It was known as “the Oakland Ghost Ship,” a large, gray-walled warehouse with a skull and other artwork painted on the outside and chock-full of hand-built spaces tailored for musicians and artisans. But over the last decade, the 4,000-square-foot structure was better known to city zoning and fire officials as a source of complaints of illegal residential uses, all-night dance parties and general blight. The complaints came to light Saturday as Oakland City officials grappled to answer questions about a blaze that took at least nine lives. The building is zoned as a warehouse, which does not allow for residential uses. Darin Ranelletti, interim director of the city Planning and Building Department, said the warehouse was still under investigation for being illegally used for housing.
http://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/Building-of-fatal-fire-was-known-as-The-10689319.php
