13.3 Reporting

The baseline and data collected during construction from piezometers and inclinometers, and field warnings (see section 9 for discussion on warning level or design limit) should be reported to the design and construction team in a timely manner. If in response to a field warning any changes are made to the original design, the revised design should be presented to the GEOR and the geotechnical members of EDRT for further review.

14. OTHER CONSTRUCTION CONSIDERATIONS

The geotechnical report should address the following construction considerations:

• The effects of construction on adjacent buildings, notably where ground improvements or new foundations extend below the foundation of the adjacent buildings;

• The potential of loss of ground and displacements due to construction of large-diameter drilled shafts installed deeper than the foundation of an adjacent buildings;

• Impact of installation of deep foundations on previously installed foundations;

• The potential impact of ground-surface heave or vibrations on adjacent structures and improvements;

• The effect of construction on the groundwater level inside and outside of the construction area.

15. SETTLEMENT MONITORING REQUIREMENTS

Prior to completion of all new tall building projects where the building is planned to be supported on a shallow foundation underlain by soil (i.e. the foundation is not bearing directly on bedrock) or on a deep foundation system not gaining axial support within bedrock or not driven to bedrock / bedrock-type material, the project Sponsor shall secure a contract with qualified Monitoring Surveyors and Instrumentation Engineers (MSIEs) to monitor the settlement of the buildings for a period of 10 years after the issuance of CFC/TCO. A notarized legal document, completed by the Project Sponsor and recorded against the property title, with the MSIE’s contact details, shall be submitted to DBI prior to issuance of the CFC/TCO and shall be retained with the project’s permanent records and readily retrievable within DBI’s inspection records on this project.

Settlement monitoring data are to be submitted annually to DBI’s Building Inspection Division each year of this 10-year period. Should the settlement monitoring data exceed the project sponsor’s geotechnical engineer’s estimated time rate of settlement in any annual data reporting period, the project sponsor/owner is required to immediately notify the DBI’s Deputy Director for Inspection Services and bring this condition to his/her attention for immediate additional investigation.

Originally signed by:

Patrick O’Riordan June 24, 2020

Interim Director

Department of Building Inspection

Daniel Lowrey June 24, 2020

Permit Services Deputy Director

Department of Building Inspection

Gary Ho June 24, 2020

Plan Review Services Manager

Department of Building Inspection

A p proved by the Building Inspection Commission on June 17, 2020

AB-112 Im lementation of All Electric New Construction Re ulations p g

NO. AB-112 :

DATE : Effective June 1, 2021 (Updated 01/01/2023 for code references)

SUBJECT : Administration and General Design

TITLE : Implementation of All Electric New Construction Regulations

PURPOSE :

REFERENCE :

CONTENTS

1. Discussion

The purpose of this Administrative Bulletin is to detail standards and procedures for the implementation of the all-electric new construction requirements of the San Francisco Building Code effective June 1, 2021.

Current edition of the San Francisco Building Code; Current edition of the San Francisco Green Building Code; San Francisco Administrative Bulletin 005: Procedures for Approval of Local Equivalencies; Current edition of the California Building Standards Code; San Francisco Environment Code, Chapter 7.

2. Criteria for Exception Allowing a Mixed-Fuel Building System or Area

3. Review for Determination of Infeasibility

a) Reviewer Qualifications

b) Reviewer Submittals

4. Submittals Requesting Exception Allowing a Mixed-Fuel Building System or Area

Attachment 1: Design Guideline for Electric Ready Buildings

Attachment 2: Final Compliance Verification

Attachment 3: Application for Exception for Commercial Food Service

Attachment 4: Application for Review of Pre-Existing Agreement

Attachment 5: Summary of Investor-Owned Utility Options for Proposed Electric Load Exceeding Capacity of Utility Infrastructure

1) DISCUSSION

Approved construction documents and completed projects must conform to requirements established in the San Francisco Building Code. San Francisco Building Code 106A.1.17 requires applications for permits submitted after June 1, 2021 to construct new buildings to be designed and constructed such that all space conditioning, water heating, cooking, and clothes drying systems are all-electric, as defined, and prohibits installation of infrastructure, piping systems, or piping for distribution of natural gas or propane to such uses.

APPLICABILITY

San Francisco Building Code Section 106A.1.17 applies to all permit applications submitted on or after June 1, 2021 proposing to construct one or more new buildings in San Francisco.

In the case of Site Permits, the effective date is the date the Site Permit application (not an addendum) is filed with the Department of Building Inspection. Addenda to site permits and revisions to permit applications received before June 1, 2021 are not required to meet the requirements of San Francisco Building Code Section 106A.1.17, unless the addenda or revisions change the scope of the project such that current codes are generally applicable, or such that an exception granted on the basis of infeasibility is no longer warranted.

