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Commission signals conditional support for fire‑alarm upgrade ordinance, asks for definition of 'transient hotel'
Summary
The commission expressed general support for an ordinance requiring upgraded audible fire alarms in sleeping areas for buildings sold after Sept. 1, 2017, but asked the supervisor's office and staff to clarify what the ordinance means by 'transient hotel' before offering unconditional support.
The Building Inspection Commission on Aug. 16 said it generally supports a Board of Supervisors ordinance to require upgraded fire‑alarm systems that audibly alert people in sleeping areas in buildings sold or transferred after Sept. 1, 2017 — but commissioners asked for clarification of an exemption for ‘‘transient hotels.’’
Staff described the ordinance as adding trigger points that will require owners to complete upgrades within 12 months after a triggering sale or a specified construction threshold, or by a 2021 deadline — whichever comes first. Staff said the change is intended to address audible alarm standards (loudness, duration and frequency ranges) where people sleep.
Several commissioners pressed for the rationale and a concrete definition of the term ‘‘transient hotel,’’ noting confusion between tourist hotels, residential hotels and properties that mix uses. Deputy City Attorney Rob Capla said the building code uses 'transient hotel' in a way distinct from administrative‑code definitions of residential hotels and that staff would confirm whether typical tourist hotels (for example, national chains) are already subject to the trigger.
Commissioner Gilman moved that the commission express overall support for the ordinance while requesting additional information and justification from the supervisor's office about the transient‑hotel exemption. The motion carried after roll call; recorded votes included Yes from President McCarthy, Commissioners Gilman, Constance and Lee and No from Vice President Walker, Commissioner Clinch and Commissioner Warshall.
The commission asked staff to return with background and examples that clarify which properties the transient‑hotel exemption would cover so that the Board of Supervisors receives the commission's recommendation with clear technical context.
