P112.1 Alternatives and modifications.

P112.1 Alternatives and modifications. Alternative compliance and/or modifications that are reasonably equivalent to the requirements in this appendix may be granted by the Local Administrative Authority in individual cases when dealing with buildings or structures used for emergency housing.

ADMINISTRATIVE BULLETINS

Printed in the 2022 San Francisco Building Code

AB# TITLES

AB-001 Preparing Administrative Bulletins

AB-004 Priority Permit Processing Guidelines

AB-005 Procedures for Approval of Local Equivalencies

AB-009 Local Equivalency for Approval of New Openings in New and Existing Building Property Line Walls

AB-010 Local Equivalency for Approval of Communicating Openings Between Buildings on Separate Properties

AB-013 Application of Disabled Access Provisions to Historic Buildings

AB-015 Allowable Temporary Interruptions to Disabled Access

AB-017 Exception to Requirements for Disabled Access to Vacant Spaces

AB-018 Local Equivalency for Approval of Emergency Escape and Rescue Openings at Courts and Lightwells

AB-019 Local Equivalency for Approval of Fire Escapes as a Required Means of Egress

AB-020 Local Equivalency for Exiting Through a Garage Area for Type V, Group R Buildings

AB-023 Crane Site Safety Plan and Building Permits

AB-025 Pre-application Requirement for State Industrial Safety Permit for Certain Trenching, Demolition, and Construction Activities

AB-026 Noise Insulation Enforcement Procedures

AB-027 Illegal Unit Re-occupancy Enforcement Procedure

AB-028 Pre-application and Pre-addendum Plan Review Procedures

AB-031 Identification of Revisions on Pages of Drawings

AB-032 Site Permit Processing

AB-035 Procedure for Assigning Street Numbers (Addresses)

AB-036 Special Inspection for Demolition Work

AB-040 Referral of Design Professionals and Contractors to Regulatory Agencies

AB-042 Board of Examiners: Request for Variance, New Materials, or Alternate Methods of Construction

AB-043 Ventilation of Public Spaces in Group R Occupancies

AB-046 Special Inspection and Structural Observation Documentation Procedures

AB-047 Specific Submittal Criteria for Reports, Special Inspections and Final Acceptance Testing of Smoke Control Systems

AB-056 Disabled Access Compliance Status Documentation

AB-057 Local Equivalency for Approval of Roof Hatches in Lieu of Stairway Penthouses in Designated Buildings

AB-058 Procedures for Seismic Instrumentation of New Buildings

AB-078 Criteria for Waiving Special Inspection Requirements for Signs, Awnings and Canopies

AB-082 Guidelines and Procedures for Structural, Geotechnical, and Seismic Hazard Engineering Design Review

AB-083 Requirements and Guidelines for the Seismic Design of New Tall Buildings using Non-Prescriptive Seismic-Design Procedures

AB-084 Guidelines for the Structural Review of Continuous Tiedown Systems Used to Resist Overturning of Light-Framed Wood Shear Walls

AB-088 Collection and Storage of Recyclable, Compostable and Trash Materials

AB-093 Implementation of Green Building Regulations

AB-094 Definition and Design Criteria for Voluntary Seismic Upgrade of Soft-Story, Type V (wood-frame) Buildings

AB-098 Post-Earthquake Repair and Retrofit Requirements for Wood-Frame Residential Buildings with Three or More Dwelling Units

AB-099 Post-Earthquake Repair and Retrofit Requirements for Concrete Buildings

AB-100 Post-Earthquake Repair and Retrofit Requirements for One- and Two-Family Units

AB-105 Voluntary Sprinkler Protection for Existing High-Rise Buildings

AB-106 Procedures for Implementation of SFEBC Chapter 5E

AB-107 Application of Engineering Criteria in SFEBC Chapter 5E

AB-108 Application of California Existing Building Code, Appendix Chapter A3

AB-109 Application of Engineering Criteria in SFEBC Section 329

AB-110 Building Façade Inspection and Maintenance

AB-111 Guidelines for Preparation of Geotechnical and Earthquake Ground Motion Reports for Foundation Design and Construction of Tall Buildings

AB-112 Implementation of All Electric New Construction Regulations

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

AB-001 Pre arin Administrative Bulletins p g

NO. AB-001 :

DATE : November 18, 1998 (Updated 01/01/2023 for code references)

SUBJECT : General Administrative Procedures

TITLE : Preparing Administrative Bulletins

The purpose of this Administrative Bulletin is to describe the procedures to be used in originating, writing, editing and distributing Administrative Bulletins. Administrative Bulletins document the procedures to be followed by the Department of Building Inspection (DBI) staff and other agencies which are involved with the regulatory

PURPOSE : functions of DBI. Although Administrative Bulletins are intended primarily for DBI

use, the information may be of interest to the general public. An Administrative Bulletin differs from an Office Policy and Procedure document in that the latter defines DBI’s internal operating procedures and is generally of interest only to DBI staff.

REFERENCE : Current edition of the San Francisco Building Code, Section 104A 2.1

DISCUSSION :

The following steps are to be observed in the publishing of an Administrative Bulletin. Refer to the flowchart in ATTACHMENT A. Each Administrative Bulletin shall be reviewed at least annually for concurrence with the current code and from time-to-time as necessitated by changes in policies or requirements.

1. IDENTIFY THE PROPOSED ADMINISTRATIVE BULLETIN

a. Any individual in the Department may identify the need for an Administrative Bulletin and report this need to the supervisor, who will in turn discuss it with the Manager of Permit Services (the Manager). The Manager then makes a recommendation to the Director who may give the authorization to proceed with the writing of the Administrative Bulletin. Similarly, any City agency may identify the need for an Administrative Bulletin directly to the Director.

r an Administrative Bulletin and report this need to the supervisor, who will in turn discuss it with the Manager of Permit Services (the Manager). The Manager then makes a recommendation to the Director who may give the authorization to proceed with the writing of the Administrative Bulletin. Similarly, any City agency may identify the need for an Administrative Bulletin directly to the Director.

b. The Manager will notify Technical Services Division (TSD) of the subject matter and the person assigned to write the Administrative Bulletin (the Preparer). TSD will assign the proposed Administrative Bulletin a number and notify the Preparer to proceed.

2. REPORT THE PROPOSED ADMINISTRATIVE BULLETIN TO BUILDING INSPECTION COMMISSION (BIC)

Prior to the preparation of the first draft of the Administrative Bulletin, TSD will prepare a brief synopsis of the proposed Administrative Bulletin and shall forward that to the DBI Director for inclusion in the Director’s Report or Communication Item to the Building Inspection Commission (BIC).

3. PREPARE THE DRAFT ADMINISTRATIVE BULLETIN

Following such report to the BIC, the Preparer shall prepare the first draft. The first draft is to be returned to TSD within 21 days* after BIC review. Extensions of time may be granted by the Director under extenuating circumstances. Such first draft shall be reviewed by the Deputy Director and TSD for form and content, and revised as necessary. See ATTACHMENT B for the document format which is to be followed.

4. REVIEW THE DRAFT ADMINISTRATIVE BULLETIN

a. If so requested by the BIC, the first draft shall be provided to the BIC for public hearing prior to general distribution of the draft for review.

b. If no public hearing on the first draft is requested by the BIC, that first draft shall be distributed. The Preparer is to include a list of persons or committees to whom the draft is recommended to be sent for review. The Director and TSD may revise this list. (See ATTACHMENT C for a list of possible reviewers).

c. TSD will distribute the first draft and, after a minimum 30 day* review period, will forward any comments received to the Manager. The Manager will review the first draft and the review comments, and if necessary, discuss them with the Preparer. The Manager may refer the draft Administrative Bulletin to any committee for review as seen advisable.

5. PREPARE THE FINAL DRAFT FOR REVIEW BY THE MANAGER

Based upon draft review comments a final draft bulletin will be prepared by the Preparer. TSD will prepare the final draft which will then be reviewed for form and content by the Manager.

6. FORWARD THE ADMINISTRATIVE BULLETIN TO THE BIC FOR REVIEW AND PUBLIC HEARING

Following review and recommendation by the Manager and Director, the draft Administrative Bulletin will be forwarded to the Building Inspection Commission for review, public hearing and approval.

7. PREPARE THE APPROVED COPY FOR PRINTING AND DISTRIBUTION

a. Following BIC approval, the Preparer will have 7 days* to return a final draft to TSD who will review the final draft for conformance to format and prepare a final copy for signature by the Director.

b. The signed Administrative Bulletin will be duplicated and distributed as noted on a final distribution list. TSD will file the signed Administrative Bulletin and will keep a record of the completed Administrative Bulletins in separate indexes by:

1). Administrative Bulletin Number

2). Title

• The time limits given in the procedure above are guidelines, and may vary depending upon the complexity of the subject matter, review and approval process, and schedule requirements. Many Administrative Bulletins result in multiple “draft” stages.

Original signed by:

Frank Y. Chiu, Director, Director

Approved by the Building Inspection Commission on November 18, 1998

Attachment A: Administrative Bulletin Preparation, Review and Approval Process

Attachment B: Example of Format

Attachment C: Possible Reviewers

AB-004 Priorit Permit Processin Guidelines y g

NO. AB-004 :

December 15, 2022

DATE : [Supersedes Administrative Bulletin AB-004 originally issued 10/6/06 and revision

dated October 15, 2008, April 16, 2014, September 23, 2014 and April 15, 2015]

SUBJECT : Permit Processing and Issuance

TITLE : Priority Permit Processing Guidelines

PURPOSE :

REFERENCES :

DISCUSSION :

This bulletin establishes guidelines to assure that permit applicants receive equal treatment and that permits are reviewed in the order received by the Department of Building Inspection except for certain designated priority applications. It is the intent of the Department of Building Inspection that the permit review process proceeds in an orderly, fair and efficient manner with sufficient flexibility to allow the reasonable resolution of problems that may occur on a day-to-day basis. This bulletin is issued in conjunction with similar bulletins from the Department of Public Works and the Planning Department.

Current edition of the San Francisco Building Code, Section 106A, Permits San Francisco Campaign and Governmental Conduct Code, Section 3.400 “Permit Application Processing” Ethics Commission “Permit Processing Code of Conduct” San Francisco Planning Department, Director’s Bulletin No. 2 Department of Public Works, Director’s Order #175,487 Ordinance #202-19 Planning Code Section 206.3 Housing Opportunities Mean Equity – San Francisco Program (HOME-SF program)

This Administrative Bulletin provides guidelines for the implementation of legislation adopted by the Board of Supervisors to assist City permitting departments in assuring that no appearance of, or actual, preferential treatment is given to any permit applicant. Policy is adopted in accordance with the requirements of San Francisco Campaign and Governmental Conduct Code Section 3.400, effective December 15, 2004, and supplements the Permit Processing Code of Conduct adopted by the Ethics Commission on January 10, 2005.

assist City permitting departments in assuring that no appearance of, or actual, preferential treatment is given to any permit applicant. Policy is adopted in accordance with the requirements of San Francisco Campaign and Governmental Conduct Code Section 3.400, effective December 15, 2004, and supplements the Permit Processing Code of Conduct adopted by the Ethics Commission on January 10, 2005.

These procedures relate to assignment, initial processing, review and issuance of permit applications; as well as to permit revisions, deferred submittals, and corrections submitted to the Department of Building Inspection subsequent to initial permit application.

General Policy: In accordance with the City’s adopted “Permit Application Processing” regulations, the Department of Building Inspection has determined that there is a compelling public policy basis to provide priority review and issuance for each of the following designated types of permit applications.

Department of Building Inspection employees are encouraged to exercise reasonable judgment in all permit review and issuance activities in order to fulfill our customer service responsibilities. This exercise of reasonable judgment by employees is considered an important component in meeting the intent of the legislation to avoid preferential treatment. In all cases when questions arise regarding potential issues of preferential treatment, employees are required to consult with their supervisors.

PROCEDURES

Subject to the reasonable judgment of employees, permit applications shall be logged-in, separated into various permit types, assigned to staff for review, and reviewed in the order in which they are received, except for certain designated priority permits as detailed below. The Department of Building Inspection may assign as many different permit types as necessary to assure the efficient operation of that department. For example, the Department of Building Inspection may separate permits for one type of work, such as office tenant improvement construction, from other types of work, such as re-roofing or new building construction.

Case A addresses initial permit submittal, assignment, review and issuance. Following such initial priority action, permit applications may be placed on hold, routed to other divisions or other City agencies, issued, cancelled, or expired pursuant to other code requirements and other adopted policies and procedures.

Case B addresses issues related to priority processing of permit revisions and of other materials submitted after initial permit acceptance and review, as well as to issues related to final processing and issuance of permits.

Case A - Applications for Permits

Permit applications for the following types of work may, upon request of the permit applicant, be given priority assignment for plan review and issuance:

1. Permit applications for necessary emergency work to secure the health or safety of building users or the public, either on private property or on the public right-of-way;

2. Permit applications for work on City owned or City leased properties when such priority permit review is specified in a written agreement between the Department of Building Inspection and such other City agencies;

3. Permit applications for work consisting solely of disabled access improvements, including Accessible Business Entrance program SFBC Chapter 11D;

4. Permit applications for work consisting solely of clean energy supply systems. These include but not limited to solar photovoltaic systems (PV), Solar Thermal (ST), Energy Storage Systems (ESS), Electric Vehicle Charging Stations (EVSE), and wind power generation systems;

5. Permit applications for work consisting solely of telecommunications facilities per California Government Code Section 65964.1;

6. Permit applications for the voluntary or mandatory seismic upgrades of buildings to improve performance in earthquakes such as private schools subject to SFEBC Section 329, soft story, or other buildings;

7. Permit applications principally for maintenance or preservation of designated historic buildings and/or sites;

8. Permit applications for creating new dwelling units;

a. Permit applications for projects that provide new affordable housing (meeting the affordability levels defined in Planning Code Section 415 and in the Procedures Manual adopted by the Mayor's Office of Housing) in 100% of the on-site dwelling units. Conformance with these standards shall be confirmed by Planning Department staff;

b. Permit applications for housing projects (1) which are seeking approval under the HOME-SF program, as provided for in Planning Code Section 206.3 or (2) where at least 30 percent of the total number of on-site dwelling units are affordable for a term of no less than 55-years to households with an income no higher than for middle-income households, as defined in Planning Code Section 401. Conformance with these standards shall be confirmed by Planning Department staff

c. Applications for creation of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU) or Junior Accessory Dwelling Units (JADU).

9. Permit applications to respond to a delay caused by an earlier procedural error by a City agency in processing the permit or processing another permit for the same project;

10. Permit applications submitted to comply with Notices of Violation, abatement notices, or any other official Department of Public Works, Planning Department or Department of Building Inspection enforcement or abatement notices which require immediate action; or

11. Permit applications for other work for which, in the reasonable judgment of the Director of the Department of Building Inspection, urgent or extraordinary circumstances exist that would lead to a significant public benefit or necessity, when such circumstances are documented in written findings.

Case B - Revisions and Addenda to Permits

Subject to the reasonable judgment of staff, revisions and other materials submitted to the Department of Building Inspection during the permit review process must be reviewed in the order in which they are received, except as detailed below. Such submittals may include revisions, corrections, deferred submittals, and other permit materials. Exceptions to the strict chronological review and processing sequence are allowed and permit submittal documents may be given priority review, upon request of the permit applicant, when any of the following conditions is met:

1. Permits meet the priority permit qualifications of Case A, above;

2. Permit revisions are submitted pursuant to a decision of the Building Inspection Commission, Board of Appeals, Board of Supervisors, or other review or appeals body where such body has directed that the permit revisions be given priority review,

3. Revisions, deferred submittals, and other permit submittals for work in which, in the reasonable judgment of the Director of the Department of Building Inspection, urgent or extraordinary circumstances exist that would lead to a significant public benefit or necessity, when such circumstances are documented in written findings.

Documentation of Priority Processing

Priority processing for permits meeting the above criteria is to be undertaken at the request of the permit applicant. All cases of priority permit application processing shall be documented using a standard form, Documentation of Findings for Priority Permit Processing (Attachment I), that

includes written findings of conformity with one of the priority types described in this bulletin. This document shall be prepared and submitted by the applicant. Department of Building Inspection, Division managers may approve the form where the permit is in clear conformity with the standards for priority processing. All other requests for priority permit processing should be reviewed and approved by a Deputy Director or other senior manager.

One copy of the form approving priority permit processing shall remain with the application, one copy shall be microfilmed or otherwise retained as part of the approved permit documents. Permit applications that are approved for priority processing should be so noted in the Department of Building Inspection’s permit tracking system.

The applicant of a priority project shall be required to submit plans for electronic plan review (EPR) to avail of concurrent plan review.

Quality Assurance Procedures

The assignment of permit applications for priority review and these procedures shall be reviewed by the Department of Building Inspection on an annual basis to confirm that the intent of this policy is being fulfilled and to make changes as necessary to optimize the efficient and fair operation of the permit process.

Revision signed by:

Patrick O’Riordan, C.B.O.

Director

Department of Building Inspection

December 16, 2022

Approved by Building Inspection Commission October 15, 2008, Revision approved: April 16, 2014; November 19, 2014; April 15, 2015; November 16, 2022

Attachment I: Documentation of Priority Permit Processing (Rev. December 2022)

Attachment II: Planning Director Bulletin No. 2 (Rev. September 2020)

A tt achment III: DPW Order No. 182974

AB-005 Procedures for A roval of Local E uivalencies pp q

NO. AB-005 :

DATE : September 18, 2002 (Updated 1/1/2023 for code references)

SUBJECT : Plan Review and Permit Process

TITLE : Procedures for Approval of Local Equivalencies

PURPOSE :

REFERENCES :

DISCUSSION :

The purpose of this Administrative Bulletin is to detail the procedures to be used for the application and case-by-case review of requests for approval of equivalencies, when work is proposed which does not strictly comply with the provisions of the latest edition of the San Francisco Building, Electrical, Mechanical, or Plumbing Codes. Requests for approval of modifications or alternates will be considered by the Department of Building Inspection and, when applicable, the Fire Department on a case-by-case basis when reasonable equivalency is proposed.

Current edition of the San Francisco Building Code - Section 104A, Organization and Enforcement

• Section 104A .2.7, Modifications

• Section 104A .2.8, Alternate materials, design and methods of construction DBI Administrative Bulletin AB-042, Board of Examiners: Request for Variance, New Materials, or Alternate Methods of Construction DBI Administrative Bulletin AB-028, Pre-application and Pre- Addendum Plan Review Procedures

Project sponsors may request the application of standard local equivalencies, as detailed in various Administrative Bulletins, or approval of other alternates when it can be demonstrated on a case-by-case basis that there are practical difficulties in meeting the specific provisions of the codes, that the modification is in conformance with the intent and purpose of the codes, and that reasonable equivalency is provided in fire-protection and structural integrity.

Project sponsors may request the application of standard local equivalencies, as detailed in various Administrative Bulletins, or approval of other alternates when it can be demonstrated on a case-by-case basis that there are practical difficulties in meeting the specific provisions of the codes, that the modification is in conformance with the intent and purpose of the codes, and that reasonable equivalency is provided in fire-protection and structural integrity.

Proposed modifications may be administratively approved by the Departments if they conform to the standard provisions of Local Equivalency. Other modifications and applications for use of alternate materials, designs and methods of construction may be administratively approved or may be referred to the Board of Examiners or other review body as appropriate.

Based upon individual building and property conditions, the Department of Building Inspection and other City departments, such as the Fire Department, may impose requirements in addition to those proposed by the project sponsor when approving any request for use of a standard local modification, code modification or alternate material, design or method of construction. Additionally, the Department of Building Inspection or any other City agency may require that additional substantiation be provided supporting any claims made for such proposals.

Procedure for Application for Local Equivalencies

Project sponsors wishing to apply for local equivalencies must fill out and submit the Request for Approval of Local Equivalency form (Attachment A). Fees are required to be paid as noted on that form.

Review Procedures for Application for Local Equivalencies

The Department of Building Inspection and the Fire Department, when applicable, will conduct review meetings as required to consider requests for the approval of Local Equivalencies, Modifications and Alternates. At such review meetings each request will be either approved, approved with conditions, disapproved, referred to another official body, or placed on “Hold” pending submittal of additional information. Upon approval of the local equivalency, a copy of the signed form approving the equivalency and indicating any conditions of approval will be attached to the submittal documents as part of the permanent record of the project, and a copy will be sent to the project sponsor.

Please note that the Board of Examiners reviews requests for variances and requests for approval of certain new materials, methods, and types of construction. The Board of Examiners considers requests concerning structural provisions related to unreinforced masonry buildings. The Access Appeals Commission considers requests for equivalencies for issues related to disabled access.

Appeals

Determinations of the staff of the Department of Building Inspection regarding local equivalencies may be administratively brought for further review to the Deputy Director and the Director of the Department of Building Inspection. Determinations of the Director may be appealed to the Building Inspection Commission or other designated appeal body.

Originally signed by:

Frank Y. Chiu, Director

October 3, 2002

Gary Massetani, Fire Marshal

October 9, 2002

Approved by the Building Inspection Commission on September 18, 2002

A tt achment A: Request for Approval of Local Equivalency

AB-009 Local Equivalency for Approval of New Openings in New and Existing Building Property Line Walls

NO. AB-009 :

DATE : September 18, 2002 (Updated 1/1/2023 for code references)

SUBJECT : Fire and Life Safety

Local Equivalency for Approval of New Openings in New and Existing Building TITLE : Property Line Walls

PURPOSE :

REFERENCES :

DISCUSSION :

The purpose of this Administrative Bulletin is to provide standards and procedures for the application and case-by-case review of requests for a modification based on local equivalency to allow openings in exterior walls closer to property lines than are permitted by the latest edition of the San Francisco Building Code (SFBC). This bulletin permits the continuing application of code provisions of former editions of the SFBC regarding property line openings. In conformance with current State law, requests for approval of openings closer to the property line than permitted under the SFBC will be considered on a case-by-case basis when reasonable equivalency is proposed.

Current edition of the San Francisco Building Code

• Section 104A .2.7, Modification

• Section 104A .2.8, Alternate materials, design, and methods of construction

• Section 705 .8, Openings DBI Administrative Bulletin AB-005, Procedures for Approval of Local Equivalencies. San Francisco Administrative Code Article V, Section 23.47, Requirements for Lot Line Window Agreements

Project sponsors may request the application of this local equivalency allowing openings in building walls closer to property lines than allowed by SFBC Section 705 .8 when it can be demonstrated on a case-by-case basis that there are practical difficulties in meeting the provisions of the code, that the modification is in conformance with the intent and purpose of the code, and that reasonable equivalency is provided in fire protection and structural integrity.

Such proposed modification may conform with the below listed standard provisions. The Department of Building Inspection (DBI) and other City departments may impose additional requirements in the approval of any request for a code modification or alternate based upon individual building and property conditions. Other City agencies that may review such requests include the San Francisco Fire Department, the Planning Department and, for buildings adjoining City-owned property, the Department of Real Estate.

If a project sponsor wishes to propose methods of opening protection different than those listed below, proposals for the use of alternate materials, designs, or methods of construction may be submitted for review in the same manner as for this local equivalency. The Department of Building Inspection may require that additional substantiation be provided supporting any claims made for such proposals.

Procedure for Application of Local Equivalencies

Project sponsors wishing to apply local equivalencies must fill out and submit the Request for Approval of Local Equivalency form (Attachment A). Fees to be paid and scheduling of review of requests are as noted on that form. Following DBI review, each request will either be approved, approved with conditions, disapproved, or placed on Hold pending submittal of additional information.

Further details of procedures for the review of local equivalencies may be found in AB-005, Procedures for Approval of Local Equivalencies.

Conditions of Local Equivalencies

Openings in new building walls and new openings in existing building walls in Groups B, M, and R occupancies that are closer to property lines than permitted under SFBC Section 705 .8 and Table 705 .8 may be permitted on a case-by-case basis when the following provisions or approved equivalent provisions are met and the project sponsor provides documentation of the practical difficulties involved in carrying out the provisions of the regular code.

The standard provisions for this Local Equivalency include all of the following:

1. The openings may not be used to provide required light and ventilation, required egress, or for required emergency escape and rescue.

2. The openings shall be fixed (non-operable) unless more than 50 feet above the roof of any adjoining building or more than the distance prescribed for protected openings in Table 705.8 in any direction from an adjoining building.

3. The openings shall be located entirely above any adjoining roof or at least six feet laterally beyond any wall of an adjoining building.