Areas Specifically Designated for Commercial Food Service

For projects which submit an initial application for permit:

• On or after June 1, 2021 and before January 1, 2022: Areas specifically designated for commercial food service may provide gas piping systems, fixtures, and infrastructure exclusively for cooking equipment within the area designated for commercial food service.

• January 1, 2022 or thereafter: Permission may be granted to install gas piping systems, fixtures, and infrastructure exclusively to serve cooking equipment within an area designated for a specific commercial food service establishment, such as a specific restaurant. To provide sufficient evidence that gas infrastructure and piping are necessary, the following must be provided by completing Attachment 3: Application for Exception for Commercial Food Service :

° Name of the food service establishment and food service establishment owner contact information

° Specification of the gas cooking appliances proposed, and fuel consumption rating for each device

° For each proposed gas cooking appliance, state the reason gas is necessary, such as technological availability or specialized food preparation

process.

Projects that contain gas piping systems, fixtures, or infrastructure serving cooking appliances are by definition “mixed-fuel” and subject to applicable requirements (see Administrative Bulletin 93).

DEMONSTRATION OF COMPLIANCE

San Francisco Building Code Section 106A.1.17 is a provision enacted for protection of health and safety. For administrative efficiency, no special documentation is necessary for projects that comply with San Francisco Building Code Section 106A.1.17. Projects that do not seek an exception are to document compliance via normal documentation requirements and procedures, such as:

Piping Systems and Mechanical Systems

Project submittals providing any construction detail related to piping systems or mechanical system design must be all-electric and consistent with the requirements of San Francisco Building Code Section 106A.1.17. Documentation of compliance with California Title 24 Part 6 Energy Standards shall not include any indication of gas consumption for space conditioning, water heating, cooking, or clothes drying.

San Francisco Green Building Standards

Administrative Bulletin 93 (Implementation of Green Building Regulations) provides guidance for understanding which provisions of relevant local ordinances and state building codes apply to a project, describes implementation procedures, and provides forms to document compliance. Compliance with San Francisco Building Code Section 106A.1.17 (or Environment Code Section 706(d)(7) in the case of municipal buildings), shall be documented as required by Administrative Bulletin 93:

• Permit applications for new construction are not accepted without Green Building Site Permit Submittal GS-1.

• The submittal package for each addendum that includes architectural details must include a Green Building Submittal checklist incorporated into the project plans indicating the required measures and referencing location of such features in the construction documents and providing compliance details for each requirement. For newly constructed buildings, either GS-2, GS-3, or GS-6 is required with each addendum.

USES NOT SPECIFICALLY REGULATED

An All-Electric Building or Project as defined by San Francisco Building Code Section 202 relies on electricity as the source of energy for all space heating, space cooling, water heating, cooking, and clothes drying. In addition, building permits are prohibited for projects proposing gas piping systems, fixtures, or infrastructure for decorative uses and lighting or onsite generation of electricity (except where primarily fueled by onsite digestion of organic material). Gas piping systems, fixtures, or infrastructure may be installed strictly to serve areas and systems outside the scope of the definitions of an All-Electric Building or Project, and a Mixed-Fuel Building, such as industrial processes.

In projects that include uses not specifically addressed by San Francisco Building Code Section 106A.1.17.1, all space heating, space cooling, water heating, cooking, and clothes drying systems must be designed and constructed as all-electric, and such a project is defined as “all-electric” for the purpose of compliance with San Francisco Green Building Code 4.201.3 and 5.201.1.1.

EXCEPTIONS

Compliance with San Francisco Building Code Section 106A.1.17 and all other requirements for new construction have been determined to be practical and feasible. An exception may be made only when either:

• An all-electric project is demonstrated to be physically or technically infeasible, OR

• Where application of San Francisco Building Code Section 106A.1.17 would violate the terms of an existing development agreement or other contract with the City.

This bulletin describes the process for determination of infeasibility and grant of an exception allowing installation of natural gas piping systems, fixtures, or infrastructure. An exception shall only apply to the extent necessary to resolve the demonstrated infeasibility, or to the extent required under the development agreement or other contract.

Some development agreement projects or other multiphase projects may entail separate applications for permits to construct infrastructure serving an area versus buildings constructed after infrastructure is developed. San Francisco Building Code Section 106A .1.17 applies to any application to construct a building submitted to the Department of Building Inspection on or after June 1, 2021. If a project sponsor believes that application of San Francisco Building Code Section 106A .1.17 to a phase of development or to an individual building would violate the terms of a development or other agreement with the City, the project sponsor may seek a determination using Attachment 4: Application for Review of an Existing Agreement . Department of Building Inspection staff will refer the matter to the City Attorney’s Office to analyze the request for exception and the extent to which all or part of San Francisco Building Code Section 106A .1.17 will apply.

