1439-1441 South Van Ness Ave, San Francisco, CA 94110

The 1439-1441 South Van Ness Avenue property is a two-story multi-family residential building constructed in 1925, currently owned by Mark Ge Zhang. The building's history reveals significant ongoing issues related to unauthorized dwelling units, with an active complaint from January 2016 regarding an illegally converted ground floor unit with multiple safety violations including inadequate fire protection, unapproved electrical work, and plumbing installations. Multiple permit applications in 2016 to legalize the additional unit were withdrawn, though subsequent violations in 2018 prompted repairs to the building's siding, weatherproofing, and safety systems, which were completed by November 2018.

The property has also experienced maintenance challenges, including dry rot repairs in 2003 at both the front balcony and rear stairs, as well as more recent exterior maintenance issues. In addition to structural concerns, the building has faced several housing code violations, all of which were abated by November 2018, related to weatherproofing, smoke alarm systems, and unauthorized modifications. A 2018 complaint noted concerns about lead paint, chipping wood, and rotten materials, which were addressed by November 2018.

The property has undergone several failed attempts at unit legalization, with multiple planning records showing applications being withdrawn or cancelled, though one application remains under review. Recent activity at the property has primarily involved external maintenance issues, including multiple parking enforcement requests and a reported damaged tree in early 2024. While most recent violations and complaints have been resolved, the building's history demonstrates a pattern of unauthorized modifications and subsequent compliance efforts over the past several years.