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San Francisco commission weighs how local code should apply to modular housing amid industry assurances and union support
Summary
At an informational hearing the Building Inspection Commission heard DBI staff and industry speakers describe how state factory inspections and local plan checks intersect, discussed risks (offshoring, inspection limits for finished interiors), and received broad public comment from labor, manufacturers and housing advocates urging modular as a tool for affordable housing.
Deputy Director Ed Sweeney told the Building Inspection Commission that modular (factory-built) housing is increasingly used in the Bay Area and that the state inspects factory-built units while local building departments inspect site installation and foundations.
"These units come prefinished and they're inspected in the factory," Sweeney said, explaining DBI also inspects foundations, stair and exit configurations, fire dampers, sprinkler coverage and other life-safety systems after installation.
Industry speakers urged the commission to allow modular projects with concurrent local review. Larry Pace, who identified himself as a lead at Factory OS and Cannon Constructors, said his firms have inserted…
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