Commission backs ordinance to require facade inspections for 15+-story buildings after recent window failures

The San Francisco Building Inspection Commission on April 19 voted unanimously to recommend approval of a proposed ordinance (Board of Supervisors file no. 230,373) that would require facade inspection reports for buildings 15 stories or taller constructed after 1998.

Carl Neceta, DBI legislative affairs manager, said the ordinance is intended to respond to window and glazing failures during recent winter storms. Under the proposal, the previous blanket exemption for buildings permitted after 1998 would be narrowed so that buildings 15 stories and taller would be required to submit an initial facade inspection by Nov. 1, 2023, or within six months of DBI notice, whichever is sooner. DBI staff recommended the commission approve the ordinance with conditions that include procuring a qualified engineering study to establish glazing-specific criteria.

The Code Advisory Committee recommended focusing a study on glazing attachment methods and wind-load calculations to determine whether design or product issues contributed to failures. Commissioners pressed staff on the study timeline and enforcement tools; DBI staff said they plan to use the mayor’s emergency declaration to expedite contracting and aim to have study criteria by August so building owners can be notified and initial inspections performed ahead of the next rainy season.

Commissioners also discussed enforcement timelines for notices of violation and whether the ordinance could incorporate stronger penalties or shorter repair timelines; DBI staff said the department would work with the City Attorney if faster enforcement measures are needed. The commission’s recommendation is advisory to the Board of Supervisors and the land-use committee, which may adopt, modify or disregard the suggested changes. The commission’s motion to recommend approval with the recommended modifications passed unanimously.