Ordinance repealing the 2022 Existing Building Code in its entirety and enacting a 2025 Existing Building Code consisting of the 2025 California Existing Building Code as amended by San Francisco; adopting environmental findings and findings of local conditions under the California Health and Safety Code; providing for an operative date of January 1, 2026; and directing the Clerk of the Board of Supervisors to forward the Ordinance to the California Building Standards Commission as required by State law.

This ordinance, File No. 250959, repeals the 2022 San Francisco Existing Building Code (SFEBC) and enacts the 2025 SFEBC, which incorporates the 2025 California Existing Building Code (CEBC) along with San Francisco's specific local amendments. This triennial update is mandated by State law, allowing local jurisdictions to adopt more restrictive standards based on unique local conditions such as earthquake risks, high building density, and environmental concerns, as detailed in 17 specific local findings (Exhibit A). The new code is set to become operative on January 1, 2026, or 30 days after its enactment, whichever is later.

Key amendments and re-enacted programs include enhanced seismic safety requirements for various building types (Section 304.4), mandatory retrofits for Unreinforced Masonry (URM) buildings (Chapters 5B & 5C) with compliance deadlines from February 15, 1993, and mandatory retrofits for certain wood-frame buildings (Chapter 5E) built before January 1, 1978, with 5+ dwelling units and 3+ stories or 2 stories over a basement/underfloor above grade. These wood-frame retrofits have compliance tiers with work completion deadlines ranging from 4 to 6 years from 90 days after the operative date. Private school structures also face earthquake evaluation requirements (Section 329) with past deadlines for scope (October 31, 2015) and report submittal (October 31, 2017).

Fire safety provisions are strengthened, including mandatory smoke alarms for Group R Occupancies for alterations exceeding $1,000 (Section 307.1), fire alarm system upgrades for permit work over $99,000 or by July 1, 2023 (Section 307.2), fire blocks in attics of R-2 occupancies (6+ units) for work over $50,000 (Section 307.3), and mandatory automatic sprinkler systems in existing high-rise buildings (Section 314.27) with a 12-year implementation timeline from an effective date of January 1, 2008.

Environmental hazard regulations include strict lead-based paint work practices (Section 327) for pre-1979 buildings (built before December 31, 1978) and steel structures, requiring containment (e.g., 6 mil plastic, 10 feet from work surface) and 3 business days' notice to residents, with penalties up to $500 per day. Asbestos information and notice requirements (Section 328) for nonresidential buildings and residential properties mandate specific signage and 72 hours' notice to tenants. Additionally, a new Chapter 5F introduces mandatory facade inspection and maintenance for buildings 5 or more stories of Construction Type I, II, III, or IV, with initial comprehensive inspection reports due based on construction date (e.g., pre-1910 buildings by December 31, 2021), and periodic inspections every 5 to 10 years.

Other provisions include graduated code compliance for buildings on closed military bases like Naval Station Treasure Island and Hunters Point Naval Shipyard (Section 326) for up to 3 years, and exemptions for certain code requirements for homeless shelters (Section 330) to prevent life hazards. The Department of Building Inspection (DBI) and San Francisco Fire Marshal are key agencies responsible for implementation and enforcement, with associated fees based on DBI's standard hourly rates.

Residents will benefit from increased safety due to updated seismic, fire, and environmental hazard standards for existing buildings, potentially reducing risks during earthquakes and fires. Property owners, particularly those of older or multi-unit buildings, may face mandatory inspections and retrofit costs to comply with new or re-enacted requirements for seismic strengthening, fire systems, lead paint abatement, asbestos notification, and facade maintenance. These changes aim to make San Francisco's built environment more resilient and safer for all.

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