In San Francisco, there are plenty of old buildings that have amazing and varied histories.  But tracing its history can be a challenge especially post-1907 earthquake fires destroyed many public records.  Additionally, the building department archives and its various permit departments were established in various decades so getting a complete picture of your building’s records can be time consuming and tricky.  You may have to bite the bullet and get it done, especially when the building in question has been sub-divided and you may need to present your case to the SF Building Dept. to get approval on things, as in the case we are working on.

The Situation

We recently met a potential client who is in escrow on a purchase of a four-unit building.  It is obvious that the building was always four-units, ie, nothing funky as to how it was subdivided and there are clear separate unit entries, each separated by the stairwell.

The public records, however, tells a different story–showing that the property is a two-unit building and further confirmed by the water department with two water meters.   What must have happened is that given the age of the building and probably how it the entire lot was originally subdivided, that the recording did not mirror the reality and nothing matched.  Additionally, the zoning and square footage allocation with today’s rules allows for three-units not four.  Clearly, it is in the best interest of the new Owner to rectify the records so that they can maximize its use and re-sale.  But who is going to do the research?

Finding the right path and person to help

Our architect associate, IMC Architectural Design is skilled at doing the research with city records–and there are several sources, not just with the city building department–it includes: water department, Sanborn fire insurance maps and more–all on microfilm.  To find out more about researching your home or building’s history in San Francisco, the SF Library provides a good resource. The other, of course, is the SF Building & Inspections Department, they have a records management division.  But again, the various departments started record keeping at different times…to find out more go here.

What this all means is that someone has to dig through it and assemble the necessary road map to the City when presenting the case on your behalf.  You can do some of the initial research but I think it is well worth the money to have a professional do it because they know what to look for and more importantly, understand what the City will require to accommodate the Owner’s request.