2) CRITERIA FOR EXCEPTION ALLOWING A MIXED-FUEL SYSTEM OR AREA

San Francisco Building Code Section 106A.1.17 allows for approval of exception allowing gas infrastructure and piping systems to be installed on a case-by-case basis where All-Electric construction is demonstrated to be physically or technically infeasible. Physical or technical infeasibility is understood to refer to an exceptional situation where:

• A project proposal cannot be accomplished due to physical or technical constraints specific to site and occupancy that prohibit elements, spaces or features necessary for full and strict compliance with all requirements for new construction;

AND

• If a specific system or area is served by gas piping systems, fixtures, and infrastructure, then the physical or technical infeasibility is resolved, and the project is able to attain full and strict compliance with all requirements for new construction.

To qualify for such an exception, the project must:

1. Undergo a Review of All-Electric Feasibility, resulting in a determination by the reviewers that there is no means by which a proposed function or service may be provided by an all-electric design compliant with all applicable codes; and that the proposed function or service can feasibly be provided if gas piping systems, fixtures, and infrastructure are installed.

2. Limit installation of natural gas piping systems, fixtures, and infrastructure to the system or area for which All-Electric design is infeasible;

3. Ensure the area and system served by natural gas piping systems provides for future conversion to All-Electric, by complying with the applicable provisions of Electric Ready Design Guidelines (Attachment 1) to the maximum extent feasible.

4. Demonstrate that the project’s modified design provides equivalent fire-protection and health and safety to All-Electric design.

Financial considerations are not a basis for determination of physical or technical infeasibility.

Criteria for determination of infeasibility:

3) REVIEW FOR DETERMINATION OF INFEASIBILITY

Compliance with San Francisco Building Code Section 106A.1.17 and all other requirements for new construction have been determined to be practical and feasible in general. San Francisco Building Code Section 106A.1.17 allows for approval of exception allowing gas infrastructure and piping systems to be installed on a case-by-case basis where All-Electric construction is demonstrated to be infeasible.

The conditions of infeasibility depend substantially on design details, and design development provides substantial opportunity to address physical and technical conditions. An application for design review for exception due to infeasibility will not be approved in the absence of substantial architectural detail, including the architectural addendum and Title 24 compliance documentation.

Prior to DBI review of an application for exception due to infeasibility, a Review of All-Electric Feasibility must be completed by engineers with specialized understanding of electrical engineering, mechanical design, energy efficiency including compliance with Title 24 Energy Standards, and experience with the design of all-electric systems for space conditioning and water heating. In all cases, it is the responsibility of the Design Professional of Record, with the support of the entire project team, to apply all available energy efficiency and electric load minimization practices.

Review of All-Electric Feasibility

Review of All-Electric Feasibility is a document that addresses three questions:

° What specific constraint causes all-electric design to be physically or technically infeasible, but does not apply to mixed-fuel?

° Can the constraint be resolved?

° Is the area and system proposed served by gas piping systems ready for conversion to all-electric in the future, and constructed to provide equivalent health, safety and fire protection?

To address these questions, a Review of All-Electric Feasibility must include:

• Identify the physical or technical constraint: Document the specific physical or technical issue that results in the infeasibility of All-Electric design of the project.

• Identify alternatives: Based on review of plans, calculations, and supporting documentation, identify methods, equipment, and design features available to resolve the physical or technical issue to mitigate infeasibility.

° Efficiency: Where the issue relates to peak electrical load, energy efficiency construction practices, design options, and compliance credits can commonly contribute to resolving the issue. For the all-electric design, confirm all available compliance credits have been applied. Confirm all available energy efficiency design and construction practices have been applied to all building features contributing to loads regulated by Title 24 Energy Standards. Confirm equipment specified is no less efficient than prescriptive baseline specified by Title 24 Energy Standards.

lving the issue. For the all-electric design, confirm all available compliance credits have been applied. Confirm all available energy efficiency design and construction practices have been applied to all building features contributing to loads regulated by Title 24 Energy Standards. Confirm equipment specified is no less efficient than prescriptive baseline specified by Title 24 Energy Standards.

° Mechanical: Review envelope and architectural features and mechanical design are consistent with minimization of load on mechanical equipment. Determine whether space conditioning and water heating electric peak load can be reduced via piping or plumbing design, equipment sizing, equipment layout, or substitution of equipment type. Mechanical equipment must be no less efficient than electric prescriptive baseline, where

such a baseline is provided by Title 24 Energy Standards. [2]

° Electrical: Review electrical panel schedule and load calculations for the all-electric design. Confirm connected electrical load and demand electric load for the all-electric design are calculated in accord with California Electrical Code, and are consistent with the design for compliance with Title 24 Energy Standards.

° Provide documentation of examples of all-electric design and construction of similar systems and circumstances.

