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Building Inspection Commission adopts plumbing-code amendment to align backflow rules with health code
Summary
The commission voted unanimously Aug. 21 to amend the local plumbing code to remove a local amendment referencing SFPUC rules and add local cross-connection controls and testing requirements for beverage dispensers and industrial chillers, aligning plumbing requirements with San Francisco Health Code Article 12A.
The San Francisco Building Inspection Commission voted unanimously Aug. 21 to approve a local amendment to the city plumbing code that aligns cross-connection and backflow controls — including new provisions for beverage dispensers and industrial water chillers — with the city’s Health Code Article 12A. The change removes a prior local amendment that referenced San Francisco Public Utilities Commission rules and adds specific testing requirements for backflow prevention assemblies.
Bill Strachan, legislative and public affairs, told commissioners representatives from SFPUC and the Department of Public Health were expected but that public‑health staff joined the discussion. Dr. June Weintraub, manager of water regulatory programs at the Department of Public Health, said the amendment makes building-code requirements consistent with existing health‑code obligations and will help both DBI inspectors and health staff enforce backflow protections on site.
Commissioners asked whether the change is retroactive and how enforcement will be coordinated. Weintraub said the Health Code already required these safeguards and that this amendment primarily clarifies responsibilities for DBI inspections and adds an explicit testing requirement to aid enforcement. Commissioners noted other California jurisdictions have adopted similar provisions for beverage dispensers to prevent carbonated‑water corrosion of copper piping and to protect the water supply.
Commissioner Clinch moved to approve the ordinance amendment; the motion was seconded and carried on a roll-call vote. The commission’s action brings local plumbing inspection practice into closer alignment with public‑health rules and gives DBI explicit authority to check backflow prevention assemblies during inspections.
The commission did not receive public comment on the item. The ordinance was adopted at the meeting; staff indicated they expect parallel legislative activity on related green‑building amendments next month.