4. The openings shall be protected with fire assemblies, such as fire shutters or rated window assemblies, having a rating of at least 3/4 hour. Openings in walls which have a fire-protection rating of greater than 1-hour shall be protected by a fire assembly having a three-hour fire-protection rating in four-hour fire-resistive walls, a two-hour fire-protection rating in three-hour fire-resistive walls, and one-and one-half hour fire-protection rating in two-hour fire- resistive walls. Fire shutters, if provided, shall be actuated by smoke detectors located inside and by fusible links or other approved devices on the outside of the protected openings.

5. The opening shall be protected by a fire sprinkler system having ordinary temperature, quick-response type heads installed within 18" of the openings and spaced at 6 feet on center or at the manufacturer’s recommended minimum spacing, whichever provides the closer spacing.

Exception: Openings in Group R Division 3 occupancies.

6. If the adjoining building contains R occupancy uses, proposed openings shall not be located closer than six feet measured in any direction to any existing opening on the adjoining building unless the adjoining owner gives written consent. A copy of the statement giving such consent shall be attached to the permit application.

7. The owner of a building with such openings shall provide a recorded statement that these openings will be closed or protected with approved fire resistive wall construction in the event that the adjoining property is improved in such a manner that the openings no longer comply with the provisions of this Administrative Bulletin. A copy of a Declaration of Use Limitation (Attachment B) shall be submitted to the plan reviewer prior to completion of Department of Building inspection plan review.

will be closed or protected with approved fire resistive wall construction in the event that the adjoining property is improved in such a manner that the openings no longer comply with the provisions of this Administrative Bulletin. A copy of a Declaration of Use Limitation (Attachment B) shall be submitted to the plan reviewer prior to completion of Department of Building inspection plan review.

8. Property line openings which open onto property owned by the City and County of San Francisco shall meet the requirements of San Francisco Administrative Code, Article VI, Sections 23.27 through 23.30 (Attachment C). An approved and executed “Lot Line Window Agreements” shall be submitted as part of the documents required under Item 9 (below).

9. A permit application and related submittal documents shall detail all construction which is approved as a result of this request for local equivalency.

Originally signed by:

Frank Y. Chiu, Director

October 3, 2002

Gary Massetani, Fire Marshal

October 9, 2002

Approved by the Building Inspection Commission on September 18, 2002

Attachment A: Request for Approval of Local Equivalency

Attachment B: Assessor/Recorder’s Office Document - “Declaration of Use Limitation” (Rev. April 2021)

Attachment C: San Francisco Administrative Code Article V, Lot Line Window Agreements ( htt ps://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/san_francisco/latest/sf_admin/0-0-0-14202#JD_Ch.23Art.V)

AB-010 Local Equivalency for Approval of Communicating Openings Between Buildings on Separate Pro erties p

NO. AB-010 :

DATE : September 18, 2002 (Updated 1/1/2023 for code reference)

SUBJECT : Fire and Life Safety

Local Equivalency for Approval of Communicating Openings Between Buildings TITLE : on Separate Properties

The purpose of this Administrative Bulletin is to provide standards and procedures for the application and case-by-case review of requests for a modification based on local equivalency to allow communicating openings between buildings where such openings do not comply with the provisions of the latest edition of the San Francisco Building Code (SFBC) regarding fire resistance of exterior walls and protection of

PURPOSE :

openings at property lines. This bulletin permits the continuing application of code provisions of former editions of the SFBC regarding communicating openings. In conformance with current State law, requests for approval of communicating openings will be considered on a caseby-case basis when reasonable equivalency is proposed.

REFERENCES : Current edition of the San Francisco Building Code (SFBC)

        - Section 104A .2.7, Modifications

        - Section 104A .2.8, Alternate materials, design, and methods of construction

DISCUSSION :

• Section 705.8, Openings DBI Administrative Bulletin AB-005, Procedures for Approval of Local Equivalencies

Project sponsors may request the application of this local equivalency allowing openings in building walls which connect buildings on separate lots when such openings in exterior walls do not meet the provisions of SFBC Section 705.8 and when it can be demonstrated on a case-by-case basis that there are practical difficulties in meeting the provisions of the code, that the modification is in conformance with the intent and purpose of the code, and that reasonable equivalency is provided in fire-protection and structural integrity.

Such proposed modification may be approved by the Department of Building Inspection and the Fire Department if it conforms with the below listed standard provisions. The Department of Building Inspection and other City departments may impose additional requirements, in addition to those listed below, in the approval of any request for a code modification or alternate based upon individual building and property conditions.

If a project sponsor wishes to propose methods of protection of communicating openings which differ from those listed below, proposals for the use of alternate materials, designs, or methods of construction may be submitted for review in the same manner as for this Local Equivalency. The Department of Building Inspection may require that additional substantiation be provided supporting any claims made for such proposals.

Procedures for Application of Local Equivalencies

Project sponsors wishing to apply Local Equivalencies must fill out and submit the Request for Approval of Local Equivalencies form (Attachment A). Fees to be paid and scheduling of review of requests are as noted on that form. Following the Department of Building Inspection review and, when appropriate, the San Francisco Fire Department review, each request will either be approved, approved with conditions, disapproved, or placed on “Hold” pending submittal of additional information.

Determinations of the staff of the Department of Building Inspection regarding local equivalencies may be administratively brought for further review to the Deputy Director and the Director of the Department of Building Inspection. Determinations of the Director may be appealed to the Building Inspection Commission or to other designated appeals bodies.

Further details of procedures for the review of local equivalencies may be found in AB-005, Procedures for Approval of Local Equivalencies.

Conditions of Local Equivalency

Communicating openings between new or existing buildings located on real or assumed property lines where such openings are closer to property lines than permitted under SFBC Section 705.8 and Table 705.8 may be permitted on a case-by-case basis when the following provisions or other approved equivalent provisions are met and the project sponsor provides documentation of the practical difficulties involved in carrying out the provisions of the regular code.

The standard provisions for this local equivalency include:

1. The total width of all communicating openings in a building wall shall not exceed 25 percent of the length of the wall at the floor where the openings occur. A single opening shall not exceed 120 square feet. Multiple openings are permitted.

2. Communicating openings in each building shall be protected by approved and listed automatic-closing fire assemblies having fire protection ratings of at least that required for the exterior wall of the building per Tables 601 and 705 .5, or for any occupancy separation required between adjoining occupancies in the separate buildings as prescribed in Table 508.4, whichever results in a greater fire-resistive rating. In no case shall the opening protection be less than one-hour. Such fire assemblies shall close in the event of heat or smoke detected on either side of the communicating opening and shall cause a local fire alarm to sound upon closing.

3. All vertical shafts and stairways in each building having communicating openings shall be enclosed on the floor or floors where such communicating openings occur, and on the floors immediately above and below where such communicating openings occur. Enclosures shall be in accordance with SFBC Table 601 and SFBC Section 716 . Openings into such shaft and stairway enclosures shall comply with SFBC Sections 713 and 1023 .

4. The total combined floor area for floor connected by communicating openings shall the basis for determination of fire sprinkler requirements in accordance with SFBC Section 903.2.

5. A communicating opening shall not adversely affect the lateral force resisting capability of either building and shall not cause the transfer of lateral forces between buildings. Calculations and details substantiating this shall be provided.

6. Fire protection assemblies in communicating openings shall be designed, insofar as practical, to resist blockage and jamming in the case of seismic

events.

7. Communicating openings shall not be used as required exits.

8. Sprinklers for exposure protection of the openings shall be installed within 18 inches of the openings in each building. The heads shall be of ordinary temperature, quick-response type and be spaced at six feet on center or at the manufacturer’s recommended minimum spacing, whichever provides the closer spacing.

9. The owner of each building having a communicating opening shall provide a recorded statement that such opening(s) will be closed or protected with approved fire-resistive wall construction in the event that either building is altered in such a manner that the communicating openings no longer comply with the provisions of this Administrative Bulletin. A copy of a Declaration of Use Limitation (Attachment B) shall be submitted to the plan reviewer prior to completion of Department of Building inspection plan review.

A permit application and related submittal documents shall detail all construction which is approved as a result of this request for local equivalency. No work to create a communicating opening between buildings shall be done prior to approval of such permit application and issuance of a permit.

Originally signed by:

Frank Y. Chiu, Director

October 3, 2002

Gary Massetani, Fire Marshal

October 9, 2002

Approved by the Building Inspection Commission on September 18, 2002

Attachment A: Request for Approval of Local Equivalency

A tt achment B: Assessor/Recorder’s Office Document - “Declaration of Use Limitation”

AB-013 A lication of Disabled Access Provisions to Historic Buildin s pp g

NO. AB-013 :

DATE : September 18, 2002 [Updated 1/1/2023 for code references.]

SUBJECT : Disabled Access

TITLE : Application of Disabled Access Provisions to Historic Buildings

PURPOSE :

REFERENCES :

To establish policies and procedures for the application of the alternate provisions to the California Historical Building Code and to define appeal procedures from administrative decisions.

Current edition of the California Historical Building Code, California Code of Regulations, Title 24, Part 8 Current edition of the San Francisco Building Code DBI Administrative Bulletin AB-028, Pre-application and Pre- addendum Plan Review Procedures

The intent of this bulletin is to establish procedures to allow project sponsors for qualified historic buildings and properties to request alternatives to the regular

DISCUSSION :

disabled access regulations through the application of the provisions of the State Historical Building Code. Materials related to the application of alternative provisions must be provided by the project sponsor to the Department of Building Inspection for review of each specific request to apply the State Historical Building Code. Included must be complete documentation citing the appropriate code sections and providing the following information:

• Documentation that the building or property is a qualified historical building or property within the terms and definitions of the State Historical Building Code. Such qualification is to be in accordance with the policies and procedures developed by the Department of Building Inspection and the Planning Department.

• Information indicating how strict compliance with the disabled access provisions of the San Francisco Building Code would threaten or destroy the historic significance or character defining features of the building or property. Each specific item for which an exception is requested must be specifically identified and justified.

• A clear statement of each of the alternative(s) to be applied from the list of the State Historical Building Code, Sections 8-602 and 8-603. Note that the alternative provisions listed in the State Historical Building Code are not a comprehensive listing of all possible alternatives. The appellant may identify other reasonably equivalent alternatives to the regular code which would result in access to and use by persons with disabilities.

• Plans, photographs and other visual documentation for inclusion into the file so that the conditions are clearly understandable by reviewers.

The prevailing San Francisco Building Code provisions for disabled access apply to all buildings regardless of historical status unless it can be demonstrated on a case-by-case basis that compliance with the prevailing code would threaten or destroy the historical significance or character defining features of a building or property.

Procedure for Review

1a. The building permit application and accompanying documentation proposing listed Alternative Provisions or equivalent facilitation shall be routed to Plan Review Services Divisions for review to determine if standard administrative approval of an unreasonable hardship request can be granted.

1b. Alternatively, a pre-application plan review meeting may be requested prior to permit submittal by the project sponsor to determine the applicability of Alternative Provisions or equivalent facilitation under the State Historical Building Code.

2. If standard administrative approval cannot be granted, the request for approval of the proposed Alternative Provisions or equivalent facilitation, along with accompanying supporting documentation, should be sent to Plan Review Services Division Manager for review.

For those items which are not specifically listed as Alternative Provisions under Sections 8-602 and 8-603, documentation to be provided by the project sponsor to the Department of Building Inspection, Plan Review Services shall contain written documentation including the opinions and comments of representative local groups of persons with disabilities, persons knowledgeable about historic preservation, and other qualified individuals regarding the issue in question. Alternatively, or to supplement such comments, the Department of Building Inspection may hold its own public review with other representative persons with disabilities, in addition to other qualified persons, should it choose to do so. Any person who meets the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) definition of “disabled” may be represented for these purposes.

[Note: Under the ADA, an individual with a disability is a person who has a physical or mental impairment which substantially limits one or more of the person’s major life activities; has a record of such an impairment; or is regarded as having such an impairment.]

Based on the information submitted, as well as other information available to the Department of Building Inspection from the Planning Department and other resources, an administrative decision will be issued by DBI approving or denying the request, or a request for additional information will be made within a reasonable period of time.

3. A disagreement with the decision of Department of Building Inspection staff may, on request, be reviewed through the supervisory chain, to the Director of the Department of Building Inspection. A project sponsor wishing to appeal the administrative decision of the Department of Building Inspection staff and Director may appeal to the Access Appeals Commission (AAC).

4. The appellant may appeal the decision of the AAC to the State Historical Building Safety Board. The subject of the appeal must first be determined by the State Historical Building Safety Board to be of statewide significance. This final administrative appeal is available to confirm that the local agency has rendered a decision which is consistent with statewide interpretations of the disabled access codes and the State Historical Building Code.

Originally Signed By:

Frank Y. Chiu, Director

October 3, 2002

A p proved by the Building Inspection Commission on September 18, 2002

AB-015 Allowable Tem orar Interru tions to Disabled Access p y p

NO. AB-015 :

DATE : September 16, 1998 (Updated 1/1/2023 for code references)

SUBJECT : Disabled Access

TITLE : Allowable Temporary Interruptions to Disabled Access

PURPOSE :

REFERENCE :

DISCUSSION :

The purpose of this bulletin is to establish guidelines for approval of conditions which might pose temporary interruptions in disabled access to certain areas in new or existing buildings. This bulletin further defines required maintenance of disabled access features.

Current edition of the San Francisco Building Code

• Section 1.1.7, Order of precedence and use
• Section 1.9.1, Division of the State Architect - Access Compliance
• Section 11B-108, Maintenance of Accessible Features

It is the intent of this bulletin to identify specific conditions which might permit temporary, isolated interruptions in disabled access due to maintenance and repair and in testing or emergency conditions. Such permissible interruptions in access do not supersede requirements for the installation and maintenance in good working order of features and devices necessary to provide access to persons with disabilities.

Certain construction and features which typically comply with all access requirements may result in decreased access when testing or emergency conditions arise or when normal or unanticipated maintenance is required. Typical of these conditions is fire doors which are on magnetic, smokedetector-actuated hold-opens which close upon testing of fire alarm systems or the operation of emergency systems. It is the intent of this bulletin to permit the use of devices which provide normal accessible features without requiring full access under emergency conditions.

Where the following specific conditions are met, the Department of Building Inspection will allow routine approval of normally accessible features with the understanding that in times of emergency or isolated temporary interruption such features may not provide full compliance with all access regulations.

Specific allowable temporary interruptions in access include but are not limited to the following features and conditions, which may be incorporated into the design of buildings and facilities:

1. Elevator lobby smoke doors and corridor, lobby, and other doors on permanently-installed “hold-open” devices when, during activation due to testing, service, or emergency, such doors do not provide full strike-side clearances.

2. During the normal maintenance or repair of accessible features as required by the San Francisco Building and Housing Codes. If access is to be interrupted for an extended period of time, the length of interruption shall be posted and, where possible, alternative means of access shall be provided.

The Department of Building Inspection may administratively grant unreasonable hardship requests for permanent construction that might limit access to persons with disabilities during such periods as described. Project applicant should submit the necessary Unreasonable Hardship Form and indicate the specific nature of the request for review by the Department of Building Inspection.

Originally Signed By:

Frank Y. Chiu, Director

November 12, 1998

A p proved by the Building Inspection Commission on September 16, 1998

AB-017 Exce tion to Re uirements for Disabled Access to Vacant S aces p q p

NO. AB-017 :

DATE : September 16, 1998 (1/1/2023 for code references)

SUBJECT : Disabled Access

TITLE : Exception to Requirements for Disabled Access to Vacant Spaces

The purpose of this bulletin is to establish guidelines for provision of accessibility to PURPOSE : vacant and to subsequently occupied or re-occupied spaces or buildings.

REFERENCE :

DISCUSSION :

Current edition of the San Francisco Building Code

• Section 1.9.1, Division of the State Architect - Access Compliance
• Section 103A, Violations

The Department of Building Inspection (DBI) through this bulletin intends to assure the compliance with requirements for accessibility to spaces used and occupied by persons with disabilities and other persons, while affirming that buildings or portions of buildings which are not occupied for any use or purpose do not require access. This bulletin further addresses issues of accessibility upon re-occupancy of buildings where existing violations have been cited by DBI, and confirms that access requirements must be met before either temporary or permanent occupancy.

In order to avoid the costly provision of disabled access features for spaces where tenant improvements have not yet been fully incorporated for future use, or where the temporary solution to disabled access complaints may be to vacate a non-complying space, the Department of Building Inspection acknowledges that there are no requirements to provide disabled access to such vacant space. When vacant spaces become occupied or re-occupied, all disabled access features must be provided as required under the San Francisco Building Code. New buildings, particularly those core-and-shell buildings where tenant spaces have not yet been occupied, may be granted exceptions from some specific interior access requirements but must meet all basic site access requirements so that construction does not preclude subsequent access compliance. Buildings actively under construction or renovation which are not occupied for other purposes also need not be provided with disabled access features.

buildings where tenant spaces have not yet been occupied, may be granted exceptions from some specific interior access requirements but must meet all basic site access requirements so that construction does not preclude subsequent access compliance. Buildings actively under construction or renovation which are not occupied for other purposes also need not be provided with disabled access features.

Where a vacant building or space is subject to a complaint or abatement action for failure to provide required disabled access features, such access features need not be provided until the space is reoccupied. Prior to reoccupancy, a building permit is required to correct accessibility violations, even if no other tenant improvement or other construction work is contemplated. It is the responsibility of the owner to provide no less than quarterly updates to the Department of Building Inspection regarding the status of vacant buildings upon which complaints are outstanding. Such reports shall be provided to the Disabled Access Division of the Department of Building Inspection and signed by the owner or their representative.

Note that the San Francisco Building Code specifically requires access to temporary and emergency buildings and facilities. Any use of otherwise vacant spaces, such as temporary office space or other special use, requires compliance with disabled access regulations per San Francisco Building Code Section 1.9. Temporary uses may be provided with temporary disabled access features with the approval the Department of Building Inspection (i.e., temporary accessible toilet facilities).

Originally Signed By:

Frank Y. Chiu, Director

November 12, 1998

A p proved by the Building Inspection Commission on September 16, 1998

AB-018 Local Equivalency for Approval of Emergency Escape or Rescue Windows at Courts and Light Wells

NO. AB-018 :

DATE : September 18, 2002 (Updated 1/1/2023 for code references)

SUBJECT : Fire and Life Safety

Local Equivalency for Approval of Emergency Escape and Rescue Openings at TITLE : Courts and Light Wells

PURPOSE : The purpose of this Administrative Bulletin is to provide standards and procedures for the application and case-by-case review of requests for local equivalency to allow access to or exit from emergency escape and rescue openings into enclosed courts or lightwells where such means of escape or rescue do not strictly comply with the

REFERENCES :

DISCUSSION :

provisions of the latest edition of the San Francisco Building Code (SFBC) regarding emergency escape and rescue openings. This bulletin permits the continuing application of code provisions of former editions of the SFBC regarding emergency escape and rescue openings. Requests for approval of local equivalency of emergency escape and rescue openings that open into courts or lightwells will be considered on a case-by-case basis when reasonable equivalency is proposed.

C) regarding emergency escape and rescue openings. This bulletin permits the continuing application of code provisions of former editions of the SFBC regarding emergency escape and rescue openings. Requests for approval of local equivalency of emergency escape and rescue openings that open into courts or lightwells will be considered on a case-by-case basis when reasonable equivalency is proposed.

Current edition of the San Francisco Building Code

• Section 104A.2.7, Modifications.
• Section 104A.2.8, Alternate Materials, design, and methods of construction.
• Section 1031, Emergency Escape and Rescue. DBI Administrative Bulletin AB-005, Procedures for Approval of Local Equivalencies DBI Administrative Bulletin AB-019, Local Equivalency for Approval of Fire Escapes as a Required Means of Egress

Project sponsors may request the application of this local equivalency allowing emergency escape or rescue openings to open into a court or lightwell without strict compliance with the provisions of SFBC Section 1031 when it can be demonstrated on a case-by-case basis that there are practical difficulties in meeting the provisions of the SFBC, that the modification is in conformance with the intent and purpose of the SFBC, and that reasonable equivalency is provided in fire-protection and structural integrity.

Such proposed modification may be approved by the Department if it conforms with the below-listed standard provisions. The Department of Building Inspection (DBI) and other City departments may impose additional requirements, in addition to those listed below, in the approval of any request for a code modification or alternate based upon individual building and property conditions. The San Francisco Fire Department may also review such case-by-case requests.

If a project sponsor wishes to propose emergency escape and rescue openings that open into courts or lightwells which differ from those listed below, proposals for the use of alternate materials, designs, or methods of construction may be submitted for review in the same manner as for this Local Equivalency. The Department of Building Inspection may require that additional substantiation be provided supporting any claims made for such proposals.

Procedure for Application of Local Equivalencies

Project sponsors wishing to apply local equivalencies must fill out and submit the Request for Approval of Local Equivalency form (Attachment A). Fees to be paid and scheduling of review of requests are as noted on that form. Following DBI review, each request will either be approved, approved with conditions, disapproved, or placed on “Hold” pending submittal of additional information.

Further details of procedures for the review of local equivalencies and appeal of departmental determinations may be found in Administrative Bulletin AB-005, Procedures for Approval of Local Equivalencies.

Conditions of Local Equivalency

Emergency escape and rescue openings that open into courts or lightwells without direct access to a yard or public way may be permitted on a caseby-case basis when the following provisions or approved equivalent provisions are met and the project sponsor provides documentation of the practical difficulties involved in carrying out the provisions of the regular code.

The standard provisions for this local equivalency include:

1. The building in which the emergency escape and rescue openings are proposed shall not exceed four (4) stories in height.

2. Emergency escape and rescue openings shall have access to a stairway, a fire escape or a permanently affixed balcony and ladder leading to a roof having a slope of not more than 4:12. Fire escape, balcony and ladder construction shall comply with Administrative Bulletin AB-019, Local Equivalency for Approval of Fire Escapes as a Required Means of Egress. Such stairway, fire escape or balcony and ladder shall have at least 50% net open area to allow the penetration of required light and ventilation.

3. A level path of travel shall be provided on the roof to a stairway enclosure or to another approved exit. Such path of travel shall be not less than three (3) feet in width.

4. Roofs used as part of the path of travel shall be at least one hour fire-rated.

5. The building shall be fire sprinklered per applicable standards.

6. A permit application and related submittal documents shall detail all construction which is approved as a result of this request for local equivalency.

Originally Signed By:

Frank Y. Chiu, Director

October 3, 2002

Gary Massetani, Fire Marshal

October 9, 2002

Approved by the Building Inspection Commission on September 18, 2002

A tt achment A: Request for Approval of Local Equivalency

AB-019 Local Equivalency for Approval of Fire Escapes as a Required Means of Egress

NO. AB-019 :

DATE : September 18, 2002 (Updated 1/1/2023 for code references.)

SUBJECT : Fire and Life Safety

TITLE : Local Equivalency for Approval of Fire Escapes as a Required Means of Egress

PURPOSE :

REFERENCES :

DISCUSSION :

The purpose of this Administrative Bulletin is to provide standards and procedures for the application and case-by-case review of requests for a modification based on a local equivalency to allow fire escapes to serve as required means of egress where such means of egress do not strictly comply with the provisions of Chapter 10 of the latest edition of the San Francisco Building Code (SFBC). This bulletin permits the continuing application of code provisions of former editions of the SFBC allowing fire escapes to be used as required means of egress. Requests for approval of fire escapes will be considered on a case-by-case basis when reasonable equivalency is proposed.

ot strictly comply with the provisions of Chapter 10 of the latest edition of the San Francisco Building Code (SFBC). This bulletin permits the continuing application of code provisions of former editions of the SFBC allowing fire escapes to be used as required means of egress. Requests for approval of fire escapes will be considered on a case-by-case basis when reasonable equivalency is proposed.

Current edition of the San Francisco Building Code

• Section 104A.2.7, Modifications
• Section 104A.2.8, Alternate materials, design, and methods of construction
• Chapter 10, Means of Egress DBI Administrative Bulletin AB-005, Procedures for Approval of Local Equivalencies

Project sponsors may request the application of this local equivalency allowing fire escapes when such means of egress do not meet the specific provisions of SFBC Chapter 10, Means of Egress, when it can be demonstrated on a case-by-case basis that there are practical difficulties in meeting the provisions of the SFBC, that the modification is in conformance with the intent and purpose of the SFBC, and that reasonable equivalency is provided in fire-protection and structural integrity.

