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BIC endorses ordinance to align San Francisco rules for small accessory structures with state code
Summary
The Building Inspection Commission on May 21 voted unanimously to recommend Board of Supervisors File No. 250284, which would revert a local amendment and allow one‑story accessory structures up to 120 square feet (by floor area) to be exempt from permits consistent with the California Building Code.
The Building Inspection Commission on May 21 voted unanimously to recommend that the Board of Supervisors approve Board File No. 250284, an ordinance that would align San Francisco’s local code with the California Building Code for small accessory structures.
Tate Hanna, Legislative Affairs Manager for the Department of Building Inspection, told commissioners the state code permits one‑story accessory structures with up to 120 square feet of floor area to be exempt from a building permit; San Francisco’s local amendment had used projected roof area and imposed a smaller allowance. File No. 250284 proposes to revert San Francisco’s local text to floor area and adopt the 120‑square‑foot threshold to match the state code, while keeping selected safety requirements in effect (the ordinance also inserts conforming California Building Code language to ensure applicable conditions in DBI’s section 710a remain enforceable).
Commissioners said aligning the local rule with state code will reduce confusion for homeowners purchasing prebuilt sheds and simplify enforcement. Commissioner Newman moved to recommend the Board File; Commissioner Calamucci seconded. The roll call vote was unanimous.
Motion summary and outcome - Motion to recommend Board File No. 250284 to the Board of Supervisors, amending the Planning Code to allow repair and replacement of non‑complying accessory structures constructed before 2003 and to allow accessory structures up to 120 square feet (floor area) exempt from permits: Moved by Commissioner Newman; seconded by Commissioner Calamucci. Roll call — Michelle Chavez: yes; Calamucci: yes; Commissioner Ming: yes; Commissioner Newman: yes; Commissioner Williams: yes. Outcome: recommended (unanimous).
Background cited in the presentation noted that the California Building Code has permitted the 120‑square‑foot exemption in recent codes (at least since 2019), and San Francisco’s local amendment had required a different measurement (projected roof area). DBI staff said the Code Advisory Committee reviewed the ordinance on May 14 and recommended approval; DBI staff also recommended approval.
Next steps: The commission’s recommendation will be transmitted to the Board of Supervisors for consideration.
