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DBI adopts Administrative Bulletin 112 implementing all‑electric new construction; commissioners approve after public comment
Summary
The Building Inspection Commission unanimously approved Administrative Bulletin 112, DBI’s implementation guide for the city’s all‑electric new construction ordinance, after staff explained narrow exemptions and members heard multiple public callers urging stricter electric‑ready rules.
The Building Inspection Commission voted unanimously to approve Administrative Bulletin 112, DBI’s guidance for implementing the city’s all‑electric new construction ordinance.
DBI presenter Cindy told the commission the bulletin provides the detailed procedures and standards needed to implement the ordinance, and includes a narrow exemption process for rare small‑infill projects where sidewalk vaults or other mitigation are infeasible. She said reviewer qualifications were tightened to match green‑building guidance and that design guidance for electric‑ready buildings was clarified.
Public commentators questioned the bulletin’s “as feasible” and “maximum extent feasible” language for electric‑ready requirements, calling it a loophole that could produce stranded gas infrastructure and raise long‑term health and equity risks amid recent wildfire smoke. Paul Wormer, a resident caller, warned that relying on operable sidewalk‑level windows for ventilation can create indoor‑air problems in smoke events. Daniel Tahara of the San Francisco Climate Emergency Coalition urged removing conditional language so new buildings are fully electric‑ready.
DBI staff said the exemption process is intentionally narrow and that technical experts and city attorneys were consulted while drafting the bulletin. Cindy said the office expects only a small share of projects to qualify for mixed‑fuel permits and that those projects must still be electric‑ready to the extent feasible.
After discussion, a motion to adopt Administrative Bulletin 112 passed on a roll call vote. The clerk recorded affirmative votes by President Angus McCarthy, Commissioner Alexander Tuch and Commissioner Clinch; the motion carried unanimously.
The commission’s approval directs DBI to publish the final administrative bulletin and continue implementing the ordinance and the exemption review process. Staff indicated they will return with any future drafts after stakeholder outreach and technical revisions.