Such proposed modification may be approved by the Department of Building Inspection (DBI) and the Fire Department if it conforms with the below listed standard provisions. The Department of Building Inspection and other City departments may impose additional requirements, in addition to those listed below, in the approval of any request for a code modification or alternate based upon individual building and property conditions. The Planning Department and other agencies may also review such case-by-case requests.

If a project sponsor wishes to propose fire escapes or other means of egress that differ from those listed below, proposals for the use of alternate materials, designs, or methods of construction may be submitted for review in the same manner as for this Local Equivalency. The Department of Building Inspection may require that additional substantiation be provided supporting any claims made for such proposals.

Procedure for Application of Local Equivalencies

Project sponsors wishing to apply local equivalencies must fill out and submit the Request for Approval of Local Equivalency form (Attachment A). Fees to be paid and scheduling of review of requests are as noted on that form. Following DBI review, each request will either be approved, approved with conditions, disapproved, or placed on “Hold” pending submittal of additional information.

Further details of procedures for the review of local equivalencies and appeal of departmental determinations may be found in Administrative Bulletin AB-005, Procedures for Approval of Local Equivalencies.

Conditions of Local Equivalency

Fire escapes as means of required egress may be permitted on a case-by-case basis when the following provisions or approved equivalent provisions are met and the permit applicant provides documentation of the practical difficulties involved in carrying out the provisions of the regular code.

For the local equivalency of fire escapes, code requirements for stairways may be met by fire escapes conforming to the requirements detailed below. This local equivalency shall not apply to new buildings which are under the jurisdiction of the San Francisco Fire Department.

The standard provisions for this local equivalency include:

1.0. A fire escape may be installed to serve as one of the required means of egress for existing buildings of Groups B, F-1, M, R-1, R-2, R-3, S-1, and S-2 Occupancies when all of the following conditions are met:

1.1. The building may not exceed four stories in height; and

1.2 The building has only one street frontage, and such street front is not more than 37 1/2 feet in width. A Group R building may have a second frontage, provided neither frontage exceeds 37 1/2 feet in width; and

1.3 The total occupant load above the first floor does not exceed 50. Occupant load calculations shall be provided with submittal documents.

2.0. Newly installed fire escapes for existing buildings shall conform to the following requirements:

2.1 General. All fire escapes shall have an access to the roof, an inclined ladder connecting all balconies, and an approved means of access to the ground.

2.2 Design. For design loads for fire escapes, see San Francisco Building Code, Tables 1607.1, Minimum Uniformly Distributed Live Loads, L0, and Minimum Concentrated Live Loads, and 1607.9, Loads on handrails, guards, grab bars, shower seats, dressing room bench and seats.

2.2.1 Each fire escape balcony shall be supported independently and shall be designed to carry all dead and live loads of the balcony, ladders or stairs supported by it.

2.2.2 In wood or light steel framed buildings, adequate provisions shall be made for carrying the load to the building frame. Bolting to blocking between studs or joists is not permitted.

2.3 Construction. Fire escapes shall be constructed entirely of hot-dipped galvanized steel or reinforced concrete. All welding, drilling, punching and riveting of the assemblies shall be done before galvanizing.

2.3.1 Screws and lag screws shall not be used in construction and erection of fire escapes.

2.3.2 Unless otherwise approved, slotted holes are allowed only for connecting balcony handrails to buildings. Length of slotted holes shall not exceed 2.5 times the bolt diameter.

2.4 Openings. In buildings with fire-resistive exterior walls, where fire escapes are permitted, access openings to such fire escapes shall be protected by an approved self-closing 3/4-hour fire-resistive assembly.

2.5 Access to fire escapes.

2.5.1 Access shall be from a public hallway or corridor except for R-3 occupancies where access to a fire escape may be from a room.

2.5.2 The opening to the fire escape shall be of a size as to permit the installation of a door not less than 3 feet in width and not less than 6 feet 8 inches in height; the door shall be equipped with panic hardware and open outward.

EXCEPTION: In buildings housing Group R Occupancies, where access to the fire escape balcony is from a single apartment or room, access may be provided by a window which, when open, provides clear dimensions of not less than 29 inches in width and not less than 59 inches in height. The sill of such window opening shall be not more than 24 inches above the floor.

2.5.3 Exit doors and windows shall be openable from the inside without the use of a key or any special knowledge or effort.

2.5.4 Manually operated edge- or surface-mounted flush bolts and surface bolts are prohibited.

2.5.5 No sash, shutter, door or window shall be so fitted into the wall that its operation will reduce the required effective width or the required vertical clearance of landing runway, platform, ladder or stairs of a fire escape.

2.5.6 In existing buildings, door openings to fire escapes shall be cut as near to the floor level as structural conditions will permit.

2.6 Height and Clearance of Fire Escapes.

2.6.1 There shall be a vertical clearance of not less than 10 feet underneath any fire escape balcony overhanging an area accessible to the public. This requirement shall apply to both fixed and movable sections.

2.6.2 No part of a fire escape shall be less than 14 feet above a sidewalk, roadway, or public easement used as a roadway when any part of the fire escape overhangs the roadway or is within 2 feet of the outer edge of the sidewalk or curb.

2.6.3 Fire escapes, when installed over streets or alleys, may project beyond the property line not more than 54 inches.

2.7 Ladder or Stair to Ground. All fire escapes shall continue to the ground level. All fire escapes shall lead to exit courts, passageways or other means of egress which open to streets or alleys.

Courts and passageways into which fire escapes lead shall be kept clear of obstructions at all times. Means of reaching the ground level from the lowest balcony of the fire escape shall be provided by one of the following methods:

2.7.1 A permanent inclined ladder or stair is required between balconies.

2.7.2 A swinging counter-balanced inclined stair or ladder constructed as required herein. Each such stair or ladder shall be counter-balanced about a pivot by the use of weights securely fixed to a lever arm. The arrangement of the swing section, pivot and counterweights shall be such that:

2.7.2.1 A live load weight of 150 pounds, placed one step from the pivot, will not start the section downward.

2.7.2.2 A live load weight of 150 pounds, placed one-fourth of the length of the swing section from the pivot, will positively cause it to swing down to grade.

2.7.3 Each such stair or ladder shall have unobstructed width at least equal to the unobstructed width of the stationary ladder or stairs above it. Its enclosure and railings shall be so arranged as to make remote as possible any probability of injury to persons at its head or on the landing or platform adjacent thereto when the section swings downward.

2.7.4 All ladders or stairs shall be provided with substantial handrail supported with intermediate posts spaced as required.

2.7.5 The clearance between parts of the ladder or stair where the hands might be caught shall be at least 4 inches. Approved “KEEP CLEAR” signs shall be provided in buildings below fire escapes.

2.7.6 Permanent inclined ladders, swinging counter-balanced inclined ladders, stairs, or other devices when installed on any fire escape balcony, shall not be installed as to obstruct doorways, passageways, or other exits or means of egress. The terminal portion of such ladders or stairs shall end on a level surface of a size equivalent to a stair landing.

2.7.7 The above ladders, stairs or devices shall not be installed so as to interfere with the use of dry standpipes, sprinkler inlet connections, flush valves for refrigerants or any other similar devices.

2.8 Access to Roof. The fire escape shall extend to the roof of buildings having roofs with a slope of less than 4 in 12.

EXCEPTION: Group R Occupancies when serving only one dwelling unit.

2.8.1 A gooseneck ladder not exceeding 12 feet in height shall extend vertically from the balcony to and above the roof of the building. The sides of the ladder shall extend 3 feet above the fire wall or roof and shall be returned and connected to the roof behind the parapet or edge of roof.

2.8.2 The gooseneck ladder shall be securely braced and fastened to the outside wall and to the top of the parapet or roof. It shall not be placed in front of any opening in the wall of the building and shall have at least 8 inches’ clearance from the wall.

2.8.3 Openings in architectural projections, such as cornices, etc., for the passage of fire escape ladders shall be not less than 24 inches in width and 40 inches at right angles to the ladder.

2.9 Balcony Requirements.

2.9.1 Fire escape balcony platforms shall be not more than 8 inches below the door sill or 18 inches below the windowsill giving access to the fire

escape.

2.9.2 Every fire escape balcony shall be not less than 44 inches in width and not less than 10 feet in length inclusive of railings.

EXCEPTIONS:

1. On existing buildings where the existing construction will not permit a balcony 10 feet in length, special balconies may be installed subject to the approval of the Director.

2. Balconies of 30 inches by 60 inches may be permitted when serving emergency escape or rescue windows or when serving ladders to the roof.

2.9.3 Ladder or stair openings in standard fire escape balcony floors shall be not less than 22 inches by 48 inches, and shall be at least 20 inches from the end railings.

2.9.4 A passageway not less than 20 inches wide shall be provided next to the building.

2.9.5 The height of balcony balustrades shall conform to Section 1015.3.

2.9.6 The area between the top rail and the floor of the balcony shall be protected by balusters, gratings, grills, solid panels or some similar noncombustible filling, except that material of less than 12 gauge expanded metal or wire mesh shall not be used.

2.9.7 Balusters, gratings, grills, and approved panels or fillings shall meet design load requirements. The balusters and intermediate rails shall be placed so that a 4-inch diameter ball cannot pass through the balustrade.

2.10 Ladder Requirements.

2.10.1 Where ladders are permitted they shall be not less than 18 inches wide, and the distance between rungs shall be not more than 12 inches.

2.10.2 Ladders between landings shall be not less than 18 inches in width.

2.10.3 No vertical ladder shall be less than 8 inches from the wall of the building.

2.10.4 No part of any inclined ladder shall be less than 21 inches from the building.

2.10.5 Ladders shall have an inclination of not less than 4 inches measured horizontally to each 12 inches of vertical height, except for new fire escapes serving R-1 and R-2 Occupancies, the inclination shall be no greater than 60 degrees from horizontal.

2.10.6 Treads shall be at least 4 inches in width and not more than 12 inches apart.

2.10.7 Treads shall be checkered plate, carborundum impregnated steel or other nonslip material, except that treads on existing fire escapes may be replaced in kind.

2.11.1 Balconies and Platforms. Platform grating bars for all balconies shall be not less than 1 1/2 × 5/16 inch and shall be placed not more than 1 inch apart. Grating bars shall be tied together with at least two intermediate crossbars, not less than 1 1/2 × 3/8 inch in cross section. Grating bars on platforms shall be placed flat and shall be securely bolted to the supporting members with ½-inch diameter galvanized machine bolts.

2.11.1.1 The outside frames carrying the gratings shall be not less than 2 × 2 × 1/4 inch angles which shall extend all around the platform and be securely bolted to the channel iron outriggers or bearing beams with not less than 1/2-inch diameter galvanized machine bolts.

2.11.1.2 The top rail of all balconies shall be not less than 2 inches by 3/8 inch. Splices are not permitted in rails unless approved by the Director. At outside corners, the intersection of top rails shall be made with a 2-inch minimum radius curve by grinding or other means.

2.11.1.3 In platforms more than 10 feet in length, the rails shall be reinforced with intermediate brackets.

2.11.1.4 The horizontal rails shall be connected by means of a 6-inch channel or 3/8-inch hot bent plate, at the building, and anchored into same with 5/8-inch diameter galvanized through-bolts with the nuts on the outside of the wall.

2.11.1.5 The balusters, where used, shall be not less than 3/4 × 1/4 inch in cross-section.

2.11.1.6 The finish on the balconies shall not extend outside the rail.

2.11.2 Balcony Supports.

2.11.2.1 Masonry Buildings.

2.11.2.1.1 Cantilever supports for masonry buildings shall be spaced not more than 5 feet apart.

2.11.2.1.2 Cantilevers carrying the ends of balconies shall be of not less than 4 C 5.4 channels, and the intermediate cantilevers shall be not less than 4 I 7.7 beams.

2.11.2.1.3 Unless otherwise approved by the Director, all cantilevers shall go through the wall and have two 3 × 3 × 1/4 inch angle clips at the inside line of wall, and the allowable compression stresses of the masonry shall not be exceeded.

2.11.2.1.4 Cantilevers may be bolted or welded to the steel frame of the building.

2.11.2.2 Wood Frame Buildings.

2.11.2.2.1 Bracket supports for wood frame buildings shall be spaced not more than 5 feet apart.

2.11.2.2.2 The horizontal members shall be installed with a minimum pitch of ¼ inch per foot away from the building.

2.11.2.2.3 Penetrations through weather-resistive barriers shall be thoroughly flashed and sealed.

2.11.2.2.4 The horizontal member of the intermediate brackets shall be not less than 5 C 6.7 channel placed flat, or 2 1/2 × 2 1/2 × 1/4 inch angle, and the diagonal strut shall be not less than 2 1/2 × 2 1/2 × 1/4 inch angle. The end brackets may be constructed from 3 C 4.1 channel for the horizontal member and 2 1/2 × 2 × 1/4 inch angle for the diagonal.

2.11.2.2.5 The connecting angle for the horizontal member on all brackets to the building shall not be less than 4 x 4 x 3/8 inch angle with 7/8-inch diameter galvanized bolts through the outer wall to heavy timber beams or joists of balconies.

2.11.2.2.6 The diagonal strut shall be secured to the building with 5/8-inch diameter galvanized bolts.

2.11.2.2.7 All bolts extending through the wall of heavy timber beams or joists shall have washers at the outside of the wall and shall be placed so that the thread and nuts will show on the outside face of the wall.

2.11.2.2.8 Penetrations through weather-resistive barriers shall be thoroughly flashed and sealed.

2.11.2.2.9 All studs receiving the brackets shall be not less than 4 inches by 4 inches nominal size.

2.11.2.2.10 Alternative support methods may be used, provided the design is in accordance with other design provisions of this code.

2.11.3 Inclined ladders.

2.11.3.1 Inclined ladder stringers and treads shall be not less than 4 × 1/4 inch plates.

2.11.3.2 Treads shall be riveted or welded to stringers. A continuous fillet weld on all sides and edges of the treads shall be provided when welding is used.

2.11.3.3 All inclined ladders shall be provided with substantial railings of not less than 15/16 inches outside diameter galvanized pipe, supported by not less than 1 1/4 x 1/4 inch intermediate standards spaced as required and adequately bolted to the ladder rails.

2.11.4 Vertical Ladders.

2.11.4.1 Ladders shall be constructed with not less than 2 1/2 × 3/8 inch side rails with a maximum space of 8 feet and with 3/4-inch diameter rungs placed 12 inches apart.

2.11.4.2 Where vertical ladders join they shall be connected with not less than four 1/2-inch diameter galvanized machine bolts on each side.

2.11.4.3 Square corners will not be permitted on roof ladders. All roof ladder railings extending above and over the parapet wall or roof shall be rounded to a radius of not less than 3 inches.

2.12 Exit Lighting. Exterior illumination of one foot-candle (10.76 lx) of lighting to shall be provided in accordance with Section 1008 on the walking surface of the fire escape.

3.0. Any fire escape shall lead to a complying means of egress.

4.0. A permit application and related submittal documents shall detail all construction which is approved as a result of this request for local equivalency. No work to install fire escapes as a required means of egress on existing buildings shall be done prior to approval of such permit application and issuance of a permit.

Originally Signed By:

Frank Y. Chiu, Director

October 3, 2002

Gary Massetani, Fire Marshal

October 9, 2002

Approved by the Building Inspection Commission on September 18, 2002

A tt achment A: Request for Approval of Local Equivalency

AB-020 Local Equivalency for Exiting Through a Garage Area for Type V, Group R Buildings

NO. AB-020 :

DATE : September 18, 2002 (Updated 1/1/2023 for code references)

SUBJECT : Fire and Life Safety

Local Equivalency for Exiting Through a Garage Area for Type V, Group R TITLE : Buildings

PURPOSE :

REFERENCES :

DISCUSSION :

The purpose of this Administrative Bulletin is to provide standards and procedures for the application and case-by-case review of requests for a Local Equivalency to allow exiting from a rear yard through garages in Type V [wood frame], Group R Occupancies when such paths of exit travel do not strictly comply with the provisions of the latest edition of the San Francisco Building Code (SFBC). This bulletin permits the continuing application of code provisions of former editions of the SFBC regarding exiting through Group R garages. Requests for approval of alternate path of exit travel will be considered on a case-by-case basis when reasonable equivalency is proposed.

Current edition of the San Francisco Building Code

• Section 104A.2.7, Modifications.
• Section 104A.2.8, Alternate materials, design, and methods of construction.
• Chapter 10, Means of Egress. DBI Administrative Bulletin AB-005, Procedures for Approval of Local Equivalencies

Project sponsors may request the application of this Local Equivalency allowing exiting through a garage without strict compliance with the provisions of SFBC Chapter 10 when it can be demonstrated on a case-by-case basis that there are practical difficulties in meeting the provisions of the SFBC, that the modification is in conformance with the intent and purpose of the SFBC, and that reasonable equivalency is provided in fire-protection and structural integrity.

Such proposed modification may be approved by the Department if it conforms with the below listed standard provisions. The Department of Building Inspection and other City departments may impose additional requirements, in addition to those listed below, in the approval of any request for a code modification or alternate based upon individual building and property conditions. The San Francisco Fire Department may also review such case-bycase requests.

tment if it conforms with the below listed standard provisions. The Department of Building Inspection and other City departments may impose additional requirements, in addition to those listed below, in the approval of any request for a code modification or alternate based upon individual building and property conditions. The San Francisco Fire Department may also review such case-bycase requests.

If a project sponsor wishes to propose means of egress which differ from those listed below, proposals for the use of alternate materials, designs, or methods of construction may be submitted for review in the same manner as for this Local Equivalency. The Department of Building Inspection may require that additional substantiation be provided supporting any claims made for such proposals.

Procedure for Application of Local Equivalencies

Project sponsors wishing to apply local equivalencies must fill out and submit the Request for Approval of Local Equivalency Form. Fees to be paid and scheduling of review are as noted on that form. Following DBI review, each request will be approved, approved with conditions, disapproved, or placed on “Hold” pending submittal of additional information.

Further details of procedures for the review of local equivalencies and appeal of departmental determinations may be found in Administrative Bulletin AB-005, Procedures for Approval of Local Equivalencies.

Conditions of Local Equivalency

A required exit access from dwelling units in a Type V, Group R occupancy may be permitted to use a garage as part of the exit access on a case-bycase basis when all of the following provisions or other approved equivalent provisions are met and when the project sponsor provides documentation of the practical difficulties involved in carrying out the provisions of the regular code.

The standard provisions of Local Equivalency include:

1. The entire garage area and any covered driveway area shall be provided with ordinary-temperature, quick-response fire sprinklers; and

2. The building has only one street frontage, and such street frontage is not greater than 37-1/2 feet; and

3. The path of exit travel through the garage shall be marked by at least 2 inches wide stripes placed parallel at 24 inches on center in clearly contrasting colors. The marked path shall be at least 10 feet wide, except that portions may be 3 feet wide when used solely for exiting and when separated from any parking area or covered driveway by permanent noncombustible railings or building walls at least 3 feet high. Such railings or building walls shall extend the full length of the pathway on each side, and any railings shall be set in a concrete curb at least 12 inches high and 8 inches thick; and

4. The path of exit travel through the garage shall be posted with a permanent, prominently displayed sign in block letters not less than 3 inches in height reading: “EXIT PATH. DO NOT OBSTRUCT”; and

5. All doorways or openings in the path of exit travel shall be a minimum of three feet wide. Sliding and overhead doors shall not be permitted in buildings under the jurisdiction of the San Francisco Fire Department. In other buildings, sliding and overhead doors shall not be permitted when the occupant load served is greater than ten. Any door installed in the path of exit travel shall meet the requirements of SFBC Section 1010; and

6. The path of exit travel shall be illuminated in accordance with SFBC Section 1008; and

7. A permit application and related submittal documents shall detail all construction which is approved as a result of this request for local equivalency. No work to create a required exit which passes through a garage in a Type V, Group R Occupancy shall be done prior to approval and issuance of such permit application.

Originally Signed By:

Frank Y. Chiu, Director

October 3, 2002

Gary Massetani, Fire Marshal

October 9, 2002

Approved by the Building Inspection Commission on September 18, 2002

A tt achment A: Request for Approval of Local Equivalency

AB-023 Crane Site Safet Plan and Buildin Permits y g

NO. AB-023 :

March 18, 2009 (Updated 1/1/2023 for code references) DATE :

[This bulletin supersedes AB-023, dated September 18, 2002]

SUBJECT : Plan Review; Permit Process

TITLE : Crane Site Safety Plan and Building Permits

PURPOSE :

REFERENCES :

DISCUSSION :

The purpose of this Administrative Bulletin is to detail procedures regarding tower crane safety which comply with the intent of the latest edition of the San Francisco Building Code Section 1705.23. Implementation of the intent of the code requires that a contractor identify the location of proposed crane operations on a Crane Site Safety Plan and agree to comply with all applicable tower crane safety regulations; to require the presence of a safety representative during tower crane erection, jumping, and dismantling, and to prohibit, without prior agreement with the City and County of San Francisco, the controlling contractor and the crane erector, these operations from taking place during high traffic hours; to require employment of a flag-person to redirect traffic when loads are lifted over public streets and walkways during high traffic hours; and to require the review, approval and permitting by the Department of Building Inspection of the structural elements of tower crane foundations and tie-in attachments.

Current edition of the San Francisco Building Code, Section 1705.23 Administrative Bulletin AB-046: Special Inspection and Structural Observation Procedures Title 8, Occupational Safety and Health Regulations (CAL/OSHA), Chapter 4, Subchapter 7: General Industry Safety Orders, Group 13, Article 90-94, Cranes, Hydraulic Cranes and Excavators Title 8, Chapter 4, Subchapter 7: General Industry Safety Orders, Group 13, Article 96, Tower Cranes re: Requirements for erection, dismantling, operation, tests / examination of equipment and accessory gear

edures Title 8, Occupational Safety and Health Regulations (CAL/OSHA), Chapter 4, Subchapter 7: General Industry Safety Orders, Group 13, Article 90-94, Cranes, Hydraulic Cranes and Excavators Title 8, Chapter 4, Subchapter 7: General Industry Safety Orders, Group 13, Article 96, Tower Cranes re: Requirements for erection, dismantling, operation, tests / examination of equipment and accessory gear

Following a tower crane collapse in November 1989, the State of California passed legislation regulating certain tower crane operations. The San Francisco Board of Supervisors approved an ordinance, based on that state legislation that added a section regarding tower crane safety requirements to the San Francisco Building Code (SFBC).

Crane safety remains under the jurisdiction of the California Occupational Safety and Health Administration (Cal/OSHA), which requires an erection permit prior to the construction of foundation, anchorage and the erection of a tower crane. A Cal/OSHA operational permit is also required prior to the crane operation. While the San Francisco Department of Building Inspection (DBI) has no direct authority over, and its employees have no expertise in, the regulation of tower cranes, the following forms and procedures were developed to administer the San Francisco Building Code requirements.

Definitions

For the purposes of this Administrative Bulletin, the following definitions apply:

1. Contractor is the building contractor, licensed by the State of California, responsible for tower crane site safety for the project.

2. High traffic hours means weekdays from 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM, 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM, excluding holidays.

3. Tower crane is a crane in which a boom, swinging (slewing) jib or other structural member is mounted on a vertical mast or tower, and includes the following subcategories as defined by Cal/OSHA General Industry Safety Orders, Article 91, 4885(V)(1- 4):

a. Tower crane (climber) is a crane that may be raised or lowered to different floors or levels of the building or structure, that is erected upon, near to, and/or supported by a building or other structure.

b. Tower crane (free standing) is a crane with a horizontally swinging or luffing boom which may be on a fixed base or mounted on rails and not attached to any other structure.

c. Tower crane (mobile) is a tower crane which is mounted on a crawler, truck or similar carrier for travel or transit.

d. Tower crane (self-erector) is a mobile tower crane that is truck-carrier mounted and capable of self-erection.

4. Jumping (climbing) a crane is the process of increasing or decreasing the height of a tower crane by raising the upper (slewing) section and inserting or removing modular tower sections beneath it.

5. Safety Representative shall mean a safety representative of the crane manufacturer, distributor, or a representative of a licensed crane certifier, per Cal/OSHA requirements.

General Requirements

This Administrative Bulletin shall apply to climber tower cranes and to free standing tower cranes; mobile tower cranes and self-erector tower cranes are exempt from these regulations, but must meet all other Cal/OSHA requirements.

