complaints and violations.