• Document Available Solutions: Review the mixed-fuel design, and document the specific area and system proposed as mixed-fuel. Confirm that the physical or technical constraint will specifically be resolved by granting an exception allowing mixed-fuel construction of the area and system. Confirm proposed gas piping systems, fixtures, and infrastructure are limited to the system or area of the building for which All-Electric design is infeasible.

• Apply Electric Ready Design Guidelines: Areas served by gas piping systems, fixtures, and infrastructure must prepare for future retrofit to allelectric by installing sufficient electrical conductors and raceways, bus bar capacity, and overcurrent protection, and providing sufficient space and drainage for future replacement of gas systems with electric. Reviewers shall affirm that the project design conforms to the relevant provisions of Electric Ready Design Guidelines to the extent feasible.

• Recommendation Regarding Health, Safety, and Fire Protection: Review construction methods, safety equipment, and design features proposed. Recommend specific design features, equipment, and construction practices sufficient to ensure the project’s modified design provides equivalent fire protection and health and safety to all-electric design.

• Documentation of the above via a report addressing each item above in detail.

Review documentation must be incorporated into plans, with signature by a reviewer for each discipline (electrical, mechanical, and architectural/Title 24), and stamp by the Design Professional of Record.

QUALIFICATIONS FOR ALL-ELECTRIC FEASIBILITY REVIEWERS

All-Electric Feasibility Reviewers must apply specialized knowledge and experience in the application of energy efficiency design and construction; compliance of all-electric systems with Title 24 Energy Standards, and experience with the design of all-electric systems for space conditioning and water heating. The review team must include each of the following:

Each of the above disciplines must be represented by a third-party, i.e. individuals not employed by a company responsible for the design or construction of the project.

Due to the qualifications required, review is expected to be performed by a team, but individuals holding multiple qualifications may serve more than one role.

Process for Physical Constraint in Small Infill Sites: Projects seeking exception on the basis of Physical Constraint in a Small Infill Site (Category C above):

• Persons responsible for the design of the project may be responsible for preparation of the review.

• Reviewer(s) must include a minimum of two disciplines:

° Licensed Professional Engineer with Electrical Specialty, AND

° Either Licensed Professional Engineer with Mechanical Specialty, or CABEC Certified Energy Analyst.

• The Review for All-Electric Feasibility must address each of the considerations in the Review for All-Electric Feasibility section above.

4) SUBMITTALS REQUESTING EXCEPTION ALLOWING A MIXED-FUEL BUILDING SYSTEM OR AREA

If an exception to San Francisco Building Code Section 106A.1.17 is granted due to infeasibility, supplemental documentation is required:

• Project Submittals: Installation of gas infrastructure and piping systems is strictly limited to the system and area of the building for which allelectric design is infeasible, or systems not specifically regulated by San Francisco Building Code 106A .1.17. Project submittals providing any construction detail related to piping systems or mechanical system design must be consistent with all-electric design and construction for all systems and areas excepting the area and system determined to be infeasible.

d area of the building for which allelectric design is infeasible, or systems not specifically regulated by San Francisco Building Code 106A .1.17. Project submittals providing any construction detail related to piping systems or mechanical system design must be consistent with all-electric design and construction for all systems and areas excepting the area and system determined to be infeasible.

• Energy Standards: Newly constructed buildings are subject to local energy design requirements stricter than California Title 24 Building Energy Efficiency Standards, including provisions specific to Mixed Fuel buildings. See Administrative Bulletin 93 for details.

PERMISSION TO CONSTRUCT A MIXED-FUEL BUILDING DUE TO INFEASIBILITY

San Francisco Building Code Section 106A.1.17 allows the approval of an exception allowing issuance of a permit to construct a new mixed-fuel building only on a case-by-case basis. In order to obtain an exception to San Francisco Building Code Section 106A.1.17, the applicant must:

1. Complete a Review of All Electric Feasibility . This review must be completed by a third party; individuals employed by a company responsible for the design or construction of the project may only prepare the review in the case of Physical Constraint in Small Sites (Category C). Review of All Electric Feasibility documents the specific area and system proposed to be constructed as mixed-fuel and the basis for a determination all-electric design is infeasible.

2. Submit a Request for Approval of Local Equivalency for Modification or Alternate Materials, Design, or Methods of Construction (Administrative Bulletin 005), including two copies of the following documentation of the proposed modification to materials and methods of construction:

a. Project plans specifying the area and system proposed for mixed-fuel construction

b. Review of All Electric Feasibility

c. Acknowledgement of energy performance requirements that apply to mixed-fuel design (see Administrative Bulletin 93)

d. Affirmation of the specific provisions of Electric Ready Design Guidelines (Attachment 1) that pertain to the area and system of mixed fuel construction. If it is not feasible for the mixed-fuel area or system to fully comply with the guidelines, the project sponsor shall specify the extent to which the guidelines are feasible.