A Crane Site Safety Plan and Building Permit Application (Form 3) for the tower crane foundation and tower crane attachments shall be submitted to the DBI Plan Review Services (PRS) Division for review and approval prior to the erection of any such tower crane or the construction of the tower crane foundation, except that the tower crane foundation, tower crane attachments and crane site safety plan may be part of any structural addendum related to the building construction.

Procedure

For the review and approval of the Crane Site Safety Plan Submittal Form and Crane Safety Compliance Agreement; and for the review, approval, and issuance of a building permit for tower crane foundation and tower crane attachments, the following procedure shall be used:

1. The contractor shall submit to DBI two copies of the following:

• Crane Site Safety Plan Submittal Form and Crane Safety Compliance Agreement (see Attachment A)

• Plans showing street locations, crane location, path of boom swing, designated loading areas and designated staging areas. Note: A site plan showing which streets will be impacted by the moving, erection, and operation of the tower crane is required by DPW in order to obtain a street use permit for crane erection. That site plan can be used as the Crane Site Safety Plan by adding the additional information noted above.

• Completed building permit application form (Form 3) for tower crane foundation and tower crane attachments or other permit (see General Requirements above).

• Plans detailing the tower crane foundation and tower crane attachment details.

• Structural calculations supporting the design shown on the plans.

2. A DBI plans examiner will review the permit submittal documents to determine that all documents comprising the Crane Site Safety Plan Submittal Form and Crane Safety Compliance Agreement are complete.

3. If the tower crane foundation was not included in the approved building permit or an approved addendum to a site permit, then the contractor shall obtain a separate building permit for the tower crane foundation. The contractor shall submit to DBI for review, drawings and calculations for the tower crane foundation prepared by a licensed design professional in the state of California experienced in such design. If the foundation was included in the approved building permit or the approved addendum to a site permit, the Crane Site Safety Plan shall reference such permit.

rmit for the tower crane foundation. The contractor shall submit to DBI for review, drawings and calculations for the tower crane foundation prepared by a licensed design professional in the state of California experienced in such design. If the foundation was included in the approved building permit or the approved addendum to a site permit, the Crane Site Safety Plan shall reference such permit.

4. If the tower crane attachments (tie-ins) are required but not included in the approved building permit or an approved addendum to a site permit, then the contractor shall obtain a separate building permit for the tower crane attachments. The contractor shall submit to DBI for review, drawings and calculations for the tower crane attachments (tie-ins) prepared by a licensed design professional in the State of California experienced in such design. If the tower crane attachments were included in the approved building permit or the approved addendum to a site permit, the Crane Site Safety Plan shall reference such permit.

5. If the submittal documents are in compliance with all applicable codes and this Administrative Bulletin, the plans examiner shall approve both copies of the submitted Crane Site Safety Plan and building permit application documents, where applicable.

6. The contractor shall submit to DBI a copy of a tower crane inspection certificate issued by a Cal/OSHA approved inspection agency following erection of the tower crane and prior to its use. This may be done by mail, fax, or in person. This submittal must indicate the site permit or building permit application number for the project and the building permit application number for the tower crane foundation and tower crane attachment.

7. Special inspection, structural testing, and structural observation requirements, shall be met as required by SFBC and AB-046.

8. All documents submitted to DBI related to the Crane Site Safety Plan and building permit application for tower crane foundation and tower crane attachments shall be archived as part of the approved permit documents.

Signed By: Vivian L. Day, C.B.O.

Director

Department of Building Inspection

Approved by the Building Inspection Commission September 18, 2002.

Revision approved March 18, 2009.

A tt achment A: Crane Site Safety Plan Submittal Form and Crane Safety Compliance Agreement.

AB-025 Preapplication Requirement for State Industrial Safety Permit for Certain Trenching, Demolition, and Construction Activities

NO. AB-025 :

DATE : October 30, 1984 (Updated 01/01/2023 for code references)

SUBJECT : Permit Process; Inspection

Preapplication Requirement for State Industrial Safety Permit for Certain TITLE : Trenching, Demolition, and Construction Activities

PURPOSE : Require Cal/OSHA Industrial Safety Permit before issuing DBI permits.

REFERENCES :

DISCUSSION :

Current edition of the San Francisco Building Code State Health & Safety Code, Section 17922.5 State Labor Code, Section 6500

Section 17922.5 of the State Health & Safety Code requires local agencies that issue building permits to require building permit applicants to obtain a State Industrial Safety Permit prior to issuance of the local building permit.

Specifically, the State Industrial Safety Permit is required for the following categories of construction as defined in the “red and white tag” designated below:

STATE INDUSTRIAL SAFETY PERMIT

The attached application falls under the Labor Code Section 6500 in that it involves the type of construction work checked below:

• Construction of trenches or excavations that are five feet or deeper and into which a person is required to descend.

• The construction of any building, structure, falsework, or scaffolding more than three stories high or the equivalent height (36 ft.).

• The demolition of any building, structure, falsework, or scaffold, more than three stories high or the equivalent height.

Central Permit Bureau shall notify the applicant by mail after the need for the State Industrial Safety Permit has been ascertained by the affected Divisions and the “red and white tag” affixed to the office copy of the permit application as follows:

DIVISION APPLICATION FORM RESPONSIBLE PERSONNEL RED & WHITE PROCEDURE

Check appropriate box and attach BID 3 District Bldg. Inspector to application

CED 3 CED Bldg. Inspector "

MPC 1 & 2 Plan Checker/Engineer "

PRS 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 Plan Checker "

PROJECTS UNDER CONSTRUCTION

It is the District Inspector’s responsibility to review his or her job cards for construction that may fall under the categories herein defined and for which proof that the contractor or owner’s agent has a State Industrial Safety Permit is mandatory. In those cases where proof is required, the Building Inspector is to contact the contractor and ask to see the State permit. If none is available, a Notice of Violation shall be given immediately to the Contractor or Owner’s representative at the job site. Unless proof of compliance has been shown within 5 days of the date of the notification, the permit is to be suspended on the 6th day and the job shut down. This review of “on-going” projects shall be instituted as soon as possible.

Originally signed by:

R ob ert C. Levy, Superintendent, BBI

AB-026 Noise Insulation Enforcement Procedures

NO. AB-026 :

DATE : December 21, 1984 (Updated 01/01/2023 for code references)

SUBJECT : Plan Check; Inspection

TITLE : Noise Insulation Enforcement Procedures

Enforcement of State mandated noise insulation requirements for new residential PURPOSE : buildings

Current edition of the San Francisco Building Code Section 1206 California Health and Safety Code, State Housing Law, Section 17922.6, 17922.7

REFERENCES :

Fire Resistance and Sound Control Design Manual, prepared by the Gypsum Association, 22nd Edition

DISCUSSION : There has been some confusion and variations among Department personnel on the enforcement of Title 24 requirements for noise insulation. This bulletin consolidates

current Department procedures and policies on the subject, and supersedes all previous interpretations and procedures.

The State regulations deal only with insulation against airborne noises such as caused by stereos and loud conversations (the STC rating), and against impact noises such as those caused by walking or scraping a chair on a hard floor surface (the IIC rating). The criteria for compliance consists solely of meeting the prescriptive requirement of 50, or the field test requirement of 45.

There are many other sources of noise which could be significant irritants to building occupants, but which the regulations do not cover. DBI does not follow through on complaints about such noise sources. Examples include appliance noises, such as from garbage disposals, dishwashers and washing machines; mechanical equipment noises, such as from garage door openers, elevators and compressors; and plumbing system noises, such as from water hammer, flushing toilets and running water.

When there is doubt as to whether the completed building complies with the STC and IIC ratings, the Department can require the owner to obtain and pay for field testing to verify values of 45 or higher before a CFC is issued. Inspectors must discuss the situation with the Chief Inspector before requiring testing.

If a complaint is made to DBI over alleged non-compliance with STC or IIC requirements in a new building, DBI may require the owner to have field testing performed, but only after the complainant posts a bond to cover the cost of testing. In the event the test results show compliance (45 or higher), the cost of the testing must be paid by the complainant. If the tests show non-compliance, the owner will be required to take measures to increase the ratings to 45, and to pay for the testing and retesting.

Field testing is performed to applicable provisions of ASTM E90, E413, and E492. The testing agency and procedures must be pre-approved by DBI.

APPLICABILITY

The noise insulation requirements apply only to residential use buildings for which permits were applied after August 22, 1974, i.e. to Form 1 and 2 applications. They do not apply to buildings constructed before 1974 in which new units are created through alterations, additions or changes of use.

REQUIREMENTS

1. Wall and floor-ceiling assemblies which separate living units or guest rooms from each other, or from common areas of the building such as hallways and garages, must meet a Sound Transmission Class (STC) of 50.

2. Floor-ceiling assemblies must meet an Impact Insulation Class (IIC) of 50.

PLAN CHECKING PROCEDURE

The Plan Reviewer shall do and/or obtain the following:

1. Check that every party wall and party floor-ceiling on the floor plans are referenced to cross-sections which clearly show the construction of the assemblies. Give specific attention to areas with dropped ceilings and luminous ceilings.

2. Check the Catalog of STC & IIC Ratings, prepared by the State of Office of Noise Control, the Fire Resistance and Sound Control Design Manual, prepared by the Gypsum Association, and/or other standards, to see if a comparable wall assembly has an STC of 50 or higher. If an assembly has

been accepted by the Department through the product approval process, check the approval or its file for possible STC ratings. Where no comparable assembly is found, the plan reviewer may estimate the STC rating by comparing the assembly against a listed assembly which appears to have slightly more mass and/or insulation features, and with another assembly which has less. In this manner, it is often possible to extrapolate an STC for a listed assembly. Before doing so, plan reviewer should have studied the listings in the Catalog of STC & IIC Ratings the Fire Resistance Design Manual, or other standards, sufficiently to understand how mass and/or insulation features affect the STC ratings. Where such estimates cannot be made with a fairly high degree of confidence, the plan reviewer should ask the designer to either revise the plans to use a listed assembly with an STC of 50 or higher, or to provide test reports for the shown assembly which justify ratings of 50 or higher.

3. Floor-ceiling assemblies should be checked in a manner similar to Step 2 for an IIC rating of 50 or higher. If the IIC is achieved through the use of carpet and padding, the plans must be annotated to indicate which areas require them, and that the installation of carpets is mandatory.

4. The plans must be annotated to require the following:

• The bottom plate in party walls must be caulked.

• Penetrations or openings in party walls and floor-ceilings for piping, electrical switches and outlets, recessed light fixtures, recessed cabinets, bathtubs and ducts must be sealed, lined, insulated, or otherwise treated to maintain the required ratings.

• Dwelling unit entrance doors from interior corridors, together with their perimeter seals, must attain an STC of 30 or higher.

5. Check that electrical switches and outlets in party walls are not installed back-to-back in the same stud space. Check that recessed light fixtures are not installed in party floor-ceilings unless such devices are boxed in with materials equivalent to the surface materials, and further that the joints in such boxes, and openings for wiring, are caulked. Check that recessed medicine cabinets have not been installed in party walls. Check that the bottom plate in party walls are caulked. For bathtubs located adjacent to party walls, check that sheetrock or wall covering extend below the top edge of the tub down to the floor.

6. When buildings on adjacent lots have common courts or light wells, and both buildings have windows opening onto them, the windows must be located at least 3 feet from the common property line (i.e. 6 feet between edges or faces of windows). Alternatively, special acoustical treatment may be provided which will attain STC 50 (or 45 if field tested).

INSPECTION PROCEDURE

The Building Inspector in the Building Inspection Division (BID) shall do the following:

1. Pay specific attention to the construction of party walls and party floor-ceilings during the frame inspection to see that materials, sound blankets, dimensions, clearances, etc. are as shown on the sections of the approved plans. Check that luminous or dropped ceilings will not be installed in party floor-ceilings unless they are shown on the approved plans.

If changes were made from the approved plans, the Inspector may accept the as-constructed assembly only if he or she can find a very similar assembly listed in the Catalog of STC & IIC Ratings, prepared by the State Department of Health Services Office of Noise Control or the Fire Resistance and Sound Control Design Manual, prepared by the Gypsum Association. Failing that, the inspector should make a sketch of the as-built assembly and refer it to the plan reviewer for review. Meanwhile, the inspector shall not approve the frame inspection. If the contractor does not want to be delayed by such a review, or if the plan reviewer concludes the as-built assembly will not meet an STC or IIC of 50, the Inspector should inform the contractor of the option to alter the construction to comply, or to test the completed building for ratings of 45. If the contractor decides to test, he

or she must notify the Inspector in writing. Inform the contractor that if the testing shows non-compliance, the cost of correction would likely be much higher at that stage than at the frame stage.

2. Check that electrical switches and outlets in party walls are not installed back-to-back in the same stud space. Check that recessed light fixtures are not installed in party floor-ceilings unless such devices are boxed in with materials equivalent to the surface materials, and further that the joints in such boxes, and openings for wiring, are caulked. Check that recessed medicine cabinets have not been installed in party walls. Check that the bottom plate in party walls are caulked. For bathtubs located adjacent to party walls, check that sheetrock or wallcovering extend below the top edge of the tub down to the floor.

3. Interior hallway doors are required to be 20 minutes rated (i.e. solid core). Thus they may be presumed to meet the STC 30 rating. However, check that the perimeter seals are in place before final inspection.

Originally signed by:

F ra nklin Lew for Robert C. Levy, Superintendent, BBI

AB-027 Ille al Unit Reoccu anc Enforcement Procedure g p y

NO. AB-027 :

DATE : February 5, 1985 (Updated 01/01/2023 for code references)

SUBJECT : Code Enforcement

TITLE : Illegal Unit Reoccupancy Enforcement Procedure

To set forth procedure for handling repeat violations, by the same owner reoccupying PURPOSE : an illegal unit.

REFERENCE :

DISCUSSION :

Current edition of the San Francisco Building Code

• Section 102A, Unsafe Buildings, Structures or Property
• Section 103A, Violations

Whenever illegal units are re-occupied after a Certificate of Final Completion (CFC) was issued to remove the illegal unit and the ownership has not changed, the enforcement procedure for these cases will be as follows:

1. Send a notice requiring the application for a building permit within ten (10) days to revert the structure to its legal use and to complete the work within thirty (30) days of issuance of the permit.

2. A copy of the notice will be sent to the Planning Department.

3. If the case has already had a Director’s Hearing on the same problem, the notice will also include the statement “failure to comply will result in referral of the matter to the City Attorney’s office for further action.”

4. If the case has not had a Director’s Hearing, the notice will include the statement “failure to comply will result in the referral to the Director of Building Inspector for an Abatement Hearing.”

The time limits specified must be adhered to and all referrals to Code Enforcement Section (CES) must also include the above statements which are applicable and documented inspection reports.

Originally signed by:

R ob ert C. Levy, Superintendent, BBI

AB-028 Pre-a lication and Pre-addendum Plan Review Procedures pp

NO. AB-028 :

April 3, 2013 (Updated 01/01/2023 for code references) DATE : (Supersedes Administrative Bulletin AB-028 dated 9/18/2002)

SUBJECT : General Administrative Procedures

TITLE : Pre-application and Pre-addendum Plan Review Procedures

PURPOSE :

REFERENCE :

DISCUSSION :

To establish policies and procedures allowing for review and comment of specific design issues by the Department of Building Inspection (DBI) prior to application for a permit or prior to the submittal of addenda to a Site Permit.

Current edition of the San Francisco Building Code

• Section 106A.4.9 Pre-application Plan Review or Inspection
• Section 110A, Table 1A-B, Other Building Permit and Plan Review Fees
• DBI Administrative Bulletin AB-032, Site Permit Processing

A preliminary verbal interpretation of a code requirement or alternate method of construction is considered informal information and may not always be accepted by the Department of Building Inspection plan reviewer or supervisor who has been assigned to check the submittal documents for a project. Rather than wait for the plan review to reveal requirements of specific design issues, it may be advantageous to project sponsors to verify code requirements with a formal DBI interpretation prior to completion of project drawings and before submitting an application for a building permit or an addendum to a Site Permit.

This bulletin sets out the procedure for requesting, conducting and concluding such a Pre-application or Pre-Addendum Plan Review Meeting. It is not intended that a general, non-directed plan review of a project will be made during this meeting, but that specific code issues will be addressed and resolved. Formal written confirmation of decisions agreed upon will be issued to the project sponsor following the meeting.

Request For Pre-Application or Pre-Addendum Plan Review Meeting

1. Submit requests for a pre-application or pre-addendum plan review meeting in writing as follows:

a. List the items to be reviewed in the form of specific questions. The applicant shall propose a solution or provide a statement of position regarding each question asked, and shall include pertinent code references. Each item should be numbered. This list of questions or items will then form the agenda for review and response.

b. Include applicable drawings, documents, and other information as necessary to describe the conditions under question.

c. On the submitted drawings, highlight or “cloud” the areas to be reviewed, and provide cross-references to the questions. Where questions pertain to means of egress, indicate the path of egress on the drawings with arrows.

2. To cover fees, include a check made out to the Department of Building Inspection (See FEES below).

3. Address requests to:

Manager, Permit Services

Department of Building Inspection

49 South Van Ness, 4th Floor

San Francisco, CA 94103

Indicate on the outside of the envelope: Pre-Application/Pre-Addendum Plan Review Request

4. Provide several acceptable meeting times of your choice. Allow at least 10 working days for a response to the request for a meeting appointment.

Meeting and Response

5. The Manager of Plan Review Services will assign your pre-application or pre-addendum plan review request to one of the following section supervisors:

a. Structural Plan Review

b. Mechanical Plan Review

c. Premium Plan Review

d. Other Department staff as required

6. The request for a pre-application or pre-addendum plan review meeting may result in a meeting or it may result in a letter of response, if that is determined to be appropriate by the responsible Supervisor.

7. The review will be conducted by the Supervisor of the appropriate section or by other staff as assigned. One or more plan reviewers from Department of Building Inspection staff may be assigned to participate in the pre-application or pre-addendum plan review meeting depending on the

complexity of the project and the issues raised. When necessary, representatives from other agencies such as the San Francisco Fire Department, Department of Public Works, Department of Public Health, Planning Department, or the Redevelopment Agency may be requested to attend.

8. The Department representative will have final authority to determine which questions are addressed. Questions which are determined to be too broad in scope may be deleted from the agenda. Discussion will be limited to the items on the agenda.

9. The Department may request additional information from the project sponsor in preparation for a pre-application or pre-addendum plan review meeting or as a follow-up to such a meeting.

10. At the beginning of a meeting the project sponsor will be advised of the time allowed before additional plan review fees will be charged. A typical pre-application or pre-addendum plan review meeting, depending on the complexity of the project or issue, can be covered adequately in 2 hours or less of meeting time.

11. A Department of Building Inspection staff member or the project sponsor will be designated to take notes during the meeting. If the size or location of the meeting warrants, the Department representative may request that a third party take the notes. Notes shall be taken on a standard form provided by DBI. At the conclusion of the meeting a copy of the notes taken during the meeting will be provided to the principal attendees. Those notes, which record the findings and agreements of the meeting, are to be signed by a Department of Building Inspection representative, by representatives of other departments as applicable, and by the project sponsor. Questions or topics not acknowledged in these notes will not be considered as part of the pre-application or pre-addendum plan review agreements. Alternatively, the Department may choose to issue a letter following the meeting. Such letter or other written communication shall be prepared by Department staff or the project sponsor within 10 working days of the conclusion of the meeting. Within 10 working days of receipt of such letter, the DBI staff will review and return the letter, signed, as “approved,” “approved with conditions,” or “disapproved.” The letter shall state the reasons for such determinations. DBI will track the time of issuance and approval of such letters to confirm that the above time limits are met.

12. For clarity, each item number of the written response shall correspond to the item number on the agenda.

13. Any notes, annotated drawings and other documents from the meeting may be attached to the notes or letter of agreement and submitted by the project sponsor for reference at the time of permit or addendum application.

14. The project sponsor shall attach a copy of the signed conclusions of the pre-application or pre-addendum plan review meeting, or the letter of response in lieu of meeting, to the permit application or addendum drawings. These decisions will be honored by the responsible plan reviewer during the plan review process and subsequently by field inspection staff.

15. The project sponsor may request a review of the determination of the staff of the Department of Building Inspection by the Manager of Plan Review Services or the Director. Determinations of the Director may be appealed to the Building Inspection Commission. Certain issues related to alternate methods and materials and technical equivalencies may be appealed to the Board of Examiners.

16. In the event the code provisions referenced by the application are substantively revised prior to filing for permit, the applicant will be required to submit for a new pre-application plan review meeting.

FEES:

17. Fee Schedule:

a. Fees for initial and each subsequent meeting for a pre-application or pre-addendum plan review meeting are as noted in the latest edition of the San Francisco Building Code Fee Schedule, Table 1A-B, Item 5, Pre-application Plan Review Fee. This fee covers a review of the submitted documents, research, formulating a response, and the meeting itself. The meeting time shall not exceed a total of two hours under this base fee.

subsequent meeting for a pre-application or pre-addendum plan review meeting are as noted in the latest edition of the San Francisco Building Code Fee Schedule, Table 1A-B, Item 5, Pre-application Plan Review Fee. This fee covers a review of the submitted documents, research, formulating a response, and the meeting itself. The meeting time shall not exceed a total of two hours under this base fee.

b. Additional meeting time beyond two hours for both pre-application and pre-addendum meetings is to be charged on a per person, hourly basis per San Francisco Building Code, Table 1A-D, Item 1.

c. The San Francisco Fire Department charges plan review fees in addition to the above fees when Fire Department personnel are included in a meeting.

18. Fees, in addition to the pre-application plan review fee paid in advance, will be calculated at the conclusion of the meeting. Notes or letters of agreement will not be released by the Department until all pre-application or pre-addendum plan review fees are paid.

19. If the initial pre-application or pre-addendum plan review fee is paid but no such meeting is subsequently held and no preparatory work has been done, the fee may be refunded upon written request by the project sponsor and agreement by the Department.

Revision signed by:

Tom C. Hui, S.E., C.B.O, Acting Director April 3, 2013

Revision signed by:

Thomas Harvey, Fire Marshal March 28, 2013

Originally approved by the Building Inspection Commission on September 18, 2002, revision approved March 20, 2013

A tt achment: Sample Question

AB-031 Identification of Revisions on Pa es of Drawin s g g

NO. AB-031 :

DATE : June 21, 1984 (Updated 01/01/2023 for code references)

SUBJECT : Plan Review

TITLE : Identification of Revisions on Pages of Drawings

Information on submittal documents, including revised drawings, shall be in

PURPOSE : conformity with the San Francisco Building Code and shall be of sufficient clarity to

indicate the location, nature and extent of the work proposed.

REFERENCE : Current edition of the San Francisco Building Code, Section 106A.3.2

DISCUSSION : Revisions to submittal documents pending review and approval by the Department should be clearly identified on the revised sheets to facilitate review, to reduce

discrepancies in the review and to speed the review process. Revisions are to be identified by one of the following methods:

1. Revisions to portions of a page shall be marked by identifying the change with arrows or encircling the change with a “cloud” symbol. The title block should be marked with the date and number of the revision. Notation of the date may be placed near the change in addition to the title block.

2. If an entire page is changed, the title block should be so marked, noting the date and number of revisions.

If a second or third revision is made on a page already containing a revision, the previous revision symbol or markings shall be removed, however, the title block should note the number and date of the revisions.

Originally signed by:

R ob ert C. Levy, Superintendent, BBI

AB-032 Site Permit Processin g

NO. AB-032 :

November 16, 2016 (Updated for code references 1/01/2023, supersedes AB-032 dated DATE : 6/04/2012)

SUBJECT : Permit Process

TITLE : Site Permit Processing

To allow work to begin on a construction project before all plans and other submittal PURPOSE : documents have been submitted.

REFERENCE :

DISCUSSION :

Current edition of the San Francisco Building Code

• AB-082 - Guidelines and Procedures for Structural, Geotechnical, and Seismic Hazard Engineering Design Review
• AB-093 - Implementation of Green Building Regulations

The San Francisco Building Code (SFBC) under Section 106A.3.4.2 allows the application for, and the issuance of, a SITE PERMIT. This permit is issued upon the review and approval of conceptual design drawings and related specifications and documentation.

Construction work at the site is controlled and scheduled through the Site Permit process by the submission and approval of a series of segmented phased construction plans identified as addenda. Plans submitted under each addendum shall clearly contain details sufficient to enable plan review, fabrication in the field, and inspection confirmation. Only work shown on approved addenda plans bearing the Department “Stamp of approval” as specified in SFBC Section 106A.4.1 shall be permitted to proceed at the site. Those approved addenda plans and specifications shall be kept available

on the site per SFBC Section 106A.4.2 for the use of the inspectors. It is recommended that subcontractors check their shop drawings with the approved addenda kept on site to confirm that their portion of the work has been approved.

