3R Report San Francisco - What is it?

3R Means Report of Residential Building Record. San Francisco keeps a record from the 1900's that allows buyers to see the history of a property.

**NOTE** Some records were lost in 1906 (Earthquake) and are ONLY as valid as the information given and the individual inputting the information into the computer.

What is a Residential Building?

A residential building is a building or a portion of a building containing one or
more legal dwelling units. Hotels or motels containing 30 or more guest rooms are not
considered residential buildings. Therefore, a Report of Residential Building Record (3R) is not needed.

WHAT IS A REPORT OF RESIDENTIAL BUILDING RECORD (3R REPORT)?

A 3R contains the following information about
a residential building:

- Address of the building including
condominium or unit number if an

- Block and Lot

- Present authorized occupancy or use

- If the property is classified as a
Condominium
- If the building contain any Residential Hotel
Guest Rooms

- Zoning district

- Building Code Occupancy Classification

- Expiration date for non-conforming use

- Building construction date

- Original occupancy or use

- Building permit application history and


status of building permit:

N = Unknown
I = Issued
X = Expired
C = Completed

- Franchise Tax Board lien
- Abatement case on the property
- Number of residential structures on the lot
- If energy inspection has been done and
proof of compliance has been issued The above information will be shown on the
report if available through the Department of Building Inspection microfilm records. In many cases, submittal of additional records from other city agencies such as the
Assessor’s Office and SF Water Department will be required for the completion and/or
revision/update of a 3R. Please note that a 3R does not list the electrical or plumbing permit history, cancelled or withdrawn building permit applications and any
building permits taken for the commercial portion of the building.

WHEN DO I NEED A 3R?

A 3R is needed prior to the sale or exchange of any residential building; except for the first sale or exchange of a newly constructed residential building within one year of the date of the Certificate of Final Completion of the construction of the building.

It shall be unlawful for the owner and/
or representative of a residential building
to sell or exchange without providing the
buyer a 3R.

See 2007 San Francisco Housing Code,
Section 351 (a).

HOW DO I OBTAIN A 3R?

The owner or authorized agent (person licensed by the State of California to sell
property, trustee or power of attorney) may request a 3R by filing out an application
form. Forms are available at the Public Information Counter located on the 1st floor of 1660 Mission Street or on our website at http://www.sfgov.org/dbi under “Forms and Checklists.” You may also request to have the application form mailed or faxed to you by calling (415)558-6081.

You may request 3R in person or mail your application form and payment to:

Department of Building Inspection
Customer Service Division
1660 Mission Street
San Francisco, CA 94103
Attn: 3R