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Environment Commission backs 'Better Roof' ordinance calling for on‑site solar on new roofs
Summary
The commission unanimously adopted a resolution supporting a proposed 'Better Roof' ordinance that would require on‑site solar installations (photovoltaics or solar hot water) on new construction in San Francisco, building on Title 24 solar‑ready requirements and enabling future green‑roof 'menu' options.
SAN FRANCISCO — The San Francisco Commission on the Environment voted March 22 to support a proposed "Better Roof" ordinance that would move city building requirements from merely making rooftops "solar ready" to installing on‑site solar systems on new buildings.
Andres Power of Supervisor Scott Wiener’s office described the change as a straightforward expansion of existing code. "Today's building code under Title 24 requires most new construction to designate 15% of their rooftop area as being solar ready," Power said. The proposal would require that rooftop areas instead have solar installed, including photovoltaics or systems for hot‑water heating, with limited exceptions for shaded buildings, laboratory or data‑center roofs and rooftop parking.
Commissioners praised department staff and Supervisor Wiener’s office for the long‑running collaboration. Director Deborah Raphael noted that the idea and related policy work have been under discussion within the Commission for roughly two years.
Commissioners asked technical questions about the share of city construction affected and the department's enforcement role. Staff said the Department of Building Inspection would remain the primary enforcement body while the Department of the Environment would support compliance documentation and tracking.
After public comment in support from local stakeholders and the SF Bicycle Coalition, Commissioner Stevenson moved to adopt the resolution; the motion was seconded and approved by the Commission.