Work in progress beyond that shown on the approved addendum or addenda or the failure to display and make available the approved plans at the site shall result in stoppage of work.

1. DEFINITIONS (See Section 7 for additional information)

a. Grading Addendum. This package shall include grading, excavation, and shoring drawings; shoring calculations, completed special inspection and observation form; and geotechnical review letter and report. Grading is defined by Appendix J in the San Francisco Building Code. Permanent cantilever retaining walls may be included, if not part of the building, when clearly shown and completely detailed on the plans. Excavation, shoring, lagging and bracing may be included as part of this addendum, or under separate permit. When tie-back anchors extend onto adjoining property, formal written permission granted by the adjoining owner is required. A separate permit is required for underpinning of each building on adjoining property. The Site Permit applicant is cautioned to provide reasonable notice to adjoining owners of intent to excavate per California Civil Code Section 832. Demolition of buildings on the site will require separate permits per SFBC Section 106A.

b. Foundation Addendum. This addendum includes piles, pile caps, spread footings, line footings, grade and tie beams, and slabs on grade and underground utilities as applicable. Cantilever retaining and basement walls not more than one story above grade may be included when clearly shown on the plans. Suspended slabs not more than one story above grade may be considered as part of the foundation addendum when no structural steel work is included.

c. Superstructure Addendum. Work for this addendum includes the erection of the basic building and structural frame, providing fireproofing, constructing floors, structural wall systems, stairs and stair shafts.

The exterior skin shall be included for structural and energy compliance. Structural details and calculations for fabrication, erection and fastening shall be provided. Loading points on beams, girders and columns shall be considered, support details designed, and shown on the drawings. California Code of Regulations (CCR) Title 24, Part 6, energy compliance shall be submitted, but only the building envelope will be approved under this addendum. Building envelope details must be confirmed with CCR Title 24, Part 6 documentation.

Unless the Mechanical and Electrical System addendum is incorporated with the Super-structure addendum, mechanical and electrical systems shall only include partial installations limited to riser or portions of systems that are physically restrained and locked in by the construction of the building structure. Only stub-outs from riser trunk lines to receive connections from lateral branch lines may be installed under this addendum. Standpipes shall be installed per SFBC Section 905 during erection for purposes of fire protection. These works are permitted but will not be approved unless calculations and supportive documentation are submitted for plan check review and accepted.

f the building structure. Only stub-outs from riser trunk lines to receive connections from lateral branch lines may be installed under this addendum. Standpipes shall be installed per SFBC Section 905 during erection for purposes of fire protection. These works are permitted but will not be approved unless calculations and supportive documentation are submitted for plan check review and accepted.

Lateral or branch lines, ducts, piping, wiring, machinery and equipment installation are not permitted nor approved until the Mechanical and Electrical System addendum, but may be shown and included in the Superstructure addendum plan submittal and need not be masked out. If such work is shown on this addendum, there shall be a general note on the cover sheet of the set stating “No installation of lateral electrical or mechanical lines” or some such equivalent statement. Exceptions requiring installation shall also require documentation review and shall be declared and described in the approved addenda schedule and noted specifically as an exception on the plans under the general note previously mentioned prohibiting such installation. Extensive use of such exceptions shall be accommodated through combining the Mechanical and Electrical System addendum into the Superstructure addendum. All mechanical and electrical work must have related plumbing and electrical permits. Closure for walls, floors and shafts where mechanical and electrical systems are installed shall only occur after proper inspection and approval.

d. Mechanical & Electrical Systems Addendum - Including Life Safety. This addendum includes all of the mechanical and electrical work within the building except that inclusive in the Superstructure and the Final addendum. Typical work includes the sprinkler systems, HVAC systems, smoke evacuation and control systems, emergency lighting and power, fire alarms and warning device systems, voice enunciation and communication systems, boilers, lighting, and central control station installation.

Full design plans including energy calculations and acoustic report if applicable are to be submitted. Where schematic plans are submitted, typical details for installation should be provided. For example, typical hangers, struts, sleeves, packing and seismic restraints should be shown for sprinkler system installations. Full documentation shall be submitted for review at this time. Included as part of this documentation will be the compliance as required by SFBC Chapter 16 for seismic consideration for those systems shown.

e. Final Addendum. This addendum includes all work excluded under the Superstructure and the Mechanical and Electrical system addenda.

f. Addendum is the grouping of desired work into one single phase of construction.

g. Addenda is the plural of addendum. (See Section 6 for Addenda Submittal and Section 8 for Processing of Site Permit Addenda).

h. Addenda Schedule is the proposed division of work into a logical sequence of addenda that aligns with the project’s construction sequences that collectively carries it through to completion. (See Section 7 for Approval of Sequence of Partial Construction Phases).

i. Approved Addenda Schedule shall be the addenda schedule listing the acceptable sequence of work phases approved by DBI. Approval will be given upon submission of a letter request from the applicant. The request letter for an approved addenda schedule may be submitted after the issuance of site permit and prior to, or jointly with, the submittal of the first addendum.

j. Approved Addendum is an addendum that has been submitted to the Department for review, checked and approved. The addendum plans shall bear the Department stamp of approval as described in SFBC Section 106A.4.1 and one set shall be kept at the work site as required by SFBC Section 106A.4.2. Work shall not proceed on the site until such time that approved addendum plans indicating work permitted are on site and available. Each approved addendum shall be considered as a permit.

k. Site Permit is a permit issued upon the approval of a building permit application based on preliminary drawings and documentation. The Site Permit plans shall describe the exterior of the building in sufficient detail and dimensioned to mark heights, lengths, and widths. Court sizes, openings, and other significant projections or recesses shall be located, sized, and dimensioned. The interior shall indicate the Means of Egress systems, fire separations that may be required for major building or area separations and for occupancy separations greater than one hour. Property lines, both real and assumed in cases of multi-buildings, shall be clearly delineated as well as type of construction and other forms of basic information to establish the design intent. Approval and issuance of a site permit alone does not allow for construction. Additional construction documents submitted and approved as addenda, complete the set of approved construction documents. (See Section 4 for Site Permit Submittal Package and Section 5 for Site Permit Review Process).

l. Altered Site Permit is an alteration application to effectively retire the Site Permit issued under the original permit application and activate an alternate Site Permit as the sole survivor. A new approved addenda schedule must be issued for the Altered Site Permit. Work described in addenda approved under the original Site Permit may be carried forward onto the Altered Site Permit addenda schedule. An Altered Site Permit will be required only in those cases where a major change affects the concept of the original Site Permit. A typical example may be to add or delete stories to the building.

2. SITE PERMIT PROCESS

A Site Permit may be filed at Central Permit Bureau (CPB) for a new building or, if the size of the project warrants, an alteration to an existing building. Permit Processing Center (PPC) will be the central coordinating review agency for all Site Permit applications and their attendant addenda.

3. MARKINGS OF PLAN

a. All plans submitted for Site Permit shall be clearly marked by CPB staff on the front of each plan sheet as follows:

SITE PERMIT

THIS APPLICATION SUBMITTED FOR SITE PERMIT ONLY. NO WORK MAY BE STARTED UNTIL

CONSTRUCTION PLANS HAVE BEEN APPROVED.

b. All plans submitted for partial construction as Addenda to a Site Permit shall be clearly marked by CPB staff on the front of each plan sheet as follows:

ADDENDUM #_____

SITE PERMIT ADDENDUM FOR CONSTRUCTION OF:

---

Addendum routing forms will be supplied by the CPB staff for completion by the APPLICANT.

4. SITE PERMIT SUBMITTAL PACKAGE

The Site Permit submittal package shall include completed permit application form and 2 sets of the following (as a minimum):

a. Architectural Plans. Architectural plans shall include plot plan, floor plans (existing and new), sections and elevations to describe the general scope of work.

b. Topographic Site Survey. For new construction or horizontal additions on sloping sites, the site permit submittal package shall include a topographic site survey.

c. Smoke Control Report. For new high-rise construction (more than 75 feet above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access), the site permit package shall include a preliminary smoke control report.

d. Structural Design Criteria Document. For projects subject to Structural Design Review per AB-082, the site permit submittal package shall include the Structural Design Criteria Documents as separately detailed by the Department of Building Inspection.

e. Green Building Submittal. For projects subject to green building regulations, see AB-093.

NOTE: Acoustical Analysis Report will not be required at Site Permit Submittal. The report will be required at Addenda Submittal if triggered by SFBC Section 1206.

Contact other Departments for additional materials required.

5. SITE PERMIT REVIEW PROCESS

The Plan Checker shall review the site permit for major architectural/life safety and accessibility issues. The following shall be included for Site Permit review:

a. Building Information & Data: Describe the scope of work, use and occupancy group classifications, construction type, number of stories and basements, height, and sprinkler provisions. List all applicable codes including the applicable version.

b. Allowable Height, Story and Area: Provide computations to document analysis. Include sprinkler and area modification provisions where applicable.

For mixed occupancies, state for the building or portions thereof, the method of compliance, applying accessory occupancies, non-separated occupancies, or separated occupancies where applicable. Tabulate the actual and allowable height, story and area.

For new buildings, tabulate the gross area for all basements and stories individually and provide a summation of the total building area.

For alterations with vertical and/or horizontal additions, tabulate the gross area for the existing building and for the additional area (or reduced area). Provide these values for all basements and stories individually. Provide a summation of the total building area.

c. Exterior Wall and Opening Protection: Provide a plot plan locating the building, adjoining properties and buildings, and public ways. Locate and dimension property lines, both real and assumed in cases of two or more buildings on the same lot regulated as separate buildings.

Dimension the Fire Separation Distance (FSD) for all exterior walls and openings adjacent to property lines. Tabulate the total area of unprotected and protected openings per story. Tabulate the actual and allowable percentages comparison for each opening type, per story. Indicate the rating for required fire-resistive exterior walls.

d. Means of Egress (MOE): Provide occupant loads and analysis of the MOE system. Include diagonal dimensions of spaces requiring two or more exits and the exit separation distances. Provide diagonal dimensions of each story or portion thereof requiring two or more exits and the exit separation distances. From the most remote point in a story or portion thereof to an exit, document exit access travel distances. Where applicable, document the common path of egress travel distance from the most remote point in a space, in a story or portion thereof. Travel distances shall be measured rectilinearly at right angles except where the direction of travel is guided by walls or other permanent architectural features.

e. Fire-Resistance Elements and Ratings: Identify by legend or other graphical methods, location of fire-resistance vertical and horizontal assemblies required for the separation of occupancies, building portions, area limits, shaft enclosures, exit enclosures, incidental accessory occupancies, and other adjacent spaces. Include the fire-resistance rating for each of these elements.

f. Emergency Escape and Rescue: Where applicable, provide compliant exterior emergency escape and rescue openings. Such openings shall align with the information documented on exterior building elevations approved by the Planning Department. Changes affecting the exterior design subsequent to Planning Department approval will necessitate rerouting the Site Permit to that department for additional review.

g. Accessibility: Buildings and sites for covered residential occupancies, public buildings, public accommodations, commercial buildings and publicly funded housing shall be accessible to persons with disabilities. The Site Permit shall provide sufficient details to document the accessible exterior route of travel, general accessibility for entrances, exits and paths of travel, accessible Means of Egress, and common use facilities, such as parking and restrooms. (Review by the Mayor’s Office on Disability is not required at site permit review stage, but is required prior to review of the architectural addendum.)

h. Estimated Construction Valuation: Determine the estimated construction cost.

i. SFUSD Fee: Determine the areas required for the calculation of SFUSD fees.

Inasmuch as the purpose of a Site Permit is to allow review of preliminary conceptual and schematic designs of proposed construction, there is no detailed plan review of construction details required at the time of Site Permit review. Such detailed review will be done at the time of addendum review.

The purpose of DBI’s plan review of Site Permits is to assure that there are no major factors that would preclude the detailed design of a codecomplying structure.

The Plans Checker shall determine whether or not the Planning Department should review any changes resulting from the rechecks. As a minimum, drawings showing floor plans and elevations should have a Planning Department approval stamp.

6. ADDENDA SUBMITTAL

The Applicant shall submit an addenda schedule prior to, or jointly with, the submittal of the first addendum. This addenda schedule shall be retained in PPC and distributed with the plans to the various review agencies/disciplines. All addenda shall be submitted at CPB. The scope of work for each addendum shall be clearly indicated on the cover sheet. Addenda can be submitted at any time after issuance of the site permit. No addendum package can be submitted before site permit is issued.

Addenda application form, 2 sets of plans for the addenda and 1 reference copy of complete set of issued Site Permit plans shall be submitted.

7. APPROVAL OF SEQUENCE OF PARTIAL CONSTRUCTION PHASES

The APPLICANT shall secure written approval from the Director of this proposed division of work as the Approved Addenda Schedule defined in Item i of the DEFINITIONS above. The request shall itemize and clearly define the extent sought under each Addendum, such as:

Addendum 1 - Grading

Addendum 2 - Foundation

Addendum 3 - Superstructure

Addendum 4 - Final

The description of work for typical addenda is normally taken from the DEFINITIONS. If, for particular reasons, an applicant wishes to vary the work within addenda definitions, the exact work description shall be indicated in the Addenda Schedule request and, if approved, shall likewise be shown in the approved Addenda Schedule.

Acceptable phasing will be approved by the Director by confirmatory letter. Such approval must be obtained before the first Addendum plans of a sequence are filed. An addenda submitted to our Department shall have the contents of the Approved Addenda Schedule for the particular Addendum noted on the first plan sheet of the Addendum set.

The APPLICANT is cautioned to submit the Addendum plans sufficiently early to permit processing and approval before any construction covered by such Addendum is scheduled. It must be recognized that construction covered by successive Addenda is generally overlapping and not sequential.

The applicant may file more than one addendum at a time, but un-issued active addenda within the approval review process may not number more than three at any time, unless otherwise approved.

8. PROCESSING OF SITE PERMIT ADDENDA

DBI STAFF will verify at the time Site Permit Addenda are filed:

a. that the Applicant has confirmatory letter from the Director approving the proposed sequence of construction phases and that the notes on the front sheet of the Addendum show the contents of work indicated on the Approval Addenda Schedule;

b. unless otherwise approved, there are not more than three un-issued addenda in the Department;

c. that the front of each sheet has been marked by Applicant as described above;

d. that Addendum routing forms to accompany plans have been completely filled out in duplicate.

DBI STAFF will mark outside of roll of plans with:

a. Application number;

b. Date stamp;

c. Description of phase of work covered by Addendum, by stamp if appropriate.

If revisions to the Addendum plans are necessary, they will be submitted as revised plans. Such revised plans will also be stamped with the phase of work to be done unless those revisions are subsequent to an Approved Addendum, in which case an alteration permit will be required.

All Site Permits Addenda will be routed directly to PPC. PPC will receive the Addendum from the staff and will determine the further routing. The routing will be accomplished by checking the appropriate boxes on the Addendum routing form. The PLAN CHECKER will also verify, before approving same, that all plan sheets and Addendum routing forms have been marked as described above.

The PLAN CHECKER shall verify that any required letters of permission by adjoining owners for tie-back installation have been scanned on plans as part of the GRADING Addendum documents.

The PLAN CHECKER will review the plans and approve them by signing the Addendum routing form noting whatever conditions are required for approval, as would be done for any permit application. When all required approvals have been obtained, the plans and Addendum routing forms will be returned to the PPC staff.

PPC STAFF will verify that all required approvals have been obtained, and will then route to CPB. CPB will then notify the Applicant. In no event will any Addendum be submitted until the original Site Permit has been issued. After the Applicant has signed for the stipulations, he will receive one copy of the approved plans and Addendum routing form to be kept on the job with his original plans and Site Permit application. The CPB STAFF will forward the office copy of the approved Addendum routing form and the Addendum to the Records Management Division.

Signed by:

Tom C. Hui, S.E., C.B.O. 11/16/2016

Director

Department of Building Inspection

A p proved by the Building Inspection Commission 11/16/2016

AB-035 Procedure for Assigning Street Numbers (Addresses)

NO. AB-035 :

January 19, 2011 (updated 01/01/2023 for code references) DATE : (supersedes Administrative Bulletin AB-035 issued September 18, 2002)

SUBJECT : General Administrative Procedures

TITLE : Procedure for Assigning Street Numbers (Addresses)

PURPOSE :

REFERENCE :

DISCUSSION :

To establish a procedure for assigning and/or changing street numbers (addresses) to new buildings, tenant space street entrances, new parcels, vacant lots, and any other street addressing need of the City and County of San Francisco.

Current edition of the San Francisco Building Code

• Section 107A.10, Building Numbers and Fees
• Table 1A-J, Miscellaneous Fees

Every project sponsor shall obtain an official street number prior to the submittal of a building permit application when the work consists of a new building or a new street entrance to a new tenant space or dwelling unit in an existing building. Every residential property owner shall request in writing and receive approval from the Building Official for a change in a street number assignment. The following procedures shall apply to the assignment and/or change of street numbers.

Entrances to be Numbered

All primary entrances from the street to all buildings and all direct entrances from the street to separate tenant spaces or dwelling units shall be numbered. Only the building number officially assigned by the Building Official may be displayed on the building.

The numbers shall be placed on the front of the building adjacent to the entrance so as to be easily seen from the street. The street numbers assigned shall be placed on the building in a place and manner acceptable to the Building Official in accordance with Section 107A.10 of the San Francisco Building Code.

[Historical Note: The following procedures for assigning street numbers are long term provisions of San Francisco codes. These procedures have been brought forward from the 1909 San Francisco Building Code through subsequent editions of that code.]

Method of Numbering

Market Street shall be the starting point for the numbers of all buildings fronting on the streets beginning thereon and running therefrom in any direction. On Webster, Fillmore, Steiner, Pierce, Scott, Divisadero, Broderick, Baker and Lyon Streets, and Central Avenue, and streets in the Sunnyside, Lakeview, Railroad Homestead and City Land Association tracts, the numbering shall begin at their southerly ends and proceed toward the north.

On all streets having a northerly and southerly course, diverging less than 45 degrees from a northerly and southerly course and not otherwise provided for, the numbering shall begin at their northerly ends and proceed toward the south. On all streets having an easterly and westerly course, or diverging less than 45 degrees from an easterly and westerly course, the numbering shall begin at their easterly ends and proceed toward the west, except that on streets lying south of Cesar Chavez [Army Street] and running from Mission in an easterly or southerly direction, and also on [Bernal Avenue], Montezuma and Aztec Streets, Esmeralda Avenue, [and on streets in Gift Maps 1 and 2], the numbering shall start at their westerly ends and proceed toward the east. On all intermediate subdivision streets, the numbering shall commence where the streets begin and proceed in the same direction as the numbering on the principal streets between which they lie.

[Note: Street and place names which are shown in brackets no longer exist or have been renamed.]

Even and Odd Numbers

On all streets the numbers on the right hand side, starting from the point of beginning, shall be even numbers, and the numbers on the left hand side shall be odd numbers; except that on all streets having a northerly and southerly course, and lying west of Central Avenue and Presidio Avenue but not including Central Avenue, the numbers on the right hand side, starting from the point of beginning, shall be odd numbers and the numbers on the left hand side shall be even numbers.

Allotment of Numbers

One hundred numbers, or as many thereof as may be necessary, shall be allotted to the property frontage in each block between two main streets. The number 100 shall be the first number on the right hand side, and the number 101 the first number on the left hand side of the second block of all streets, except those lying west of Central Avenue and Presidio Avenue, but not including Central Avenue. The succeeding hundreds shall be allotted in a similar manner consecutively in each succeeding block, except that on Mission, Natoma, Howard, Folsom, Harrison, Bryant, Jackson, Pacific, Broadway, Vallejo, Green, Union, Francisco, Bay and Webster Streets, and on Central Avenue, 100 numbers shall be allotted to the first two blocks. One hundred numbers shall also be allotted on Divisadero Street between Waller and Page Streets. When a block exceeds 850 feet in length, 200 numbers shall be allotted to it.

For the purpose of preserving uniformity in the numbering along Market Street, so that the numbers on both sides of the street shall conform as nearly as possible, 50 even numbers shall be allotted to each of the following apportionments of frontage along the northerly side of Market Street: between the westerly line of Spear Street, proceeding northerly, and the easterly line of Drumm Street; between Battery and Montgomery Streets; between Kearny and Stockton Streets; between Powell and Taylor Streets; and between Jones Street and [Marshall Square].

Fifty odd numbers shall be allotted to each of the following apportionments of frontage along the southerly side of Market Street: between Embarcadero and Spear Street; between Twelfth and Valencia Streets; between Guerrero and Dolores Streets; and between Church and Sanchez Streets.

When any street fails in its course to traverse certain blocks, 100 numbers shall be allotted to each block not traversed, in the same manner as if the street were continuous. When any street is intersected on its opposite sides by different streets, the hundreds on one side shall be made to correspond as closely as possible to the hundreds on the opposite side by allotting only 25 numbers, even or odd as the case may require, to the side which the blocks are shorter.

One number shall be allowed for each one-fiftieth (1/50) of the frontage of each block between two main streets, except in blocks having a frontage of less than 400 feet where the allowance shall be made on the basis of one number to every eight feet of frontage.

Renumbering

Any Property Owner may request a change to an existing street number assignment. Approval of the request for change to an existing street number assignment shall not be denied if such request can reasonably be granted. A request in writing must be made to the Building Official requesting a change to the existing street number assignment. Proof of property ownership must be submitted if requested by the Building Official and any other information as needed for determination of request approval.

If a property is tenant-occupied, the property owner must also submit documentation acceptable to the Building Official that all tenants have been notified of the proposed street number change request.

Nothing in this bulletin shall authorize the renumbering of any block which is now uniformly numbered in accordance with any previous law, unless such renumbering is made necessary by the construction or alterations of buildings whereby the number of entrances to buildings on such blocks has been so increased as to prevent consecutive numbering.

Responsibilities

Building Official

The Building Official shall notify all applicable Federal, State, County, City and local agencies requesting and/or requiring notification of new and/or changed street number assignments. The Building Official shall also provide the property owner with an approved and issued street number assignment permit.

Property Owner/Project Sponsor

The property owner/project sponsor must notify all private entities and tenants of the issued street number assignment. The property owner must properly identify the affected building(s) as provided in Section 107A.10 of the San Francisco Building Code within 60 days of the issued street number assignment but no sooner than 10 days to allow for proper notification to others.

Notice to be Given

Whenever any violation of the provisions of this bulletin relating to the numbering of buildings exists, notice thereof shall be given to the owner, or if they cannot be found, to the occupant of the premises where the violation occurs. If, after two weeks, the cause of complaint has not been removed, the provisions detailed in Section 103A of the San Francisco Building Code shall be applied.

Temporary Retention of Old Numbers

Whenever any property owner has been notified to change the numbers of his building, the old numbers may be temporarily retained, in addition to the new numbers, but in no case shall the old numbers be retained for more than sixty (60) days after the official notice to change them.

Fees

The fee for each numbered building entrance is shown in Section 110A, Table 1A-J of the San Francisco Building Code.

Signed by:

Vivian L. Day, C.B.O.

Director

Department of Building Inspection

Approved by the Building Inspection Commission on September 18, 2002,

R ev ision approved January 19, 2011.

AB-036 S ecial Ins ection for Demolition Work p p

NO. AB-036 :

DATE : October 20, 1993 (Updated 01/01/2023 for code references)

SUBJECT : Inspection

TITLE : Special Inspection for Demolition Work

PURPOSE :

REFERENCE :

For demolition of buildings of Types I, II, III and IV construction, and which are over 2 stories or 25 feet in height, a special inspector shall be on the site to observe and/or supervise the work to assure it is proceeding in a safe manner.

Current edition of the San Francisco Building Code

• 1705.21, Demolition
• 3307, Protection of Adjoining Property
• 3303.8, Special Inspection

DISCUSSION :

Requirement

Demolition work creates ongoing, and often sudden, life hazards. The general requirements for special inspection in San Francisco Building Code Section 1705.21, are made more specific in this ruling to reflect the need for extra supervision of such work.