3. Review meetings will be conducted by the Department of Building Inspection, with the Department of Environment and the Fire Department where applicable, to consider the request for approval of Request for Approval of Local Equivalency for Modification or Alternate Materials, Design, or Methods of Construction (Administrative Bulletin 005). Attendance at such review meetings will include, at a minimum, the Design Professional of Record, the project mechanical engineer, and the All Electric Feasibility Reviewers.

At such meetings, it is the responsibility of the project applicant to demonstrate infeasibility. Staff will

• Review plans, calculations, and supporting documentation for all-electric options demonstrate all available energy efficiency features, practices, and credits for third-party reviews specified by the California Energy Commission contributing to compliance with Title 24 Energy Standards were applied to the all-electric option.

• Review alternative technologies and approaches considered prior to the All Electric Feasibility Reviewers making a determination.

• Review the mixed-fuel design, including the specific area and system served by gas piping systems, fixtures, and infrastructure

• Review conditions proposed to ensure the project’s modified design provides equivalent fire protection and health and safety to all-electric design.

The request will either be:

• Approved with conditions by DBI with concurrence by Department of Environment,

• Placed on “hold” pending submittal of additional information, or

• Disapproved.

Determinations as to infeasibility may be appealed to the Board of Examiners, as established under Section 105.1 of the San Francisco Building Code. See https://sfdbi.org/board-examiners for details.

The project sponsor is responsible for the hiring of Third Party Reviewers from the list of approved All-Electric Third Party Reviewers maintained by the Department of Building Inspection. The project sponsor is responsible for all costs related to All Electric Third Party Review.

Plan review fees are required to be paid as noted in Administrative Bulletin 005.

4. Upon approval to construct a mixed-fuel building, a copy of the signed form approving the equivalency and indicating all conditions of approval will be part of the permanent record of the project, and a copy will be sent to the project sponsor. The project sponsor shall include all specified conditions in plans.

PERMISSION TO CONSTRUCT A MIXED-FUEL BUILDING THAT INCLUDES COMMERCIAL FOODSERVICE

Applications for permit for new construction proposing to install gas piping systems, fixtures, and infrastructure exclusively for cooking equipment within the area designated for commercial food service must include the Application for Exception for Commercial Food Service (Attachment 3), and any foodservice areas where such systems, infrastructure, and fixtures are approved installed must be indicated on all addenda and the Final Compliance Verification form (Attachment 2).

PROJECT COMPLETION

Final compliance verification documentation (Attachment 2) is required prior to final inspection. No final Certificate of Completion may be issued until All-Electric Ordinance: Final Compliance Verification has been received, reviewed, and accepted by the Department of Building Inspection.

Failure to ensure the project is designed and constructed in a manner consistent with an exception and conditions approved will subject the project to all of the enforcement and abatement remedies detailed in the San Francisco Building Code.

LIST OF ALL-ELECTRIC FEASIBILITY REVIEWERS

The Department of Building Inspection with the assistance of Department of Environment shall conduct an Open Call for Interest and Qualification to Review All Electric Feasibility to identify professionals with specialized knowledge and experience in the application of energy efficiency design and construction; compliance of all-electric systems with Title 24 Energy Standards, and experience with the design of all-electric systems for space conditioning and water heating. Department of Building Inspection shall provide upon request a list of individuals who have provided evidence of holding such qualifications. Review of All-Electric Feasibility will only be considered when prepared by an individual holding the appropriate qualifications; selection of reviewers not specifically listed shall require submission of information to the Department of Building Inspection establishing the qualifications of each reviewer. Submittal of substantially inadequate or incorrect analysis will be grounds for removal from the list of qualified reviewers.

Originally signed by:

Patrick O’Riordan March 5, 2021

Interim Director

Department of Building Inspection

Approved by the Building Inspection Commission on January 20, 2021

---

1 The linear footage of street frontage is calculated by adding the lengths of all property lines directly adjacent to the right of way.

2 Mechanical equipment is not required to be more efficient than US DOE Appliance and Equipment Standards applicable to the specified device, provided all options are exhausted regarding piping or plumbing design, equipment sizing and layout, and substitution of alternative equipment types.

Attachment 1: Design Guideline for Electric Ready Buildings

Attachment 2: Final Compliance Verification

Attachment 3: Application for Exception for Commercial Food Service

Attachment 4: Application for Review of Pre-Existing Agreement

A tt achment 5: Summary of Investor-Owned Utility Options for Proposed Electric Load Exceeding Capacity of Utility Infrastructure

AB-113 Application of Engineering Criteria in SFEBC Appendix A, Chapter A6

NO. AB-113 :

DATE : 11 July 2025

SUBJECT : Seismic Retrofit Provisions for Concrete Buildings

TITLE : Application of Engineering Criteria in SFEBC Appendix A, Chapter A6

PURPOSE :

The purpose of this Administrative Bulletin is to provide technical details and commentary on the application of engineering criteria in SFEBC Appendix A, Chapter A6, which addresses the seismic evaluation and retrofitting of concrete buildings.

