UPDATE: Building Facade Inspection and Maintenance Ordinance - Reminder

UPDATE - May 28, 2019

A friendly reminder that this ordinance is in effect. Details here. San Francisco Existing Building Code Chapter 4E requires that building façades undergo initial and subsequent inspections according to a schedule based on the original construction date of a building. These inspections, as well as reporting and maintenance, are to be done as detailed in this Administrative Bulletin and in accordance with the San Francisco Existing Building Code.

Please email johnb@boma.com if  you have any questions.

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UPDATE - August 1, 2017

The San Francisco Façade Inspection and Maintenance bulletin that will implement the recently passed legislation requiring that building facades be inspected and maintained in a safe manner is now available.

Click here to review the draft requirements.

This San Francisco Department of Building Inspection Administrative Bulletin should be of particular importance to members who own or manager older buildings that may have historic facades.

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Original Post - May 31, 2017

On May 6, 2016, Mayor Ed Lee signed into law the Building Facade Inspection and Maintenance Ordinance. BOMA San Francisco Codes and Regulations Committee members were part of the working group that helped shape this new law.

Click here to review the new law.

This legislation requires the facades of certain buildings having five or more stories undergo initial and subsequent inspections according to a schedule based on the original construction date of a building. The program was developed from extensive community and design professional input aimed at reducing the risk to the public and the City’s resilience from façade failure. The legislation provides clarification to the existing requirements of SFBC Section 3401.2 and brings San Francisco up to the national standard of required regular inspection and maintenance. Buildings will be safer leading up to an inevitable earthquake and provide for clear requirements for buildings after the earthquake.

We have received inquiries from our members regarding the compliance timeline for the new law. The San Francisco Department of Building Inspection is in the process of writing the guidelines for buildings owners to comply and it is expected that they will be available later this year.