The Demolition Contractor or permit applicant shall identify the Special Inspector for demolition work before a demolition permit is issued. For buildings over 6 stories in height, the Contractor and Special Inspector shall meet with the Department of Building Inspection (DBI) District Inspector to review the demolition work and arrive at a clear understanding on what is expected of all parties prior to the start of work. The Demolition Contractor shall notify the Special Inspector and the District Inspector at least two days prior to the start of the demolition operations. By obtaining the permit, the applicant acknowledges the authority of the Special Inspector over the demolition work as described below.

The Special Inspector:

1. Shall be a registered Civil Engineer or licensed Architect, and preferably, the individual who prepared the approved demolition sequence. The Special Inspector shall be at the site at all times when dismantling or demolition work is proceeding on any component which, when removed, reduces the stability of the building. These include, but are not limited to, the following:

a. Exterior walls

b. Bearing walls

c. Beams, girders and columns

d. Diaphragms (roof and floors which contribute stability to building)

2. Shall observe and/or direct that the work conforms with the sequence of operations which was approved by DBI. In the event a potentially hazardous situation develops as a result of conditions uncovered or unintentionally created by the demolition work, the Special Inspector shall notify DBI by telephone as soon as possible, and at that point shall require and allow only corrective work to take place to substantially reduce the hazards present. The Special Inspector shall then not allow any more work to be done until a revised demolition sequence has been submitted to DBI and approved.

In the event an unexpected development occurs which jeopardizes the public, such as materials falling onto the street or partial collapse of a wall, the Special Inspector may allow the demolition work to continue only if all the following conditions are complied with:

a. No continuing hazards to the public exist after the incident.

b. No significant deviations from the approved sequence are necessary as a result of the incident.

c. The Contractor provides/establishes measures and assurances that such incidents will not occur again, to the satisfaction of the Inspector.

d. The Special Inspector reports the incident to DBI in writing as soon as possible. The report shall explicitly address the issues in conditions a through c above.

If the above conditions are not met, the Special Inspector shall stop the job and notify DBI. The Special Inspector shall not allow the work to resume until DBI gives permission.

In the event deviations from the approved sequence are necessary due to unexpected field conditions, and potentially hazardous conditions are not present or would not be created, the inspector may allow or direct such deviations be made without stopping the work. Such deviations shall be reported in his next report to DBI.

3. Shall make written reports to DBI on a weekly basis or as required by DBI. Such reports shall include information on the progress of the demolition, any deviations which were not reported previously, and a statement that the demolition work is adhering to the approved sequence.

4. May be an employee of the Special Inspector only when the following conditions are complied with:

a. The employee is a registered Civil Engineer or licensed Architect.

b. The employee shall be under the immediate supervision of the Special Inspector. The Special Inspector shall provide to DBI a written statement in which he acknowledges complete responsibility for the inspection work, actions and decisions of the employee.

c. All reports shall be signed by the Engineer or Architect.

Originally signed by:

D o t Y. Yee, Deputy Superintendent

AB-040 Referral of Desi n Professionals and Contractors to Re ulator A encies g g y g

NO. AB-040 :

DATE : March 23, 2002 (Updated 01/01/2023 for code references)

SUBJECT : General Administrative Procedures

TITLE : Referral of Design Professionals and Contractors to Regulatory Agencies

PURPOSE :

The purpose of this bulletin is to establish guidelines and procedures for referring design professionals and contractors to the State License Boards review for possible disciplinary action when the Department of Building Inspection believes there are serious violations of State regulations.

California Business and Professions Code, Division 3. Professions and Vocations California Business and Professions Code, Division 1, Article 5, Section 325-326,

REFERENCES :

Consumer Complaints California Code of Regulations, Title 16, Professional and Vocational Regulations

DISCUSSION : These guidelines shall be used in instances where a licensed design professional or contractor appears to be in substantial noncompliance with the regulations governing

their activities. Such substantial noncompliance may include activities which appear to be, but not be limited to, unlicensed practice, gross incompetence, negligence, violation of local codes and regulations, or the provision of false or misleading information.

The Department of Building Inspection shall review concerns based on information available and make recommendations as are believed to be consistent with public safety and welfare. The Department shall not hold hearings, take testimony, engage in debate with the regulated or licensed persons, or otherwise assume the role of another regulatory agency.

PROCEDURE:

When it comes to the attention of the Department of Building Inspection through an employee or a complaint from the public that there may be substantial noncompliance with regulatory requirements the following actions should be taken.

1. A public complainant shall be given information regarding filing a complaint directly with a licensing or regulatory agency. If the Department believes that a complaint received from the public may be of interest to the Department of Building Inspection to review for further action, in addition to providing information to the complainant regarding the direct filing of a complaint, a staff person shall make note of the complaint and proceed as detailed below.

2. Any staff person of the Department of Building Inspection who believes that there may be an issue of substantial noncompliance shall immediately bring the matter to the attention of their supervisor who shall immediately notify the appropriate Manager.

3. A brief written summary of the concern shall be prepared by the staff person, their supervisor or the Manager.

4. The staff person and their supervisor, shall review the matter with the appropriate Manager, in consultation with the City Attorney, to determine if there are reasonable grounds for further review of the matter.

5. If a further review is determined to be appropriate by the Manager, a staff person assigned by that Manager shall review the matter and prepare a report containing the following information:

a. A description of the concern which has led the Department to consider referral for review by the regulatory agency.

b. All report, notes and other documentation from inspectors or other persons with immediate knowledge of the issues related to the potential complaint.

c. All permit application forms and other permit documents related to the potential complaint.

d. Letters, plans, calculations and all other documents which might aid in the review of the matter.

e. Other relevant information such as license and insurance information, complaints by other City agencies or outside parties, other DBI actions,

etc.

f. Department and other City records which may reveal other instances of possible noncompliance.

6. The Manager, following consultation with the City Attorney, shall review the completed report and make a determination to:

a. undertake further research and reporting

b. dismiss the matter

c. recommend to the Director to proceed with a referral to a regulatory agency

d. take other action as they deem appropriate

7. If the Manager’s determination is to recommend a referral to a regulatory agency, a complaint shall be prepared by a person assigned by the Manager, based on the rules and regulations of the regulatory agency. The complaint shall be accompanied by a cover letter prepared for the signature of the Director.

8. The complete file, including a cover letter prepared for the Director’s signature, a written recommendation for referral by the Manager, the formal complaint referral in a form required by the regulatory agency, and the Department’s report and related documentation shall be forwarded to the Director for review.

9. The Director may request additional information, may dismiss the matter, or may sign the complaint and refer the matter to the Building Inspection Commission’s Litigation Committee for review and approval prior to referring the complaint to the appropriate regulatory agency.

Signed by:

Frank Y.Chiu, April 26, 2002

Director

Department of Building Inspection

A p proved by the Building Inspection Commission on April 17, 2002

AB-042 Board of Examiners: Request for Variance, New Materials, or Alternate Methods of Construction

NO. AB-042 :

September 18, 2002 (Updated 01/01/2023 for code references)

DATE : [Supersedes Administrative Bulletin AB-042 originally issued 05/19/89, revised

08/10/90]

SUBJECT : Plan Review; Permit Process

Board of Examiners: Request for Variance, New Materials, or Alternate Methods TITLE : of Construction

PURPOSE :

REFERENCE :

DISCUSSION :

To establish policies and procedures for hearings before the Board of Examiners to request a variance from a building code requirement, or approval for the use of new or alternate materials, methods or types of construction.

Current edition of the San Francisco Building Code

• Section 105A.1, Board of Examiners
• Section 110A, Table 1A-K Penalties, Hearings, Code Enforcement Assessments

An applicant for a building permit may find that a specific new construction material, method of construction or type of construction cannot be approved by the Department of Building Inspection (DBI) because it does not comply with the specific requirements of the code. An applicant may find that it is difficult to achieve full compliance with the requirements of the building codes without experiencing practical difficulties. Under those circumstances the applicant may appeal to the Board of Examiners for approval of a variance or a new or alternate material, method or type of construction.

I) because it does not comply with the specific requirements of the code. An applicant may find that it is difficult to achieve full compliance with the requirements of the building codes without experiencing practical difficulties. Under those circumstances the applicant may appeal to the Board of Examiners for approval of a variance or a new or alternate material, method or type of construction.

The Board of Examiners, after reviewing submitted exhibits and data with respect to a building permit application, is empowered to determine whether the use of new or unusual products or construction methods complies with the standards of safety set by the various codes. Likewise, the Board of Examiners may determine whether variances from the requirements of the codes can be accepted in instances where compliance would result in a practical difficulty or unreasonable hardship. A determination of acceptance may include conditions which must be satisfied. The Board of Examiners may not approve a request which would result in a condition less safe than otherwise required by the codes.

Review and Appeals with DBI Staff

Before an appeal of a matter may be made to the Board of Examiners, the permit applicant must request review of a staff disapproval of a proposed condition of a building permit application to the next level of DBI management, up to and including the Director (see Attachment A Diagram AB042.) The San Francisco Fire Department must be consulted when a matter is within their jurisdiction. Any Fire Department disapproval may be appealed in accordance with Fire Department procedures. DBI and Fire Department review at each step shall be completed within 10 working days of the request by the appellant or the request shall be deemed disapproved and may advance to the next administrative review level.

• Where permit applicants do not agree with staff regarding an interpretation of the codes, or where applicants are denied approval to use a new material, method or type of construction, the disagreement or denial may be appealed to the plan reviewer’s Team Leader or to the Senior Inspector supervising the field inspector.

• If unable to reach an agreement with the Team Leader or Senior Inspector, the permit applicant may appeal the disagreement or denial to the Division Supervisor, Chief or Manager for resolution.

• If unable to reach an agreement with the Division’s Supervisor, Chief or Manager, the issue may be taken up with the Deputy Director of Permit Services or the Deputy Director of Inspection Services for resolution.

• The Deputy Director may choose to meet with the Director of the Department of Building Inspection before issuing a final administrative determination. If the permit applicant does not accept the Director’s conclusion, the applicant may then appeal to the Board of Examiners if the issue

is within that Board’s jurisdiction.

Request for Board of Examiners Review

Requests for Board of Examiners review must be submitted in writing (see Attachment B Form AB-042.)

• Submit 10 completed copies of Form AB-042 along with all other relevant information such as architectural plans, engineering reports, laboratory test data, and photos to:

Secretary, Board of Examiners

Department of Building Inspection

49 South Van Ness Ave., 5th Floor

San Francisco, CA 94103

The Board of Examiners will not review requests which do not, in the opinion of the Secretary of the Board of Examiners, include all necessary data, test results, and related materials.

• Enclose a check for the filing fee made payable to the Department of Building Inspection in the amount listed in Table 1A-K of the San Francisco Building Code.

Meeting Date and Application Deadline

The Board of Examiners meets to consider appeals as scheduled by the Secretary of the Board of Examiners. Requests for appeals to the Board of Examiners should allow at least three weeks before a hearing will be held.

Agenda Posting and Meeting Notification

DBI will send the appellant an agenda and a notification of a scheduled hearing at least ten days before the meeting. DBI will post the agenda at the location of the meeting and at the main branch of the San Francisco Public Library at least 72 hours before the hearing. All meetings are open to the public.

Unless otherwise noticed, the public meetings are held in the evenings at:

Department of Building Inspection

49 South Van Ness Ave.

San Francisco, CA 94103

Hearing Procedures

Prior to the hearing, the Director of the Department of Building Inspection and the Fire Marshal will review the materials submitted by the appellant and will separately submit recommendations for disposition of the appeal to the Board of Examiners.

At the hearing, representatives of the Department of Building Inspection and the Fire Department will introduce the case to the Board of Examiners and present their recommendations. The appellant may then present their argument. The appellant may include the testimony of recognized experts to substantiate their petition.

The Board of Examiners will render a decision at the public hearing, or may continue the case to the next meeting pending submittal of additional data or clarification. When the Board of Examiners arrives at a conclusion, a resolution called a “Notice of Decision” detailing the decision and recommendation will be prepared by the Secretary of the Board of Examiners, filed with the Director of the Department of Building Inspection. A copy of the “Notice of Decision” will be mailed to the appellant. The Secretary of the Board of Examiners will prepare official meeting minutes for approval at the next meeting. It is recommended that the applicant attach a copy of the “Notice of Decision” to any related permit application.

The Notice of Decision shall be microfilmed as part of the official records for the property.

Rehearing

A rehearing may be requested by any party when there is substantial new evidence which could not have been submitted at the time of the original hearing. Upon approval of a request for rehearing by the Board of Examiner, a date of a rehearing will be set.

Appeals

Where appellants do not agree with the decision of the Board of Examiners regarding a variance from requirements of the codes or where the appellants are denied the use of a new material, method or type of construction, the appellant may appeal the Board of Examiner’s decision to the Building Inspection Commission.

Originally signed by:

Frank Y. Chiu, October 3, 2002 Director

Department of Building Inspection

Gary Massetani, October 9, 2002 Fire Marshal

San Francisco Fire Department

Approved by the Building Inspection Commission on September 18, 2002

Attachment A: Diagram AB-042: Board of Examiners Appeals Process

A tt achment B: Form AB-042: Board of Examiners Request for Hearing

AB-043 Ventilation of Public S aces in Grou R Occu ancies p p p

NO. AB-043 :

DATE : September 18, 2002 (Updated 01/01/2023 for code references.)

SUBJECT : Plan Review; Permit Process

TITLE : Ventilation of Public Spaces in Group R Occupancies

To provide guidelines for determining which public spaces may require ventilation, PURPOSE : and to describe acceptable examples of providing ventilation to these spaces.

REFERENCES :

DISCUSSION :

Current edition of the San Francisco Building Code Section 1202 Current edition of the San Francisco Housing Code Sections 504 and 1001 California Health and Safety Code, Division 13, Part 1.5, Section 17920.3 (State Housing Law) Current edition of the San Francisco Mechanical Code Sections 402.0 and 403.0 .

The San Francisco Housing Code (SFHC) and the San Francisco Building Code (SFBC) requires a minimum level of ventilation in the public circulation spaces of Group R Occupancies. San Francisco’s deep and narrow lots coupled with a tradition of property line-to-property line construction often results in multifamily residential buildings with long hallways that have limited access to exterior openings. With little or no ventilation available to these hallways and other public spaces such as stairways and lobbies, the air can become stagnant and may retain cooking or tobacco odors.

The intent of the California Building Code (CBC) Section 1202.5 is to assure adequate ventilation of Group R Occupancies. The intent of the San Francisco amendment to Section 1202.5 is to assure adequate ventilation of all public circulation spaces, particularly those which have directlycommunicating openings into adjoining dwelling units or habitable spaces. This includes enclosed stairways and vestibules which also have entry doors to dwelling units or other habitable spaces. Pressurized stair enclosures need not be ventilated.

The following are acceptable means of providing ventilation:

1. Operable windows with an openable area of not less than 1/25 of the floor area of the area ventilated with a minimum of 4 square feet (0.37 m [2] ). The windows shall open directly onto a public way or a yard or a court when permitted by Table 705.8. See SFBC Section 1205 for minimum sizes of yards and courts adjacent to exterior openings that provide natural ventilation.

2. Skylights with an openable area of not less than 1/25 of the floor area of the area ventilated with a minimum of 4 square feet (0.37 m [2] ). The skylight shall be fixed open or shall be provided with an approved opening device.

3. Operable or fixed louvers with a net effective area of not less than 1/25 of the floor area of the area ventilated with a minimum of 4 square feet

(0.37 m [2] ). The operable louver shall be provided with an approved operating device.

4. Exterior openings set with screens, bars or grilles providing a net free (effective) area of not less than 1/25 of the floor area of the area ventilated

with a minimum of 4 square feet (0.37 m [2] ).

5. Wind-operated turbines may be used in lieu of natural ventilation to provide a minimum of 2 complete air changes per hour throughout the public circulation space with a minimum of 15 cubic feet per minute (7L/s) of outside air per occupant during such time as the building is occupied. Provide a make-up air inlet at a location that will not result in a short-circuiting of air flow, or where it will pick up objectionable odors, fumes or flammable vapors. For calculating ventilation, the minimum average wind speed shall be 7.5 miles per hour. [Based upon information from the National Climate Data Center, the lowest average wind speed in San Francisco is 6.7 mph in May.]

6. Mechanical ventilation and exhaust designed to operate continuously and capable of providing not less than that required by San Francisco Mechanical Code Section 403.0 throughout the public circulation space during such time as the building is occupied. Provide a make-up air inlet at a location that will not result in a short-circuiting of air flow, or where it will pick up objectionable odors, fumes or flammable vapors.

When natural or mechanical ventilation methods as described above are not feasible, the applicant may present an alternate means of providing ventilation for consideration by the building official.

When required by SFBC Sections 713 and 716, provide smoke and/or fire dampers at penetrations of fire-rated assemblies. Comply with the requirements of San Francisco Mechanical Code when locating ventilation openings near exhaust outlets, vent or chimney terminations.

Refer to the San Francisco Housing Code for maintenance of natural and mechanical ventilation systems in existing (prior to January 1, 2011) Group R, Division 1 & 2 Occupancies.

Signed by: Frank Y Chiu, October 3, 2002 Director

Department of Building Inspection

A p proved by the Building Inspection Commission on September 18, 2002

AB-046 S ecial Ins ection and Structural Observation Procedures p p

NO. AB-046 :

DATE : September 18, 2002 (Updated 01/01/2023 for code references.)

SUBJECT : Permit Process; Inspection

TITLE : Special Inspection and Structural Observation Procedures

PURPOSE :

The purpose of this Administrative Bulletin is to describe the procedures to be used in the administration and enforcement of special inspection and structural observation requirements of the San Francisco Building Code . It is intended as an aid for design professionals in their preparation of inspection and observation programs. It provides information for building owners, architects and engineers, contractors, and special inspection agencies about their responsibilities regarding special inspection and structural observation and includes standardized forms and formats applicable to these functions.

REFERENCES :

I. DEFINITIONS

Current edition of the San Francisco Building Code

• Section 108A, Inspections
• Chapter 17, Special Inspections and Tests ASTM E329-21, Standard Specification for Agencies Engaged in Construction Inspection, Testing or Special Inspection

A. Special Inspection

Special Inspection is the monitoring of the materials and workmanship that are critical to the integrity of building structures or are otherwise required for public safety. Special inspection is intended to assure that the approved plans and specifications are being followed and that relevant codes and ordinances are being observed. The special inspection process is in addition to the regular inspections conducted by Department of Building Inspection building inspectors and by the engineer or architect of record. The special inspectors furnish continuous or periodic inspection as required by the San Francisco Building Code (SFBC).

Good communication between the special inspector and the designers, contractor, and building department is essential to project quality assurance.

B. Structural Observation

Structural observation is visual observation of the structural system, for general conformance with the approved plans and specifications, at significant construction stages and at completion of the structural system, as required by SFBC Section 1704.6. Structural observation does not include or waive the responsibility for the inspections required by Section 108A, 1704, 1705, or other sections of this code. [SFBC Sec. 202]

II DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE PARTIES RESPONSIBLE FOR SPECIAL INSPECTION PROGRAM AND STRUCTURAL

OBSERVATION PROGRAM

A. Duties and Responsibilities of the Project Owner

1. The project owner, or the owner’s agent, is responsible for funding special inspection services.

2. The owner, or the owner’s agent, shall employ the engineer or architect responsible for the structural design, or another engineer or architect designated by the engineer or architect responsible for the structural design, to perform structural observation as defined in SFBC Section 202.

3. Before final building inspection, the owner, or the owner’s agent, shall submit to DBI final compliance reports covering each item requiring special inspection and structural observation. Final reports shall be wet signed and stamped by the responsible engineer of the special inspection agency, geotechnical firm, engineer or architect of record - as appropriate to the type of report. See Attachment 2, Special Inspection Final Compliance Report and Attachment 3, Structural Observation Final Compliance Report .

B. Duties and Responsibilities of the Engineer of Record

The Engineer of Record (or Architect of Record) has many duties and responsibilities related to special inspection and structural observation activities. These include the following:

1. Identify the need for special inspection and structural observation services

The project plans that are submitted to the Building Official shall clearly indicate the design parameters and material selection. The Engineer of Record shall analyze the critical elements of the design and determine where special inspection and structural observation are required, in accordance with SFBC Sections 1704 and 1705. The Engineer of Record shall submit the Special Inspection and Structural Observation Form (Attachment 1) to DBI. The Engineer of Record shall also indicate the required special inspection and structural observation requirements on the submitted drawings. This can be accomplished by including a copy of the form on the drawings, or by including the same information on the drawings in another manner.

2. Respond to field discrepancies

The Engineer of Record is instrumental in the process of deficiency correction. The engineer or architect of record is responsible for any design changes in addition to acknowledgment and approval of shop drawings, which may detail structural information, and for submission of such changes to DBI for approval.

3. Prepare final compliance report

The Engineer of Record prepares an overall final compliance report for submittal to DBI, stating that all items requiring special inspection and structural observation were performed in accordance with the approved plans, specifications, and applicable workmanship provisions of the SFBC. See Attachment 2, Special Inspection Final Compliance Report and Attachment 3, Structural Observation Final Compliance Report .

C. Duties and responsibilities of the engineer responsible for the structural observation program

Observed deficiencies shall be reported in writing to the owner’s representative, special inspector, contractor and the Director. The structural observer shall submit to the Director a written statement declaring that the site visits have been made and identifying any reported deficiencies that, to the best of the structural observer’s knowledge, have not been resolved. See Attachment 3, Structural Observation Final Compliance Report .

D. Duties and Responsibilities of the Special Inspector

The special inspectors are individuals with highly developed, specialized skills who observe those critical building or structural features which they are qualified to inspect. Duties of the special inspectors and/or inspection agencies include the following:

1. Observe all work for which they are responsible

Special inspectors shall inspect all work for conformance with the Department of Building Inspection approved drawings and specifications and applicable provisions of the code.

2. Provide timely reports

The special inspector should complete written inspection reports for each inspection visit and provide the reports in a timely manner. The special inspector or inspection agency shall furnish these reports directly to the building official, engineer or architect of record and to the general contractor. Special inspectors shall bring all non-conforming items to the immediate attention of the contractor. If any such item is not resolved in a timely manner or is about to be incorporated in the work, the engineer or architect of record and the building official shall be notified immediately. See Attachments 5 through 8.

3. Respond to field discrepancies

Material and design discrepancies shall be brought to the attention of the Engineer of Record and the Building Official.

4. Submit a final signed report

Special inspectors or inspection agencies shall submit a final report (signed by the registered engineer or licensed architect who is responsible for the special inspection) to the Department of Building Inspection stating that all items requiring special inspection and testing were constructed, to the best of their knowledge, in conformance with the approved design drawings, specifications, approved change order and the applicable provisions of the code. See Attachment 2, Special Inspection Final Compliance Report .

E. Duties and Responsibilities of the Director

1. Review and examine plans for compliance

The Director is charged with the legal authority to review the plans for compliance with the code requirements, including special inspection and structural observation requirements.

2. Monitor the special inspection and structural observation activities

The Director shall monitor the job site to see that special inspection and structural observation is being performed and that an adequate number of special inspection staff is present depending upon the extent and complexity of the project.

3. Review inspection reports

The Director receives, reviews and makes the inspection reports part of the inspection records.

4. Review the final report

The Certificate of Occupancy shall not be issued until the final report has been received and approved by the Director.

F. Duties and Responsibilities of the Contractor

The contractor’s duties include the following:

1. Notify the special inspector

The contractor is responsible for notifying the special inspector or agency regarding special inspections required by DBI. Adequate notice shall be provided so that the special inspector has time to become familiar with the project.

2. Provide access to approved plans

The contractor is responsible for providing the special inspector with access to approved plans at the job site.

3. Retain special inspection records

The contractor is responsible for retaining at the job site all special inspection records submitted by the special inspector, and providing these records for review by the Department of Building Inspection inspector upon request.

III SPECIAL INSPECTOR QUALIFICATIONS: [SFBC Section 1704]

The San Francisco Department of Building Inspection will accept special inspection and testing agencies working on projects in San Francisco who are recognized by the Special Inspection Joint Review Committee of participating Bay Area jurisdictions, which reviews the qualifications of inspection and testing agencies including conformance with ASTM E329 and inspector certification and experience criteria. The current list of the Joint Review Committee’s Recognized Special Inspection and Testing Agencies is available from DBI.

Alternatively, special inspectors shall be one of the following:

A. A qualified person employed by an approved inspection and testing agency conforming insofar as applicable to the requirements of ASTM E329.

Except for testing of materials and reporting of numerical results from such tests, the inspector shall work under the general supervision of a registered Civil Engineer, and all reports and certification of compliance must be signed by the engineer.