2022 San Francisco Existing Building Code (SFEBC) ASCE 7-16 Minimum Design Loads for Buildings and Other Structures

REFERENCE :

ASCE 41-17 Seismic Evaluation and Retrofit of Existing Buildings ACI 318-19 Building Code Requirements for Structural Concrete

DISCUSSION : San Francisco Existing Building Code (SFEBC) Chapter A6 outlines seismic retrofit provisions to reduce the collapse risk of vulnerable concrete buildings, as defined in Chapter 5G. This includes certain types of concrete buildings and their construction dates as well as buildings with rigid walls and flexible diaphragms. If a building owner elects to carry out seismic evaluation or retrofitting to have their building removed from the inventory established per Chapter 5G, they may do so by satisfying the structural engineering criteria in Chapter A6. A key focus is on addressing

common seismic deficiencies, detailed in Table A6.4-2, which include weak stories, irregularities in lateral-force-resisting elements, non-ductile moment frames, sheargoverned concrete columns or wall piers, punching shear in concrete slabs, weak connections of concrete walls to flexible diaphragms, and inadequate bearing connection lengths. This bulletin provides further clarification by offering commentary on selected sections of Appendix A, Chapter A6 of the SFEBC. In addition to commentary, this bulletin provides the specific technical requirements to identify, evaluate, and retrofit the seismic deficiencies of Table A6.4-2 when using Engineering Criteria Option (a).

SFEBC Chapter A6 technical details and commentary:

I. A6.2 Definitions

Commentary: Chapter A6 includes a definition of the term “wall pier,” used to specify buildings exempt from the requirements of the Chapter and to specify seismic deficiencies required to be addressed by Engineering Criteria Option (a). The definition of wall pier is per Section 2.3 of ACI 318-19.

II. A6.3 Design professionals

Commentary: Chapter A6 requires that evaluations and design be performed by or under the supervision of “appropriately licensed individuals.” The State of California governs the registration of professional engineers and requires that engineers practice only in areas where they have demonstrated competence. The registration status of any licensed professional engineer can be checked at:

http://www.bpelsg.ca.gov/consumers/lic_lookup.shtml.

The successful execution of a seismic retrofit project and the building’s performance in an earthquake rely heavily on the analysis and design by the building owner’s engineer. Building owners are encouraged to check references for the engineer they plan to engage, and to understand the engineer’s experience and qualifications as they relate to the building’s type, size, and other characteristics.

Questions an owner may ask a structural or civil engineer before selecting them include:

• Do you have experience with seismic retrofitting of concrete buildings?

• Do you have experience using the seismic evaluation and retrofit standard ASCE 41?

• Can you describe structures that you have evaluated or retrofitted that are most similar to my building?

III. A6.4 Structural engineering criteria

A. A6.4.1 Engineering criteria

Commentary: Table A6.4-1 provides two options for engineering criteria that engineers may use for seismic evaluation or retrofit of Concrete Buildings. Option (a) specifies lower seismic forces, and also requires addressing the seismic deficiencies listed in Table A6.4-2. Option (b) specifies

greater seismic forces.

i. Criteria Option (a)

For Engineering Criteria Option (a), addressing the seismic deficiencies in Table A6.4-2 is required, even if analysis indicates the building satisfies Collapse Prevention for the BSE-1E earthquake level without addressing a listed deficiency. Addressing the seismic deficiencies in Table A6.4-2 is intended to enable gravity-load-resisting elements to withstand severe earthquake movements, greater than BSE-1E, while maintaining their capacity to support gravity loads. These seismic deficiencies can be critical contributors to the collapse vulnerability of concrete buildings. They do not include all possible seismic deficiencies.

ii. Criteria Option (b)

Engineering Criteria Option (b) equates to the requirements of ASCE 41 for the Basic Performance Objective for Existing Buildings (BPOE) except:

• Non-structural evaluation and retrofitting is limited to elements of unreinforced masonry.

• Evaluation of the Life Safety structural performance level for the BSE-1E earthquake level is not required.

Addressing the seismic deficiencies specified in Table A6.4-2 is not necessarily required in meeting Engineering Criteria Option (b) if seismic evaluation at the BSE-2E earthquake level demonstrates acceptable performance. For buildings assigned to Risk Category I or II, the criteria for Engineering Criteria Option (b) will typically also provide compliance with triggered retrofit requirements for Substantial Alteration (Section 304.3.2 of the SFEBC).

