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Building Inspection Commission backs Supervisor Peskin's Slope Protection Act amendments with clarifying language
Summary
The commission voted unanimously to recommend approval of Board File 171,284 to reinstate a 25% slope reference to the Slope Protection Act but asked for clearer language on how the 25% is measured and for procedural measures to limit undue delays.
The Building Inspection Commission on March 21 voted unanimously to recommend approval of amendments to the city's Slope Protection Act (Board File 171,284) while asking the sponsor and DBI staff to work with the commission on clarifying amendments to how a 25% slope threshold would be applied.
Lee Heffner, representing Supervisor Aaron Peskin's office, told the commission that the 25% reference was part of the original 2008 ordinance and stems from a state seismic-hazard report. He argued reinstating a 25% threshold (and removing an older external "blue map" reference) restores clarity to the code. Code Advisory Committee Chair Steve Harris and other technical speakers urged caution, saying there was insufficient evidence that a 25% slope trigger is justified and that it would substantially increase the number of properties requiring Structural Advisory Committee (SAC) review, adding time and cost.
Commissioners and speakers discussed alternatives including using the existing seismic hazard map, lowering the threshold to 20%, or adopting administrative procedures for staff to pre-screen low-risk projects for expedited review. The commission's City Attorney adviser, John Malmott, advised that the commission could recommend approval subject to the president and staff working on language changes.
Motion and vote: Commissioner Walker moved to recommend approval subject to the president and staff working on clarifying amendments; the motion was seconded and carried on a roll-call vote that recorded President McCarthy, Vice President Walker, Commissioner Constance, Commissioner Lee and Commissioner Warshall as voting yes (5-0). The commission did not adopt specific numeric changes at the hearing but asked for follow-up language and implementation procedures.
Next steps: The commission will provide its recommendation and suggested clarifying amendments to the Board of Supervisors and work with Supervisor Peskin's office and DBI staff during the committee process.