B. A registered Civil Engineer or licensed Architect who can demonstrate to the satisfaction of the Director that he or she has the experience and expertise to qualify as a special inspector for the specific type of inspection work, and has appropriate equipment to conduct such inspections and

tests.

Note: The above applies to any engineer or architect who is not the engineer or architect of record for the project. Qualifications must be approved by the Director.

C. For life-safety provisions required by SFBC Section 403, construction review and validation testing shall be performed by, or under the supervision of a registered Electrical or Mechanical Engineer responsible for those areas of work involving his or her design. All reports on construction review and testing, and certification of compliance and full operational status, shall be signed by the engineer and endorsed by the design professional of record for the building. The design professional of record shall bear overall responsibility for the proper installation and testing of the life-safety system. When approved by the Director this responsibility may be borne by an approved independent testing agency.

D. The Engineer (or Architect) of Record.

Note: The engineer who prepared the geotechnical report may be considered the engineer of record for the geotechnical work requiring special inspection.

E. For plant fabrication of precast concrete elements, a registered civil engineer who supervises all phases of quality control work. The registered civil engineer shall be subject to the approval of the Director.

IV SPECIAL INSPECTION AND STRUCTURAL OBSERVATION OPERATIONAL PROCEDURE WITHIN DEPARTMENT OF BUILDING

INSPECTION

A. Plan Review Services (PRS) - Plan Check Engineers/Inspectors

1. Review Attachment 1, Special Inspection and Structural Observation form. Usually the engineer or architect of record prepares the form. Verify special inspection and structural observation items.

2. Plan checker affixes the “SPECIAL INSPECTION” stamp on the back of the application when signing that permit is approved for issuance. The plan checker makes one copy of the Special Inspection and Structural Observation form and attaches it to the applicant’s copy of the permit application, then gives the original to the Special Inspection Services staff.

3. Special Inspection Services Staff set up the special inspection file and enters the types of special inspection and structural observation required for the project in the computer record for the permit application.

4. During construction, DBI Special Inspection Services staff distribute special inspection progress reports to assigned staff. If reports indicate problems that need to be brought to the attention of the district building inspector, Special Inspection Services Staff forwards a copy of the report to the appropriate district building inspector. District building inspector will notify the contractor who in turn shall notify the engineer of record to resolve the field problems. Resolution reports shall be submitted to PRS for review and file. See Attachment 4, Special Inspection/Structural Observation Transmittal Letter .

5. When final reports are submitted, DBI staff will review for final compliance. If documentation is not sufficient, DBI staff will notify the Engineer of Record regarding missing items. If compliance has been verified, DBI staff signs and dates Special Inspection and Structural Observation form.

6. DBI staff enters final compliance approval in the computer by entering the approval date and their name for each item requiring special inspection.

7. DBI staff sends completed special inspection and structural observation files quarterly to DBI storage.

8. For permits issued over the counter when special inspection is required, DBI staff will make copy of the Special Inspection form and distribute as follows:

a. One copy to applicant

b. Original to DBI staff with the approval date.

B. Central Permit Bureau (CPB)

Staff shall give one copy of the approved Special Inspection and Structural Observation form to applicant together with the approved drawings.

C. Building Inspection Division (BID)

1. Special Inspector shall be identified to the District Building Inspector prior to start of the work for which special inspection is required. See Attachment 1, Special Inspection Requirements and Structural Observation Requirements .

2. District building inspectors monitor the special inspection activities at the project site. In the event that district building inspectors discover that required special inspection is not being performed, or is not in compliance with the approved plans, they are authorized to suspend or stop the progress of the work.

Originally signed by:

Frank Y. Chiu, Director

Department of Building Inspection

October 3, 2002

Approved by the Building Inspection Commission on September 18, 2002

Attachments:

Attachment 1: Special Inspection and Structural Observation Requirements

Attachment 2: Special Inspection Final Compliance Report

Attachment 3: Structural Observation Final Compliance Report

Attachment 4: Special Inspection/Structural Observation Transmittal Letter

Attachment 5: Special Inspection Record

Attachment 6: Special Inspection Daily Report

Attachment 7: Special Inspection Weekly Report

Attachment 8: Special Inspection Discrepancy Notice

Attachment 9: Sample matrix

Attachment 10: Agency Summary and Letter of Agreement

Attachment 11: Waiver Agreement

A tt achment 12: Responsible Engineer’s Statement of Agreement

AB-047 Specific Submittal Criteria for Reports, Special Inspections and Final Acceptance Testing of Smoke Control S stems y

NO. AB-047 :

DATE : December 12, 2016 (Updated 01/01/2023 for code references.)

SUBJECT : Smoke Control Systems

Specific Submittal Criteria for Reports, Special Inspections and Final TITLE : Acceptance Testing of Smoke Control Systems.

PURPOSE :

This Administrative Bulletin outlines the minimum requirements for smoke control systems in the City and County of San Francisco; it covers (1) design criteria, (2) required submittals and documentation. This Administrative Bulletin applies to both new and existing smoke control systems.

Current edition of the California Building Code Section 909 REFERENCES : Current edition of the California Fire Code Section 909

1. GENERAL

a. Alternate Methods of Smoke Control

1. Equivalent/Alternate methods should be pre-approved by DBI/SFFD. See DBI Administrative Bulletin AB-005 for information regarding local equivalencies and DBI Administrative Bulletin AB-028 for information regarding pre-application or pre-addendum meetings. Examples of alternate methods are Natural Ventilation (not applicable to 909.20.3; Smoke proof enclosures), Garage CO Exhaust. Additional justification and analyses are required to show the method provides an equivalent level of life-safety to prescribed methods; typically consisting of providing documentation and supporting calculations.

2. SMOKE CONTROL SYSTEM DESIGNERS QUALIFICATIONS

a. The building owner shall engage an architect, mechanical engineer and electrical engineer as architect and engineers-of-record, to prepare Smoke Control System design documents [SFBC 106A.3.4]. All design professionals shall be licensed in the State of California [CBC 202]. The architect and engineers-of-record shall be responsible for reviewing and coordinating all submittal documents, including reports and deferred submittals, for compatibility with the building design [SFBC 106A.3.4].

If a smoke control consultant is engaged, this person shall be experienced in smoke control systems and shall be a fire protection engineer or mechanical engineer licensed in the State of California.

b. When peer review is required by DBI/SFFD, the reviewer shall be approved by DBI/SFFD, and engaged by the owner or owner’s agent.

3. RESPONSIBILITIES

a. Project Owner

1. Designate Responsible Design Professionals and Smoke Control Report Author

2. Authorize Peer Review (where applicable)

3. Contract development and implementation of Special Inspection Program

4. Contract Air Balancer and Special Inspector(s)

5. Coordinate Document Submittals:

i. Alternate materials and methods requests

ii. Preliminary Smoke Control Report

iii. Final Smoke Control Report (including amendments)

iv. Special Inspection Proposal for Smoke Control

v. Final Special Inspection Report

6. Coordinate Plan Submittals

i. Site Plan

ii. Architectural Plan, including smoke barrier plan

iii. MEP Plans

iv. Fire Alarm Plans including Control Diagrams and Smoke Control Panel Layout

v. Sprinkler Plans

b. Design Professionals

1. Architect of Record

i. Architectural Design and Smoke Barrier Plans in accordance with the smoke control report.

ii. Must review architectural submittals by others to assure that smoke control system is coordinated into design.

iii. Inspect construction, and when satisfied that the design intent has been achieved, the architect shall seal, sign, and date the special inspection report in designated area.

2. Mechanical Engineer of Record

i. Mechanical Design in accordance with smoke control report and code requirements.

ii. Must review mechanical, fire alarm, sprinkler submittals by others to assure that smoke control system is coordinated into design.

iii. Inspect construction, and when satisfied that the design intent has been achieved, the mechanical engineer of record shall seal, sign, and date the special inspection report in designated area.

3. Electrical Engineer of Record

i. Electrical Design in accordance with smoke control report and code requirements.

ii. Must review electrical and fire alarm submittals by others to assure that smoke control system coordinated into design.

iii. Inspect construction, and when satisfied that the design intent has been achieved, the electrical engineer of record shall seal, sign, and date the special inspection report in designated area.

c. Smoke Control Report Author

1. Prepare Preliminary Smoke Control Report in accordance with architectural design.

2. Prepare Final Smoke Control Report (including amendments).

3. Establish smoke control system design, and pass/fail criteria; including necessary weather conditions acceptable during commissioning testing without further review.

4. Communicate with Peer Reviewer (where applicable), Fire Department, Department of Building Inspection during review and inspection phases.

d. Contractor

1. Provide inspection/testing access prior to concealment of ductwork, wiring, piping, etc.

2. Marking and identification of all smoke control components.

3. Pre-testing of all equipment and systems prior to special inspection.

4. Coordinate special inspection and AHJ testing.

e. Department of Building Inspection

1. Review Plans and Submittals.

2. Mandate Peer Review (when necessary).

3. Perform field inspections.

4. Review special inspection report.

5. Provide Certificate of Final Completion when work is completed.

6. Custodian of Records (microfilm).

f. Fire Department

1. Review Plans and Submittals.

2. Mandate peer review (when necessary).

3. Approval of Preliminary Smoke Control Concept and Final Smoke Control Report and Special Inspection Program.

4. Authorize fabrication of smoke control panel after approval.

5. Perform field inspections/witness testing and verify compliance with approved plans and documents.

6. Review of final special inspection report by Fire Plan Check.

7. Communication of deficiencies and required corrections with Plan Check, field inspectors, special inspectors, and design professionals.

8. Provide approval documentation when work is complete.

g. Special Inspector or Special Inspection Agencies

1. Develop special inspection procedure/program (written proposal).

2. Prepare special inspection report.

3. Witness test and document all devices affecting smoke control system.

4. Inspect and document all architectural features affecting smoke control design.

5. Where deficiencies are noted during a site visit prepare and post deficiency reports with the permit posted at the job site and notify the contractor and responsible design professionals of corrections required [CBC 1704.2.4].

h. Air Balancer

1. Perform all required testing with properly calibrated instruments.

2. Document all testing and inspection results and provide to Special Inspector(s).

4. SUBMITTALS FOR SMOKE CONTROL SYSTEMS

a. General

1. Submit two sets of the following: all reports in booklet format (e.g. spiral bound), 8-1/2 × 11 sheets; drawings, minimum 11 × 17 sheets. One set of each will be returned when approved. Reports shall be accompanied by two sets of CD-Rs with a copy of the report in PDF format including all appendices, diagrams, and all supporting calculation files (with all supporting design scenarios and data files) “burned” onto the CDs. Each CD shall be in a slim plastic “jewel case” with a clear cover. The permit application number, report title, project name and address, CD-R files, report date, and revision number shall be clearly labeled on the CD-R.

2. Construction documents shall include sufficient information and detail to adequately describe the design and properly facilitate installation.

3. Three types of reports are required: (1) the Smoke Control Report, (2) Special Inspection Program, and (3) Special Inspection and Testing Final Report. Approval of the Smoke Control Report and Special Inspection Program are required before the Mechanical Permit is issued. Provide the (3) Final Testing Report [CBC 909.18.8.3] and Identification and Documentation [909.18.9] to DBI/SFFD at project completion.

4. A complete Special Inspection Program with sample reports shall be submitted with the mechanical plans to DBI/SFFD for review and approval prior to issuance of the mechanical permit. Refer to Special Inspection Program requirements section.

b. Smoke Control Report

1. A written report, titled Smoke Control Report, shall be authored by the smoke control consultant or the mechanical engineer-of-record and submitted to DBI/SFFD for review and approval. The Smoke Control Report is typically a multi-phased approval process and submitted as follows:

i. For site permit projects submit a preliminary Smoke Control Report with the site permit drawings. The preliminary Smoke Control Report is generally conceptual in nature, but still includes all aspects required in the final report, including AB-047 Signature Page-Attachment 1, less the specific calculations, supporting data, and diagrams. The acceptance of the preliminary Smoke Control Report does not constitute final approval by SFFD or DBI. Submit the Smoke Control Report as part of the review and approval process of the Architectural, Mechanical, and Electrical addendum drawings.

ii. For all projects without a site permit, submit the complete Smoke Control Report with the Architectural drawings (for reference). Submit the Smoke Control Report and Special Inspection Program with the Mechanical, and Electrical drawings, as part of the drawings’ review and approval

process.

iii. If the Smoke Control Report is revised after approval by DBI/SFFD, the revised report shall be resubmitted with all items required and provided in the original submittal and revised plans showing applicable changes.

2. The Smoke Control Report shall include the following information:

i. Cover Page: Provide a cover page showing the facility name, address, revision number, permit application and revision numbers, date of submittal and preparer.

ii. Signature Page: Provide a completed signature page with final report; AB-047 Attachment 1.

iii. Code References: Provide reference to and include copies in appendices of all approved alternate means and methods, and pre-application agreements relating to smoke control. List all applicable codes standards including editions, approved equivalencies, and pre-application agreements for the project.

iv. Building Description: Provide a general narrative overview of the building and its uses. Include the building height, number of stories, basement levels, gross floor area, types of occupancies and type(s) of construction, approved variances and equivalencies. Identify the architectural features that affect smoke control design and life-safety: size of atriums, location of fire/smoke barriers, fire-safeing, engineering judgments, make-up air openings, operable windows, vents, floor and wall openings, door closers, ceiling heights, pressurized and non-pressurized stair enclosures, open stairs, shafts used as ducts, duct construction and material, exiting, horizontal exits, heights and types of surrounding structures/buildings, Elevators for Firefighters use.

v. Fire suppression systems: Provide a concise narrative overview of the fire suppression system(s). Identify the types of systems and areas served (zoning), major equipment, design criteria and basic operation. Identify the type, location and quantity of flammable or combustible fuel, and hazardous/toxic materials, if any.

vi. HVAC and ventilation systems: Provide a concise narrative overview of the HVAC systems whether or not used for smoke control. Identify the types of systems and areas served (zoning), major equipment, fire and smoke dampers type and class including link temperatures, design objectives and basic operation. Identify where fire dampers have actuating devices with increased operating temperatures (not more than 350°F) due to smoke control [CBC 717.3.3] and specify the actuating temperatures for each type of fire damper. Identify where fire/smoke dampers are not provided due to smoke control [CBC 717.2.1; 717.5.3, #1.3, #4]. Identify where fire/smoke dampers are not provided at shafts due to 22-inch subducts and continuously operating exhaust fans connected to the standby power system [CBC 717.5.3, #1.1, #2.2, #2.3].

vii. Power supply systems: Provide a concise narrative overview of the primary and standby power sources for the smoke control systems. Include the locations of the standby power source, transfer switches, normal power transformers and switchgear, and describe the independent routing of the normal and standby power distribution systems [CBC 909.11]. Identify the type, location and quantity of flammable or combustible fuel, if any. Address the need for uninterruptible power supplies and power surge protectors [CBC 909.11.1]. Provide a table to indicate all equipment required to be connected to emergency power. Specify the required duration the Stand-by/Secondary Power supply is required to operate the Smoke Management System [909.4.6]. Note standby power is usually required for scavenger fans.

le or combustible fuel, if any. Address the need for uninterruptible power supplies and power surge protectors [CBC 909.11.1]. Provide a table to indicate all equipment required to be connected to emergency power. Specify the required duration the Stand-by/Secondary Power supply is required to operate the Smoke Management System [909.4.6]. Note standby power is usually required for scavenger fans.

viii. Fire alarm, detection and control systems: Provide a concise narrative overview of the fire alarm, detection and control systems as they relate to the smoke control system. Include the building management system (BMS) where used for or interconnected to the smoke control system. BMS systems shall be listed for smoke control use. Identify the smoke control components that must be monitored for proper operation (supervised end-to-end) and the method of supervision [CBC 909.12]. Address the listing of fire detection and control systems (UL category UUKL) including the building management system where used for smoke control [CBC 909.12].

a. Damper supervision and control at the Firefighters Control Panel is required for all active-passive zone boundaries, e.g. corridor to residential units, group control and interlocking on fans with dampers is allowed. The minimum acceptable supervision and control required will indicate proper damper operation and fault condition for smoke control operation, i.e. open and closed. These dampers shall be included in the UUKL Self-Test and fail-safe in the closed position [CBC 909].

b. Fan supervision and control at the Firefighters Smoke Control Panel is required for all fans used in the smoke control system [CBC 909.16]. Each fan and damper shall have a separate annunciator lights and controls, unless otherwise approved. Power (amperage and voltage) shall be supervised at the downstream side of the electrical disconnects [CBC 909.12] and a positive means of verifying airflow shall be provided (pressure switch/airflow sensor) [NFPA 92 6.4.8.2] at each fan and indicated on the Firefighters Control Panel as a fault condition if failure occurs. Supervision and control of additional fans shall be required in cases where an alternate/equivalent method is approved, e.g. where garage CO exhaust is utilized for smoke control, and use of supply fans are necessary for adequate smoke exhausting.

ix. Firefighters Control Panel. Include a narrative description of the Firefighters Control panel. Refer to the Fire Alarm Plan submittal section for additional information.

x. Smoke Control/Management Systems. Provide a concise conceptual narrative overview of the smoke control/management systems: concepts, approaches, and design objectives, types of systems, zoning, major equipment, analysis methods, and basic operation and activation

sequences.

xi. As applicable provide a detailed description of each smoke control zone including: occupancy; fire suppression and fire alarm systems, including specific design criteria required by the smoke control system; construction type, ratings and leakage values; door and window types, ratings, leakage values, and closing methods; operable and fixed exterior openings; expected fire size/loads, combustible materials [CFC]; means of egress; method(s) of smoke control; analyses methods, with referenced equations for hand calculations, name and version of software; design scenarios addressed, including specific weather data used for each scenario; summary of results including but not limited to tenability, timed egress, i.e. ASET vs. RESET; sprinkler type and activation times; activation methods.

xii. Provide small-scale drawings, 11 × 17 minimum, showing the location of all smoke zones, including passive smoke zones; include the drawings as PDF files on the required CD-R.

xiii. Provide rational analyses of the design; address the stack effect, temperature effect of the fire, wind, HVAC interactions, climate and minimum duration of operation [CBC 909.4.4, 909.4.5, 909.10].

3. For smoke control systems using the passive method, identify the total leakage area for typical smoke barriers [CBC 909.5.1].

4. Address the probable temperatures to which fans, dampers and ducts may be exposed in a fire [CBC 909.10].

5. Identify smoke zone openings which must be open or closed for proper operation, such as doors, windows, dampers and louvers; identify smoke zone openings that are supervised in the open and/or closed positions.

6. Address the piston effect of elevators. Additionally, for single car elevator shaft provide calculations to show the smoke control system is not overcome by the piston effect.

7. Design Fundamentals; Where applicable the following Guidelines shall apply.

i. Design Fire:

a. A design fire engineering analysis shall be provided in the smoke control report [909.9]. Address the fuel characteristics (e.g. toxicity, particulate yield, and growth rate), fuel spacing and configurations (radiant heat), heat-release assumptions (HRR), and sprinkler effectiveness assumptions. Justify all assumptions and performance-based approaches. Identify the computer program(s) and version(s) used, if any. Include calculations and an input and output summary for each computer analysis design case.

b. Specify the maximum ceiling jet temperatures and time lag expected before sprinkler activation. Provide supporting calculations.

ii. Pressurization Method:

a. Stairway pressurization systems: Comply with CBC 909.20 to 909.20.4-6 and NFPA 92 4.6 to 4.6.4.2. Use of vestibule transfer grills is not acceptable except for pressurization of large stairway transfer passageways.

b. Pressurization calculations may be based on maximum leakage values provided in the CBC [CBC 909.5.] However, architectural specifications for construction leakage may be used if documented in report.

c. A minimum Pressure differential of 0.05-water gauge is required across all smoke barriers in fully sprinklered buildings. Un-sprinklered buildings shall comply with CBC 909.6.1 for pressure differentials. [CBC 909.6, 909.6.1].

d. Computer calculations shall be provided for all buildings utilizing a multizone model program that is valid for the application, e.g. CONTAM. State all variables used/required in the calculations and additional modifiers are available and used in the calculations, e.g. Wind Tunnel data, provide information in the report. Hand calculations may be provided and/or required to verify computer calculations.

e. Base calculations input data on 1 percent wind speeds and dry bulb temperatures of 99.6 and 0.4 percent (NFPA 92A, A.4.4.1). Include prevailing winds, summer and winter, and all other wind directions considered critical to demonstrate wind effects. Current wind data shall be obtained from a nationally recognized authority, e.g. ASHRAE, and included in the report. Use of site specific wind data is recommended.

f. All exterior openings and non-smoke management fans in smoke control zones and sub-zones that are operable in smoke control mode shall be included in the analysis in their normal position, e.g. windows, doors, scavenger fans, z-ducts and vents (NFPA 92A, 4.6.1, and 7.1.1.2).

g. For smoke control systems using the pressurization method, identify the minimum and maximum pressure differences across smoke zone boundaries (smoke barriers) separating smoke zones [CBC 909.6.1]. Include calculations for each smoke zone where appropriate. Analyses shall include all openings fixed in open position, and within reason openings expected to be opened, e.g. Z-ducts, operable windows and/or doors [NFPA 92 72.2].

h. Provide smoke detectors at each floor level entrance to smoke proof enclosure [CBC 909.20.6 and 907.3.1.]. Note: This requirement is satisfied if full area smoke detection is provided throughout the room or corridor accessing the smoke proof enclosure vestibule.

i. Provide full area smoke detection in residential corridors to activate the corridor exhaust fans. Activation of the smoke control system by full area smoke detection within residential corridors may be used in lieu of activation by the zoned fire sprinkler system. An application for equivalency per SFDBI Administrative Bulletin AB-005 will not be required for compliance with CBC 909.12.3 for residential corridors.

j. Comply with CBC 909.20.7, to provide protection of equipment, control and power wiring, and ductwork.

k. Provide pressurization of Fire Service Access Elevator only if the smoke control system is designed under the Current Edition of the CBC/SFBC.

iii. Exhaust Method: Typically used in large volume areas, e.g. atriums [CBC 909.8].

a. Where space is a simple geometry (no obstructions, simple air supply/makeup air and exhaust, symmetrical square construction) exhaust of smoke may be done using NFPA 92 algebraic calculations.

b. In spaces with complicated geometries and/or tenability is used as design criteria, CFD analysis may be required. A complicated geometry is where airflow is obstructed, multiple air supplies, or construction is asymmetrical.

c. All exterior openings and non-smoke management fans in smoke control zones and sub-zones that are operable in smoke control mode shall be included in the analysis, e.g. windows, doors, scavenger fans and vents.

iv. Natural Ventilation:

a. Designs that utilize natural ventilation (not applicable to 909.20.3; Smoke proof enclosures) in whole or part of the smoke management system will require CFD or physical (scale) model analysis.

b. The affect of outdoor wind, temperature, design fire size, and the surrounding structures are especially important in the design of natural ventilation smoke control. Multiple design scenarios that reflect a complete range of operating conditions are required to demonstrate the validity of the smoke control systems’ function.

c. Wind speeds shall range from zero to the 1 percent annual extreme. Include prevailing winds, summer and winter, and a minimum of 4 other wind directions considered critical to demonstrate wind affect at the required wind speeds. Current wind data shall be obtained from a nationally recognized authority, e.g. ASHRAE, and included in the report.

d. Ambient temperature used in calculations shall range from low to high annual extremes, dry bulb temperatures of 99.6 and 0.4 percent, as reported by the most current data obtained from a nationally recognized authority, e.g. ASHRAE.

e. For verification of commissioning and testing data provide design calculations for the temperature(s) and wind condition(s) experienced during the testing.

f. All openings in smoke control zones that are operable shall be included in the analysis, e.g. windows, doors, and vents. Separate design scenarios for each zone with open and openings closed shall be included.

v. Airflow Method: Typically used in tunnels or spaces connected to large volume spaces to manage the flow of smoke from fires.

a. Simple geometrical spaces (no obstructions, simple air supply and exhaust, symmetrical smooth construction) the critical air velocity calculation required to prevent the backflow of smoke may be per NFPA 92, section 5.10, Opposed Airflow and CBC, Section 909.7.

b. In spaces with complicated geometry (rough, asymmetric construction) and/or where/when tenability is used as design criteria, CFD analysis is required. A complicated geometry is where airflow is obstructed, multiple air supplies, or construction is asymmetrical.

c. All openings in smoke control zones that are operable shall be included in the analysis, e.g. windows, doors, and vents. Separate design scenarios for each zone with open and openings closed shall be included.

vi. Tenability: Tenability criteria shall be established based on approved documented studies. Items to be included, but not limited to, determining tenability criteria are the following: temperature and humidity, visibility (KS3, light reflecting), toxicity assessment of combustion products and FED.

vii. Egress Analysis: Timed egress analyses shall be based on CBC 909.4.6 (where duration of system is less than 20-minutes) based on documented methods as provided in the listed references.