For Engineering Criteria Option (b), the Life Safety performance check for the BSE-1E earthquake level is omitted because, under San Francisco’s seismic hazard parameters, it does not govern over the Collapse Prevention check for the BSE-2E level. This is because the typical ratio between the two ground motion levels is approximately 1.8, while the ratio between the Collapse Prevention and Life Safety acceptance limits in ASCE 41 does not exceed 1.33.

iii. “75% of code” criteria not permitted in Appendix A6

The approach (in Section 304.3.2) of using 75 percent of the prescribed forces of the new building code is intentionally not included in Chapter A6, and thus not permitted for use in Chapter A6 because this approach does not clearly address (a) the design of gravity framing for imposed deformations and (b) structural detailing that does not conform to any concrete seismic-force-resisting system that is permitted in high seismic design categories.

iv. Buildings assigned to Risk Category III or IV

Chapter A6 provides retrofit criteria intended to achieve basic safety for Risk Category II buildings. The criteria can be applied to Risk Category III or IV buildings if the goal is only to achieve this basic safety criteria (i.e., Structural Collapse Prevention (S-5) for the BSE-2E earthquake hazard level). It is not in the scope of Chapter A6 to provide retrofit criteria to achieve the higher performance related to safety or recovery associated with new structures assigned to Risk Category III and IV.

v. Elements of unreinforced masonry

Both engineering criteria options in Table A6.4-1 require removing or retrofitting any unreinforced masonry elements. This requirement addresses the safety risk from elements such as unreinforced masonry chimneys, hollow clay tile partitions, and brick masonry walls falling out of plane. Except for these elements, Chapter A6 does not require seismic retrofitting of nonstructural components.

B. Flexible floor- or roof-diaphragms

Requirements: For buildings with one or more flexible diaphragms, compliance with Appendix A, Chapter A2 is sufficient to comply with the portions of Chapter A6 related to the wall anchorage system and collectors.

In addition, for buildings satisfying all of the following, compliance with Chapter A2 is sufficient to meet the structural requirements of Chapter A6:

(a) The building has no more than two stories above grade plane, excluding mezzanines.

(b) The building does not include concrete columns nor wall piers, as defined in Chapter A6.

(c) The building’s floor and roof diaphragms are both flexible in-plane, i.e. sheathed with plywood, wood decking (e.g., 1x or 2x), or metal deck without concrete topping slab.

Commentary: Rigid-wall-flexible-diaphragm (RWFD) buildings are addressed by Chapter A2. Chapter A6 is not expected to be invoked for onestory buildings. For Concrete Buildings taller than one story, where Chapter A6 is invoked and the structure satisfies all of (a), (b), and (c) above, the wall-to-roof diaphragm and wall-to-floor diaphragm anchorage system, and collectors are the only structural aspects of such buildings required to be addressed per Chapter A6.

C. Combinations of seismic-force-resisting systems

Requirements: For buildings having structural systems that are partially concrete and partially other structural materials, the building shall comply with Chapter A6 as a combined system, except:

(a) Vertical combinations of seismic-force-resisting systems: For vertical combinations of seismic-force-resisting systems (i.e. different seismic-force-resisting system in upper stories compared to lower stories) where only the lower system is concrete, if the existing upper system (including the lateral-force-resisting system and gravity system) is not of concrete construction, the existing upper system is not required to comply with Chapter A6.

systems:** For vertical combinations of seismic-force-resisting systems (i.e. different seismic-force-resisting system in upper stories compared to lower stories) where only the lower system is concrete, if the existing upper system (including the lateral-force-resisting system and gravity system) is not of concrete construction, the existing upper system is not required to comply with Chapter A6.

(b) Combinations of seismic-force-resisting systems in different directions: For combinations of seismic-force-resisting systems where different seismic-force-resisting systems are used along each of the two orthogonal axes of the structure, if the gravity system is not of concrete construction, the existing non-concrete lateral-force-resisting system need not comply with Chapter A6.

D. Technical requirements for addressing the seismic deficiencies of Table A6.4-2 when using Engineering Criteria Option (a).

Requirements: The following requirements apply to identifying, evaluating, and retrofitting the seismic deficiencies listed in Table A6.4-2.

In some cases, including at building expansion joints, concrete floor structures, either cast-in-place or precast, have bearing supports. In older structures such bearing supports may not have adequate bearing length compared to earthquake displacement demands.

1. Section 18.14.4.1(d) requires a bearing length of 5 inches for beams, or 2 inches + L/180 for slabs.

Inadequate length of bearing connection: One or more beams or slabs are supported by a bearing connection with short bearing length.

E. A6.4.2 Building separation

Provide bearing length to support gravity load, such that the bearing length satisfies all of the following:

1. Section 18.14.4.1(d) of ACI
3. Two times the displacement demand at the BSE-1E earthquake level, determined in accordance with Section 7.4 of ASCE 41, but need not exceed that at BSE-2E.

