Ordinance repealing the 2022 Plumbing Code in its entirety and enacting a 2025 Plumbing Code consisting of the 2025 California Plumbing Code as amended by San Francisco; adopting environmental findings and findings of local conditions under the California Health and Safety Code; providing 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. 250955, repeals the existing 2022 San Francisco Plumbing Code (Ordinance No. 230-22, operative Jan 1, 2023) and enacts the 2025 San Francisco Plumbing Code. The new code integrates the 2025 California Plumbing Code with San Francisco's specific local amendments, which are largely re-enacted existing provisions with minor technical updates. This update is mandated by state law, requiring local jurisdictions to adopt new building standards every three years, allowing for more restrictive local amendments based on unique climate, geologic, or topographical conditions.

Key local amendments address San Francisco's specific challenges, including earthquake risk, high building density, steep terrain, and water resource management. Examples include requirements for specific hanger/support materials (Chapter 3) and backflow prevention assemblies for buildings four stories or more or with water supply greater than 40 feet above the meter (Chapter 6). New construction with drinking fountains must now include a "Drink Tap Station" (Chapter 4) per the San Francisco Environment Code. The code also details administrative procedures for permits, inspections, and enforcement, including civil penalties up to $500 per day for violations and the establishment of a "Plumbing Building Sewer Revolving Fund" to cover city-repaired defective sewers, with costs assessed to property owners. The 2025 California Building Standards Code was published on July 1, 2025, and this San Francisco ordinance is set to become operative on January 1, 2026, or 30 days after its enactment, whichever is later. The Building Inspection Commission unanimously recommended approval on October 16, 2025, and the Planning Department issued a CEQA determination on October 23, 2025, stating it is not a project under CEQA guidelines.

For residents, this update means improved safety and resilience in plumbing systems for new construction and major renovations, addressing San Francisco's unique environmental and urban challenges like seismic activity and water conservation. Property owners undertaking plumbing work will need to adhere to these updated, potentially more stringent, local standards, which could lead to increased construction costs for new projects or significant remodels. Homeowners performing their own plumbing work will also be subject to these new requirements and associated permit/inspection fees.

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