103A.4 Vacant or abandoned buildings – Annual registration; registration fee;…

103A.4 Vacant or abandoned buildings – Annual registration; registration fee; maintenance and security requirements.

103A.4.1 Definition. A building shall be defined as a vacant or abandoned if it (1) is unoccupied and unsecured; or (2) is unoccupied and secured by boarding or other similar means; or (3) is unoccupied and unsafe as defined in Section 102A of this Code; or (4) is unoccupied and has multiple code

violations; or (5) has been unoccupied for over 30 days. A building which is partially unoccupied and has been cited for blight under Chapter 80 of the San Francisco Administrative Code, shall also be deemed a vacant or abandoned building that is subject to this Section. Commercial Storefronts, as defined in Section 103A.5.1 of this Code, located within vacant or abandoned buildings shall be subject to the enforcement provisions in Sections 103A.5-103A.5.6 of this Code.

For purposes of this Section 103A.4 a building shall not be considered vacant or abandoned if:

(1) There is a valid building permit for repair, rehabilitation, or construction of a building on the parcel and the owner completes the repair, rehabilitation, or construction within one year from the date the initial permit was issued; or

(2) The building complies with all codes, does not contribute to blight as defined in Chapter 80 of the San Francisco Administrative Code, is ready for occupancy, and is actively being offered for sale, lease, or rent.

(3) The building complies with all codes, does not contribute to blight as defined in Chapter 80 of the San Francisco Administrative Code, and is undergoing a probate process that does not exceed two years. Upon expiration of the two-year period, the building shall become subject to the requirements of Section 103A.4.

103A.4.2 Property owner’s obligation to register a vacant or abandoned building. The owner of a building defined as vacant or abandoned under Section 103A.4.1 shall register that building with the Department 30 days after it has become vacant or abandoned on a form provided by the Department. The form shall describe the methods by which the owner has secured the property against unauthorized entry, declare any future plans for the property, state whether or not there is fire and liability insurance coverage, and provide such other information as the Department may require. A registration fee shall be paid at the time of registration and annually thereafter. See Section 110A, Table 1A-J for applicable fee.

ibe the methods by which the owner has secured the property against unauthorized entry, declare any future plans for the property, state whether or not there is fire and liability insurance coverage, and provide such other information as the Department may require. A registration fee shall be paid at the time of registration and annually thereafter. See Section 110A, Table 1A-J for applicable fee.

103A.4.3 Notice. Whenever the Director has probable cause to believe, based upon an inspection, complaint, or report from another agency of the City and County of San Francisco or other governmental agency, that a building is vacant or abandoned and it has not been registered as required by this Section 103A.4, the Director shall serve the owner of record, as shown on the Assessor’s Records, or authorized agent with a written notice requiring the owner to register the building with the Department as vacant or abandoned and pay the registration fee within the period of time specified in the notice, which shall be no greater than 30 days.

103A.4.4 Sign posting. The owner of record of the vacant or abandoned building is required to post a sign at the front of the building, in a conspicuous location protected from the weather, that provides the current name, address, and phone number of the owner of record and authorized agent if different from the owner. If a notice of default or foreclosure has been recorded for the property, the lender’s name, address, and telephone number must also be provided. The sign shall be no smaller than 8-1/2 inches by 11 inches.

103A.4.5 Maintenance and security requirements. The following maintenance and security requirements shall apply to a vacant or abandoned building. The Director has the discretion to modify these requirements in the case of a partially vacant building, and to modify or waive some or all of these requirements in the case of a building that has been damaged by fire, a natural disaster, or other calamity.

103A.4.5.1 Maintenance of property – exterior. The property owner shall actively maintain and monitor the exterior of the building and the grounds so that they remain in continuing compliance with all applicable codes and regulations, and do not contribute to and are not likely to contribute to blight as defined in Chapter 80 of the Administrative Code. Active maintenance and monitoring shall include, but not be limited to:

(1) Maintenance of landscaping and plant materials in good condition;

(2) Regular removal of all exterior trash, debris, and graffiti;

(3) Maintenance of the exterior of the building in a good condition that is structurally safe and preserves the physical integrity of the structure, including but not limited to paint and finishes, foundation, roof, chimneys, flues, gutters, downspouts, scuppers, flashing, skylights, windows, exterior stairs and decks;

(4) Prevention of criminal activity on the premises and trespass by unauthorized persons; and

(5) Turning off all utilities that are not necessary for the upkeep and maintenance of the building.

103A.4.5.2 Maintenance of property – interior. The property owner shall preserve the interior of the building from damage by the elements or plumbing leaks, and keep it free from accumulation of garbage and other debris, and from infestation by rodents, insects, or other pests.

103A.4.5.3 Security. The building shall be secured against unauthorized entry. The methods of security shall be as approved by the Director, who shall take into consideration whether the property has been cited for nuisance activities or criminal conduct by another department of the City and County of San Francisco or other government agency.

103A.4.6 Insurance. The owner of record shall maintain whatever fire and liability insurance coverage the Director determines is necessary. Any insurance policy shall require notice to the Department in the event of cancellation of insurance or a reduction in coverage.

103A.4.7 Violation a public nuisance; enforcement. A property in violation of the provisions of this section is deemed to be a public nuisance and subject to enforcement by the Department and penalties under Section 102A and 103A of this Code or under other applicable sections of the San Francisco Municipal Code or state law.

(Amended by Ord. 40-23,, File No. 220878, App. 3/28/2023, Eff. 4/28/2023)