Commentary. Building separation issues are not addressed in Chapter A6 because of the likely impracticalities of addressing property-line separations in San Francisco. Engineers are encouraged to inform the building owner if there is a risk of pounding damage at building separations.

F. A6.4.3 Liquefaction and landslide risk.

Commentary. Similarly, seismic evaluation and retrofit per Chapter A6 is not required to address soil liquefaction or landslide risk. Engineers are required to notify the owner if their building is in a zone of high or very high risk of liquefaction or landslide.

The exemption from considering the geotechnical hazards of liquefaction and landslide does not apply to lateral earth pressure. Forces from static and dynamic earth pressure on walls (absent liquefaction or landslide) shall be considered in the seismic evaluation in combination with other forces on the structure.

For properties subject to the Slope and Seismic Hazard Zone Protection Act (San Francisco Building Code Section 106A.4.1.4), retrofitting per Chapter A6 does not necessarily trigger the requirements of the act if the project does not include work of the type and quantity specified in the Scope (Section 106A.4.1.4.3) of the act, and further detailed in Information Sheet S-19. However, if the project does include such triggering work, even if the work is done to comply with Chapter A6, then the project must comply with the requirements of the act.

G. A6.4.4 Other retrofit triggers

Commentary. Section A6.4.4 clarifies that meeting the requirements of Chapter A6 does not replace the need to meet Section 304.4 (minimum lateral force for existing buildings) when a project is subject to a Substantial Structural Alteration (Section 503.11) or a Non-structural Alteration (Section 503.11.1).

Triggered retrofits must comply with Section 304.4. In most cases, owners may also choose to meet the requirements of Chapter A6 so the building can be removed from the inventory established under Chapter 5G. However, if the owner does not pursue removal from the inventory, then Chapter A6 does not apply to the retrofit requirements subject to Section 304.4.

H. A6.4.5 Masonry infill

Commentary. If the infill is unreinforced masonry, its attachment to the main structure must be addressed as shown in Table A6.4-1. In addition, for both reinforced and unreinforced masonry infill, the effect of the infill on the building’s seismic response must be addressed as required by this subsection.

/signed/ July 21, 2025

Patrick O’Riordan, C.B.O. Date

Director

Department of Building Inspection

Approved by the Building Inspection Commission on July 16, 2025.

ELECTRICAL CODE 2022 Edition

The San Francisco Electrical Code is current through Ordinance 229-22, effective December 11, 2022, and

operative January 1, 2023.

[Includes legislation adopted by the Board of Supervisors through December 31, 2022]

Copyright © 2023

by

THE CITY AND COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO

A Municipal Corporation

PUBLISHER'S NOTE

The full 2022 San Francisco Electrical Code consists of the 2022 California Electrical Code, and as further amended by these San Francisco amendments.

The San Francisco Electrical Code amendments contained herein are designed to be used in conjunction with the 2022 California Electrical Code.

The San Francisco Electrical Code amendments contained herein were adopted by the Board of Supervisors of the City and County of San Francisco on November 10, 2022, by Ordinance 229-22, effective December 11, 2022, and operative January 1, 2023.

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2022 San Francisco Amendments

Complete

San Francisco

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Supplements to this Code and complete copies of all seven

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PREFACE

Text Format:

The text in this publication is formatted to allow the user to quickly and easily determine the source of the included material. Language derived from the 2022 California Code that is unchanged by local amendment is printed in shaded text (see below). Language constituting San Francisco amendments to the California Code is printed in unformatted (or “plain”) text. In either case, bold and/or italic typefaces may be used as appropriate for emphasis, etc. See below for examples.

To further simplify use of the San Francisco amendments with corresponding sections of the 2022 California Code, explanatory remarks appearing in italics are provided (in boxes at the beginning of affected provisions) indicating whether the San Francisco amendment to the California Code is adding, revising, or replacing a section or portion of a section.

To summarize:

Explanatory remarks are boxed and italicized.

Unchanged language from the 2022 California Code is shaded, and may include bold and/or italicized formatting.

San Francisco amendments are printed in unformatted ("plain") text, and may include bold and/or italicized formatting.

An arrow [ ← ] represents the location of language that has been deleted by San Francisco from the 2022 California Code.

A solid line represents a change from the original published edition of the 2022 San Francisco Electrical Code.

Historical Notations:

Language which has been added, amended, or deleted from the 2022 publication of the San Francisco Electrical Code is indicated with an historical notation, setting forth the ordinance number and date of adoption.

Additionally, a table is included below that lists and summarizes all legislation that has affected this Code and the other Building Inspection Commission codes after their initial enactment.

Article 89 GENERAL CODE PROVISIONS

89.101.1 Replace the first sentence of this section with the following:

89.101.1 Title. [ ← ] The provisions contained in this Code shall be known as the 2022 San Francisco Electrical Code, and may be cited as such and will be referred to as “this code.”