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Building Inspection Commission backs using leftover seismic‑loan funds for soft‑story retrofits
Summary
The commission recommended that remaining Unreinforced Masonry/Seismic Safety Loan (UMB) funds be moved toward the soft‑story retrofit program and other Community Action Plan for Seismic Safety (CAPS) initiatives, urging rapid follow‑up with the mayor's office and city attorney on reallocation mechanisms.
The San Francisco Building Inspection Commission on Oct. 17 recommended that leftover funds from the city's Unreinforced Masonry/Seismic Safety Loan (UMB) program be redirected, as practicable, to support the soft‑story retrofit program and other measures to improve seismic safety.
Deputy Director Raymond Louie told the commission the Community Action Plan for Seismic Safety (CAPS) advisory committee has been reconstituted and is coordinating with the Applied Technology Council and SPUR (San Francisco Planning and Urban Research Association) on mitigation, emergency response and recovery. Louie said staff is reviewing the original CAPS draft and expects to complete an updated report with recommendations and implementation timelines in the next two to three months.
Commissioner Theriault moved that, "in so far as possible[,] the UNB funds be moved forward to be used for the soft story and other programs that will come out of the CAPS report." The motion was seconded and discussed at length. Commissioners and staff emphasized outreach to affected building owners and tenants, consideration of triggering mechanisms for retrofits, and the possible need to place reallocation measures before voters. Louie said he had begun inquiries with the city attorney and relevant administrators to determine whether and how existing funds could be transferred for other seismic uses.
Supporters and commissioners noted the scope of work required for any citywide retrofit program would be large and would require attention to implementation detail, tenant protections and funding mechanisms. Louie said the mayor's office had expressed willingness to assist with voter outreach if a ballot measure were needed. The commission asked staff to work with Matt Franklin, who administers the current fund, and to return with concrete recommendations and schedules.
The commission did not adopt a specific ordinance at the meeting; it made a general recommendation instructing staff to pursue options and report back.
Next steps: staff will gather fund‑balance information, legal guidance on transferability, and proposed timelines for the commission's review and possible referral to the mayor or the ballot.
