Board amends building code to clarify slope protection criteria, grants DBI discretion for peer review

The Board of Supervisors unanimously approved an ordinance on first reading to amend the San Francisco Building Code’s slope protection provisions, Supervisor Aaron Peskin said on May 8. The changes clarify which construction types trigger the city’s slope protection rules, update referenced maps, require review by the Department of Building Inspection (DBI) Structural Advisory Committee where appropriate and reenact and revise scope language.

Peskin told colleagues the item returned to the board after a favorable Land Use Committee recommendation and a unanimous Building Inspection Commission vote. He said his office and DBI staff negotiated amendments to preserve DBI discretion to send projects for higher‑level peer review while providing an objective paper trail explaining why a project received elevated review. The criteria — now reflected in the amendment packet — include ground slope, soil type, geologic conditions, history of landslides nearby, excavation plan, proximity and type of adjacent construction, and effects on safety and stability.

Supervisor Safaie, who requested to be added as a cosponsor, praised the compromise and said the ordinance is important for a seismically active city with slope and landfill hazards. The board adopted Peskin’s amendments without objection and then passed the ordinance as amended on first reading by unanimous voice/roll call.

DBI staff were present during the item to answer questions, and the ordinance affirms a previously made CEQA determination.

Peskin: “My endeavor with these revisions...is to ensure that development projects proposed for sites on seismic or landfill hazard zones receive the necessary level of review.”