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Commission backs ordinance to require seismic evaluations for private K-12 schools
Summary
The commission unanimously recommended an ordinance that would require licensed structural-engineer seismic evaluations of existing K-12 private schools, provide a three-year window for compliance, and offer case management and financing support for schools that lack resources.
The Building Inspection Commission voted Feb. 19 to recommend an ordinance that would require private K-12 schools in San Francisco to obtain seismic evaluations by licensed structural engineers to assess performance in a future earthquake. The commission's action was unanimous.
Patrick Otellini, director of earthquake safety, presented the plan as part of the city's broader Earthquake Safety Implementation Program. He told commissioners the working group convened in 2012 and included school administrators, parents, and engineers; outreach reached all 120 private schools in the city.
Otellini said the goal is parity with the Field Act protections for public schools by ensuring private schools are evaluated for seismic risk rather than requiring immediate retrofits that could force schools to close. "We realized that private school public schools were required to do evaluations sometimes decades ago," he said, describing a middle-of-the-road approach delivered through case management, an evaluation standard and financing options for mitigation.
Officials estimated an evaluation could cost as little as about $8,000 for smaller schools, and the ordinance as drafted would give schools three years to complete evaluations and allow the city to coordinate low-interest financing for retrofits where needed. The Archdiocese participated in the working group and has retained a consultant to manage its portfolio, Otellini said.
Commissioners asked about scope (K-12 only, excluding post-secondary institutions and preschools), fee structures and how the department would standardize reviews; Otellini said an administrative bulletin would set the review standard and the ESIP (Earthquake Safety Implementation Program) team would manage casework. Commissioners expressed support for outreach to smaller and lower-income schools and for the financing and case management approach.
The commission moved, seconded and approved recommending the ordinance to the Board of Supervisors by unanimous roll call.
What happens next: The commission's approval will be forwarded as a recommendation; staff said an administrative bulletin is being drafted to standardize evaluation submittals and review criteria and that the mayor's signature and Board consideration are next steps.
