556-558 San Jose Ave, San Francisco, CA 94110

The three-unit, three-story multi-family residential building at 556-558 San Jose Ave in Bernal Heights, built in 1910, has undergone several significant improvements and faced various challenges over its history. Most notably, a comprehensive seismic retrofit was completed in 2017 at a cost of $43,000, demonstrating attention to structural safety. Recent work includes a 2023 fire alarm system upgrade that includes new low-frequency sounders in sleeping areas to meet current safety standards.

The building has a documented history of addressing maintenance issues, including common area improvements in 2013 such as water heater replacements and handrail installations following violations and complaints. Notable historical improvements from 1989 included reroofing, back stairs repairs, and a kitchen remodel. The property has faced multiple compliance issues over the years, particularly in 2007 and 2013, when various violations related to fire safety, stairway conditions, handrails, and garbage storage were recorded and subsequently addressed. A significant complaint in 2013 highlighted concerns about common area maintenance and cleaning services, though it appears these issues were temporarily resolved following intervention from building authorities.

The building's soft-story status is currently listed as Non-Compliant under Tier 3, indicating it has not yet met mandatory seismic retrofitting requirements. Recent activity around the property (2020-2024) has primarily consisted of external maintenance issues, including illegal parking, garbage concerns, and occasional encampment reports near the property lines. While these external matters are not directly related to building conditions, they provide context about the property's immediate surroundings. The building's owners have generally responded to housing inspections and violation notices, completing necessary repairs and improvements as required, though some recurring issues suggest ongoing maintenance challenges in preserving common area conditions.