DBI outlines limits of municipal inspections for factory-built modular housing, commissioners seek assurances for publicly funded projects

DBI staff explained Oct. 18 that modular housing delivered from factories will generally be subject to state regulation in manufacture but require local plan checks and on-site inspections for foundations, unit connections and site utilities. "We have no jurisdiction for the inside of the units," a DBI presenter said, describing modular units as treated similarly to trailers and noting DBI's focus on foundations, slip plates and service connections.

Commissioners expressed concern that relying solely on post-delivery inspections could leave building systems noncompliant with San Francisco amendments. Commissioner Gilman proposed drafting a letter to the Mayor's Office of Housing and OCII asking that publicly funded modular projects be required, when possible, to meet local code and consider plant inspections; other commissioners supported drafting sample language for the next meeting.

Public commenters and labor representatives urged the commission to center safety. "Safety. Plain and simple," said Alex Landsberg, calling for protections for residents and first responders. Danny Campbell of the Sheet Metal Workers Union Local 104 emphasized the city's stricter local amendments and urged inspectors be allowed to enter plants or that plant inspections be required when public funds are used.

DBI staff said some local code elements can be handled through pre-application meetings and local amendments; when developers return with projects staff will evaluate the first pilot modular projects closely and report back. Commissioners asked staff to draft proposed letter language and examples of compliance mechanisms drawn from other cities (Los Angeles, San Jose) for presentation at the next meeting.