San Francisco Façade Inspection Ordinance

Overview

San Francisco Façade Inspection and Maintenance Ordinance 67-16 went into effect in 2016, mandated by the San Francisco Department of Building Inspection (DBI). It requires that the façades of certain buildings having five or more stories undergo initial and subsequent inspections according to a schedule based on the building's original construction date. The ordinance also requires property owners to conduct a detailed assessment of each building's façade and structural integrity, focusing on ensuring that these buildings are retrofitted to withstand earthquakes and other events. The purpose of this inspection and retrofitting process is to maintain the safety of residents and the general public.

San Francisco Ordinance #67-16

The ordinance is part of San Francisco’s broader strategy to enhance the city's resilience against earthquakes, given its location in a seismically active region. Property owners must hire a licensed engineer or architect to evaluate the building and, if necessary, develop and implement a retrofit plan. The ordinance sets specific deadlines for different building categories, ensuring that the most vulnerable structures are addressed first. Failure to comply can result in significant penalties, including liens on the property. By mandating these inspections and retrofits, San Francisco aims to safeguard its architectural heritage while prioritizing the safety and well-being of its residents.

Façade Inspection Report

In early April 2023, San Francisco experienced a weather event that caused damage to newly constructed buildings, precipitating an emergency declaration authorized by the mayor of San Francisco to amend 2022 San Francisco Existing Building Code Chapter F, known as Ordinance 97-23. Inspections required by the ordinance are meant to ensure public safety and reduce the risk of death or injury resulting from deteriorated building façade elements falling onto streets and sidewalks. Ordinance 97-23 also requires the following:

• Accelerated façade inspections of buildings 15 stories and taller and constructed after 1998; the owners of these buildings will now require licensed architect or engineers to evaluate the entire building façade to ensure the safety and stability of all façade elements, including windows.
• Façade inspection will be conducted to review and identify cracks or other issues that could signal potential glass failure or other unsafe, non-code-compliant façade conditions.
• Written reports will be due six months after the receipt of letter from DBI notifying the property owners of the new façade inspection requirement.
• The additional requirement is an extension of the existing façade inspection maintenance program, as detailed in Chapter 5F of the San Francisco Building Code.

San Francisco Ordinance #97-23

How We Can Help

Thornton Tomasetti's San Francisco Renewal practice provides property owners and managers with solutions to a wide range of structural and façade needs for properties of every use, age and construction type. We have tremendous expertise in performing structural and façade assessments in cities throughout the U.S., including experience with the San Francisco Façade Inspection Ordinance.

Our local team of engineering and architectural experts is ready to help with all your needs and any required follow-on measures – including preparing and filing repair documents, assisting with contractor bidding, performance water testing and performing construction-phase services. In addition to completing the inspections and reports required by DBI, we can assist with façade maintenance programs and/or repair programs to meet the specific needs of each building and owner.

Furthermore, we have a strategic partnership with T2D2, an AI-driven software platform that automatically detects and classifies visible damage and deterioration on a wide variety of façade and structural materials.

Contact Us To Get Started

Contact us directly using the form below and we'll respond as soon as possible. If you'd prefer to speak directly to a firm representative, please call our San Francisco office at +1.415.365.6900.