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San Francisco commissioners continue debate on ban of torch-applied roofing after heated public testimony
Summary
A proposal to ban propane-torch installation of bituminous roofing on combustible (wood) roofs — cited by sponsors as a public-safety measure after several destructive fires — drew emotional testimony from affected residents and sharp pushback from roofing contractors; the Building Inspection Commission voted to continue the item for more industry data and enforcement planning.
The Building Inspection Commission on July 21 considered a supervisor-sponsored ordinance that would prohibit use of propane torches to install certain rolled roofing materials on combustible roofs, citing public-safety concerns and a pattern of roofing fires.
Jeremy Pollock, legislative aide to Supervisor Mercurini, told commissioners the ordinance targets "torch-applied roofing systems" on wood roofs and cited the Fire Department's estimate of "about 7 to 10 roofing fires happen a year." Pollock said New York City enacted a similar ban in 1999 after a multi-unit fire and that the measure is intended both to reduce fires and to remove a…
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