Calculation of Available Safe Egress Time (ASET) and Required Safe Egress Time (RSET) with a minimum safety factor of (1.5). ASET and RSET shall be calculated in phases/time segments: ignition-detection, detection-alarm, alarm-perception, perception-interpretation, interpretation-action, action-movement, and tenability limit only for ASET. Occupancy loads shall be determined by the CBC or actual occupant load, whichever is greater. Consideration shall be made for handicapped and disabled occupants by reduction of travel speeds and flow rates. Lastly, duration of the smoke management system operation shall be the code required minimum or the maximum RSET, whichever is greater.

c. Architectural Drawings

1. Include a compliance statement stamped and wet signed by the architect-of-record which states:

“I have reviewed the Smoke Control Report and confirm the smoke management/control system elements shown on the drawings under my responsible charge comply with the Smoke Control Report by ( REPORT AUTHOR ) and ( DATE OF REPORT ).”

2. As part of the architectural drawings provide smoke barrier drawings showing the location of all smoke zones: delineate each zone as passive or active and provide a zone designation for each active zone. Additionally, show occupancies of each smoke zone and all openings required, e.g. doors required to open for make-up air. The zones and designations used in the architectural drawings shall correspond to zones and designations used in the smoke control report.

3. Provide sufficient detail in the drawings to support engineering calculations, e.g. leakage values for walls, ceilings, and doors; locations and heights of surrounding buildings; sizes and locations of make-up air openings; and smoke-barrier wall construction details.

d. Mechanical Permit Drawings

1. In addition to the information that is typically provided in mechanical drawings, provide the following information in the drawings:

i. Include a compliance statement stamped and wet signed by the mechanical engineer-of-record which states: “I have reviewed the Smoke Control Report and confirm the smoke management/control system elements shown on the drawings under my responsible charge comply with the Smoke Control Report by ( REPORT AUTHOR ) and ( DATE OF REPORT ).”

ii. Submit approved architectural plans that show the location of all smoke zones, including passive smoke zones.

iii. Provide a schematic riser diagram of the smoke control/management systems.

iv. Provide a narrative summary and sequence of operations of the smoke control/management system operation.

v. Identify the major mechanical components used for smoke control in appropriate schedules. Include fans, drivers, variable frequency drives (VFDs) and their locations, and louver and damper operators. Indicate the minimum service factor for fan motors (1.15) and the minimum number of fan belts for belt-driven fans, and temperature rating of fans and ducts [CBC 909.10].

vi. Identify the ducts and shafts used for smoke control in the schematic riser diagrams and plan drawings. Indicate the minimum test pressure for ducts and shafts used for smoke control (1.5 times the maximum design pressure) [CBC 909.10.2]. All shafts shall be sheet metal lined, unless an alternate method is approved [CMC 602].

vii. For smoke control systems with variable frequency drives (VFDs), locate the VFDs outside the smoke zone they serve. Alternatively, protect VFDs within the smoke zone they serve from smoke and heat so they are capable of continued operation after detection of fire for at least 20 minutes or the time set by the required safe exiting time (1.5 times RSET), whichever is less [CBC 909.4.6.] VFDs shall not serve more than one end device unless listed for smoke control service. Specify the “fail-safe” VFD operation mode and speed.

viii. For air-moving systems greater than 2,000 cfm, identify where automatic shutoffs are not provided due to smoke control [CMC 609].

2. Prerequisites for a mechanical permit issuance: Approved architectural plans, approved Smoke Control Report, and an approved Special Inspection Program.

e. Electrical Permit Drawings

1. In addition to the information that is typically provided in electrical drawings, include the following information in the drawings:

i. Include a compliance statement stamped and wet signed by the electrical engineer-of-record which states:

“I have reviewed the Smoke Control Report and confirm the smoke management/control system elements shown on the drawings under my responsible charge comply with the Smoke Control Report by ( REPORT AUTHOR ) and ( DATE OF REPORT ).”

ii. Identify the major electrical components used for smoke control, including standby (or emergency) power source, transfer switches, and control system(s).

iii. Provide load calculations for the standby/emergency power source.

iv. Show the layout of the standby generator room (or other secondary power source). The standby generator and its transfer switches shall be in a separate room from the normal power transformers and switchgear [CBC 909.11, 909.11.1].

v. Show the routing and fire rating of the normal and standby power distribution systems. The normal and standby power systems shall be routed independently [CBC 909.11].

vi. Show the locations of the fire alarm control panel (FACP), firefighters’ smoke control panel (FSCP) and fire alarm annunciator(s).

vii. Provide a 1-line diagram showing feeder conductor sizes, overcurrent protection sizes, ampacity calculations, and the connected loads on each feeder supplied by the standby (or emergency) power source [CEC 215.5, 310, 700.5, 701.4, 701.6].

viii. For high-rise buildings, show the layout of the Fire Command Center (Central Control Station). See CBC 403.4.6, and 911, for required equipment and furnishings.

ix. For buildings with passive smoke zones, connect the motor operators for smoke dampers to the building power panel and emergency/standby power – not the tenant space power panels.

f. Sprinkler System Permit Drawings

1. Sprinkler system submittals shall be in accordance with SFFD Administrative Bulletin AB 2.04, Fire Sprinkler Submittals.

2. In addition to the information that is typically provided in sprinkler system permit drawings, include the following information in the drawings:

i. The mechanical engineer-of-record shall review the sprinkler system permit documents for conformance with the smoke control report, prior to submittal to DBI/SFFD and shall so indicate by stamping “Reviewed for Smoke Control Design Compliance, ( REPORT AUTHOR ) and ( DATE OF REPORT )” and signing on each drawing and document.

ii. For atriums, provide separate sprinkler zones for the atrium and non-atrium spaces [CBC 909.12.3].

iii. For malls, provide separate sprinkler zones for mall and tenant spaces [CBC 402.5, 909.12.3].

iv. High-rise buildings with multiple active zones: each zone shall have 2 supplies.

g. Fire Alarm System Permit Drawings

1. Fire alarm submittals shall be in accordance with SFFD Administrative Bulletin AB 2.01, Fire Alarm Submittals.

2. In addition to the information that is typically provided in fire alarm system permit drawings, include the following information in the drawings:

i. The mechanical engineer-of-record and electrical engineer-of-record shall review the sprinkler system permit documents for conformance with the smoke control report, prior to submittal to DBI/SFFD and each engineer shall so indicate by stamping “Reviewed for Smoke Control Design Compliance, ( REPORT AUTHOR ) and ( DATE OF REPORT )” and signing on each drawing and document.

ii. ( REPORT AUTHOR ) and ( DATE OF REPORT )” and signing on each drawing and document.

iii. Provide a detailed fire alarm/smoke control matrix.

a. Show every fire alarm/smoke control system input in a column on the left. Include every initiating device by address. Inputs may be combined with prior approval. Include manual operation of control switches for fans and dampers where the switch controls multiple outputs.

b. Show every fire alarm/smoke control system output in a row across the top. Include every notification appliance by zone, every fan and damper (or group of dampers) by identifier, every monitored device by identifier and every other event that must occur for proper operation of the smoke control system. Control may be combined with prior approval.

c. Show automatic fan shutoffs per CMC 609 where required or provided.

d. Show supervised conditions for required smoke control components such as fan power disconnect, pressure differentials switches, switches, fans not full speed, and doors/windows/dampers open or closed.

e. Alarm, supervisory and trouble signals shall be transmitted to an approved supervising station in accordance with NFPA 72 [CBC 907.6.5].

iv. Provide a full scale color drawing of the Firefighters Smoke Control Panel (FSCP) for review and approval prior to fabrication [CBC 909.2].

a. Show individual control switches for fans and dampers or multiple dampers with identical actions, and automatic closing/opening doors required for smoke control [909.16.2].

b. The FSCP shall show status indicators for all smoke control equipment by pilot lamp-type indicators as follows [CBC 909.16.1]:

• GREEN: Fans, dampers and other operating equipment are in their ON or OPEN status. Provide a green light to indicate Smoke Control Mode and another for Manual Mode.

• RED: Fans, dampers and other operating equipment are in their OFF or CLOSED status.

• YELLOW: Fans, dampers and other operating equipment are in a fault status.

Add two pilot lamp-type indicators at right top of FSCP to indicate panel is in smoke control mode: green-normal and red-smoke control mode.

c. Provide a legend or matrix either on the FSCP or separately mounted adjacent to the FSCP showing the configuration of fans, dampers and doors in normal status mode and smoke control status mode.

d. Alternate designs of the firefighters’ smoke control panel may be approved on a case-by-case basis by SFFD.

e. Provide lamp-type indicator for supply airduct smoke detectors adjacent to fan control switch. E.g., garage and/or stairway fan.

v. Include a reference copy of the approved mechanical plans.

3. Smoke control systems shall have an automatic weekly self-test feature. The self-test feature shall automatically command activation of each associated function(s). An audible and visual trouble signal shall be annunciated at the FSCP identifying any function that fails to operate within the required time period [CBC 909.12, 907; UL 864].

h. Smoke Control Systems Designed Per the 1995, 2010 CBC/SFBC or Later.

Note: Due to the change in model code from the Uniform Building Code (UBC) to the International Building Code (IBC), there was no 2004 CBC/SFBC.

1. For existing smoke control systems designed per the 1995 Edition of the CBC/SFBC or later Edition of the CBC/SFBC, comply with the requirements of Section 5 for the modified portions of the system except as revised in this section.

2. Where modifications to existing smoke control systems are made and original approved reports are not available, provide a new Smoke Control Report, Special Inspection Program and Final Testing Report.

3. Where modifications to existing smoke control systems are minor, DBI/SFFD may waive requirements for new reports or amendments to the original approved reports on a case-by-case basis. Minor modifications do not include new FSDs, smoke barriers/walls, a new Fire Alarm system, changes in use/occupancy, replacement of equipment (not in-kind), or like changes to the building and its systems.

4. Where work is done to a building with a smoke control system provide on plans a narrative of the smoke control/management system(s) operation and a matrix of fire/smoke damper operations for normal and smoke control modes of the smoke management system(s).

5. Where building renovations do not affect the design or operation of existing smoke control systems, provide the following non-infringement statement on the permit drawings:

“I have read the Smoke Control Report and confirm the building renovations on the drawings under my responsible charge do not affect the design or operation of existing smoke control systems.”

The non-infringement statement shall be signed by the architect and engineers-of-record (mechanical and electrical).

i. Smoke Control Systems Designed Per the 1992 CBC/SFBC or Earlier

1. For smoke control systems designed per the 1992 CBC/SFBC or earlier, comply with the requirements of this section.

2. Where building renovations affect the design or operation of existing smoke control systems, provide a smoke control narrative on the permit drawings that describes the building renovations and modifications to the existing smoke control systems.

3. Where work is done to a building with a smoke control system provide on plans a narrative of the smoke control/management system(s) operation and a matrix of fire/smoke damper operations for normal and smoke control modes of the smoke management system(s).

4. Where building renovations do not affect the design or operation of existing smoke control systems, provide the following non-infringement statement on the permit drawings:

“The building renovations shown on the drawings under my responsible charge do not affect the design or operation of existing smoke control systems.”

The non-infringement statement shall be signed by the architect and engineers-of-record.

5. SPECIAL INSPECTION REQUIREMENTS FOR SMOKE CONTROL SYSTEMS

a. Special Inspector

1. CBC, Section 909 requires a special inspector to perform inspection and acceptance testing of smoke control systems.

2. The special inspector is responsible for verifying that the smoke control system is installed in accordance with the requirements of CBC, Section 909, and that the system achieves the performance defined in the Smoke Control Report.

b. Inspection and Test Process

1. Two inspection and testing processes are required for smoke control systems:

i. Special inspection/testing by a special inspector, and

ii. When the special inspector is satisfied that the smoke control system is properly installed and functioning per design, DBI/SFFD inspectors witness final acceptance testing.

c. Submittals

1. Two submittals are required to document special inspection:

i. A written inspection and test program, and

ii. A report describing the inspection and testing performed (as required by CBC, Section 909.18.8, AB-046).

d. New and Modified Smoke Control Systems

1. Inspection, testing and submittal requirements for projects involving modifications to existing smoke control systems are the same as for projects involving new smoke control systems. While new systems require 100 percent of the smoke control system to be tested, the extent of testing required for modifications to existing systems shall be approved by DBI/SFFD.

6. SPECIAL INSPECTION QUALIFICATIONS

a. Special Inspector

1. The special inspector shall be employed by the owner, owner’s agent, architect or engineers-of-record but not the contractor or any other person responsible for the work [SFBC 106A.3.5].

2. The special inspector shall be a qualified person who shall demonstrate competence, to the satisfaction of DBI and SFFD, for the inspection and testing of smoke control systems.

3. The special inspector may be the smoke control system designer, if qualified per 7.1.2.

b. Testing Agencies

1. Testing agencies shall be engaged by the owner or owner’s agent; “The special inspector shall be employed by the owner, the engineer or architect of record, or an agent of the owner, but not the contractor or any other person responsible for the work” [SFBC 106A.3.5].

2. Testing agencies that measure HVAC performance (TAB agencies) shall be certified by the Associated Air Balance Council (AABC) or the National Environmental Balancing Bureau (NEBB).

7. SPECIAL INSPECTION SUBMITTALS FOR SMOKE CONTROL SYSTEMS

a. Special Inspection Program

1. General

i. A written Special Inspection Program shall be submitted to DBI/SFFD for review and approval [SFBC 106A.3.5].

ii. The Special Inspection Program shall be prepared by the architect, mechanical engineer-of-record or the author of the Smoke Control Report. The Program may also be prepared by the special inspector if duly qualified. [CBC 909.18.8.2]

• Include the special inspector’s resume with the special inspection program.

iii. The Special Inspection Program shall be submitted with the complete Smoke Control Report for review with the Mechanical and Electrical drawings. The issuance of the mechanical and electrical permit is dependent on approval of the submittals of the Smoke Control Report and Special Inspection Program.

2. The Special Inspection Program shall include at least the following information:

i. Provide a cover page showing the facility name, address, revision number, date of submittal and preparer.

ii. Provide a signature page per the attached form; AB-047 Attachment 1 signature page.

iii. Identify the components and systems that must be inspected to demonstrate proper installation.

iv. Samples of Inspection Reports and time limits for submission of reports.

v. Provide an overview of test methods and test approach.

a. When leakage testing of residential smoke barriers is to be performed, the Special Inspection Program shall define the number or percentage of units (minimum of 10% of the units or 1 per floor, whichever is greater) to be tested. Include the method of testing, percentage of smoke barriers to be tested and pass/fail criteria.

b. If cold/hot smoke visualization testing is required by SFFD, this must be specifically addressed in the Program description. Provide testing details and methods proposed.

3. Two hard-copies of the Program shall be submitted in booklet form to DBI for logging-in. One copy will be returned when approved. The Program documents shall be accompanied by two CD-Rs, each with a copy of the Program “burned” onto the CD-R in PDF format. Each CD-R shall be in a slim plastic “jewel case” with a clear cover. The permit application number, project name and address, report title, date and revision number shall be clearly marked on the CD-R.

b. Documentation to Support Final Inspection by DBI/SFFD

1. When the special inspector determines that the smoke control system is complete and operating properly, then he/she shall write a letter documenting its status. The letter shall be provided to the DBI/SFFD inspectors. The letter is required prior to DBI/SFFD starting their final inspection.

2. Satisfactory completion of final inspection of the smoke control system by DBI/SFD inspectors is a prerequisite for TCO.

c. Final Report for Special Inspection and Testing (Commissioning Report for CFO)

1. A complete Smoke Control System Commissioning Report meeting the requirements of CBC 909.18.8.3 shall be submitted to DBI/SFFD for review and approval.

2. Acceptance of the Report by DBI/SFFD is a prerequisite for TOC.

3. Include completed attachments 2 and 3; Special Inspection and Testing Checklist, Final Report; for each smoke control system.

4. Two hard-copies of the Report shall be submitted to DBI in booklet format for logging-in. The Report copies shall be accompanied by two CD-Rs, each with a copy of the Report “burned” onto the CD-R in pdf format. Each CD-R shall be in a slim plastic “jewel case” with a clear cover. The permit application number, report title, project name and address, date and revision number shall be clearly marked on the CD-R.

5. A copy of the Report shall be provided to the SFFD inspector.

6. A copy of the Report shall be maintained in the fire control room.

8. INSPECTION AND TESTING OF SMOKE CONTROL SYSTEMS

a. General

1. This section provides specific requirements and clarifications for the inspection and testing of new smoke control systems. These requirements are in addition to those specified in CBC, Section 909.

2. Projects involving modifications to existing smoke control systems shall employ only those requirements listed below applicable to the project.

b. SF Inspection and Testing Requirements

1. Special Inspector shall Inspect and test to the following approved documents:

i. Smoke Control Report;

ii. Fire Alarm system shop drawings with the detailed smoke control sequence of operations matrix and the approved Firefighter’s Control Panel configuration;

iii. Architectural plans, with emphasis on smoke barrier plans;

iv. Fire Sprinkler plans, with focus on zoning and special design criteria required for smoke control design;

v. Mechanical plans;

vi. And Electrical plans.

2. Witness duct and shaft leakage testing. The test method shall be in accordance with SMACNA, HVAC Systems Testing, Adjusting and Balancing, Second Edition, 1993. Leakage testing shall be performed prior to the installation of dampers, but with all laterals installed. The test

pressure and allowable leakage shall be in accordance with CBC, 909.10.2.

Testing shall be performed during erection of ductwork and prior to concealment.

3. Witness leakage testing of the number of dwelling units defined in the Special Inspection Program. Leakage testing shall be accomplished using a calibrated door-fan test rig. Test pressure shall be approximately 0.05 in. WG or greater as determined by design. Measured leakage shall be compared to compartment leakage determined by calculation using allowable barrier leakage area ratios in CBC, 909.5 or architectural specification as applicable.

4. Witness airflow testing.

5. Visually inspect representative portions of the installed perimeter fire-safing to verify installation per its Listing and/or engineering judgment.

6. Visually inspect the Firefighter’s Control Panel (FFCP) and verify:

i. The configuration is consistent with approved fire alarm drawings;

ii. The panel is representative of the building smoke control system;

iii. Indicator lights meet San Francisco requirements:

• Green light: Fan ON or Damper OPEN;

• Red light: Fan OFF or Damper CLOSED;

• Yellow/Amber light: Damper/Fan FAULT or Loss of Power;

iv. Verify that loss-of-power or airflow to each smoke control fan causes an immediate illumination of the associated FAULT light on the FSCP.

v. Verify that fire alarm control/monitor modules are within 3 feet of HVAC equipment used for smoke control OR that the wiring between is supervised.

vi. Verify that the blades on each FSD are monitored. Grouped FSDs with independent motors and jackshafts require the blades of each FSD to be monitored.

vii. Verify that all VFD control panels are removed or the HOA on each VFD is password-protected.

7. The condition of the building shall be as follows during testing:

i. Pressure testing shall be performed with:

a. Permanent power to the building and all smoke control equipment;

b. Windows and exterior doors CLOSED;

c. Sub-ducted exhaust systems (toilet, kitchen and dryer) ON at fire-event speeds;

d. Dampers and fans that shut down during a fire event are CLOSED/OFF.

ii. Proper operation of the smoke control system under standby power shall be verified (as a minimum) by:

• Verifying that current and voltage under normal and standby power are equivalent

iii. Current switches shall be adjusted after the building has been verified to be properly balanced. Adjustment shall be verified to indicate a nobelt condition, where appropriate.

8. The weekly self-test shall be observed and the following verified:

i. A written report is produced. The report must clearly indicate a “start” of the test and an “end.” The report must clearly indicate any failures, but need not specify the component that fails.

ii. The test shall cycle those components required for proper operation of the smoke control system as identified in the smoke control report.

iii. Any failure during the self-test shall place a “TROUBLE” on the fire alarm control panel and notify Central Station.

iv. Any alarm shall interrupt the self-test.

9. Special Inspector shall verify that documentation and equipment labels are in order.

i. Verify that all fans and dampers used for smoke control are field labeled consistent with the control drawings (approved fire alarm drawings) and the Firefighter’s Control Panel (FFCP). Fan labels shall be red phenolic with 1 white lettering. Where the fan and the local disconnect/control panel are not immediately adjacent, both shall be labeled.

ii. Verify that the following are available (or will be available) in the fire control room:

a. As-built fire alarm (control) shop drawings;

b. Smoke control event matrix (typically in the approved fire alarm shop drawings);

c. The approved smoke control report;

d. Weekly self-test reports;

e. Final Smoke Control Special Inspection report.

9. REFERENCED PUBLICATIONS

These documents are considered part of this Administrative Bulletin.

a. Current edition of the California Building Code (CBC) / San Francisco Building Code (SFBC)

b. Current edition of the California Fire Code (CFC) / San Francisco Fire Code (SFFC)

c. Current edition of the California Mechanical Code (CMC) / San Francisco Mechanical Code (SFMC).

d. Current edition of the California Electrical Code (CEC) / San Francisco Electrical Code (SFEC).

e. NFPA 92 Standard for Smoke-Control Systems

Guide to the 2006 IBC Smoke-control Provisions, Dr. John H. Klote and Douglas H. Evans, P.E., 2006 International Building Code.

ASHRAE Guideline 5-1994, Commissioning Smoke Management Systems.

SMACNA, HVAC Air Duct Leakage Test Manual, 2nd Edition, 2012.

Signed by:

Tom C. Hui, S.E., C.B.O. 12/15/2016 Daniel DeCossio

Director Fire Marshal

Department of Building Inspection San Francisco Fire Department

Approved by the Building Inspection Commission on May 18, 2011 & Revision August 17, 2016.

Attachment 1: Signature Page

Attachment 2: Special Inspection and Testing Summary Checklist

A tt achment 3: Special Inspection and Final Report

AB-056 Disabled Access Com liance Status Documentation p

NO. AB-056 :

DATE : March 8, 2005 (Updated 01/01/2023 for code references.)

SUBJECT : Disabled Access

TITLE : Disabled Access Compliance Status Documentation

PURPOSE :

The purpose of this Bulletin is to establish a procedure under which permit applicants can achieve and document full or partial building accessibility. It is the intent of the Department of Building Inspection to document buildings or portions of buildings that are in compliance with current accessibility requirements, thus reducing the need for permit applicants to submit reference drawings and other duplicative documents in areas deemed in compliance. Such documentation of accessibility is to be reviewed and updated upon adoption of each new edition of the California Building Code or relevant amendment to that code.

REFERENCE :

DISCUSSION :

Current edition of the San Francisco Building Code

• Chapter 11B, Accessibility to Public Buildings, Public Accommodations, Commercial Buildings and Publicly Funded Housing
• Section 106A.3.3, Information on plans and specifications
• Section 106A.4.3, Validity of permit

Project sponsors must meet certain disability access requirements as part of the permit, construction and building alteration process. The submittal of documentation to demonstrate disabled access compliance for each area of construction work or other building alteration has posed a burden on permit applicants and the Department of Building Inspection. To help reduce this burden while maintaining code compliance, the Department will accept a separate permit application documenting the status of disabled access compliance under current building codes. This will obviate the need for repeated submittal and review of multiple sets of identical documents for a single building. Such separate permit for disabled access compliance may then be referenced on subsequent permit applications, assuring required disabled access compliance under each such permit.

In order to demonstrate compliance with disabled access requirements, project sponsors must submit documentation accompanying permit applications. Such documentation may include drawings or, where a building or a portion of a building has been determined under previous permit to be in compliance with disabled access requirements, may include a Letter of Disabled Access Compliance Status referencing completed permits and related drawings on file with the Building Department.

PROCEDURES

The following procedures apply for the submittal and approval of permits which result in the issuance of a Letter of Disabled Access Compliance Status.

If a building owner wishes to document full or partial access compliance, a permit application may be submitted indicating, as the description of work, Disabled Access Compliance Status. Such permit application for Disabled Access Compliance Status should include a permit cost valuation of $1.00. All review of submittal documents done by the Department of Building Inspection prior to permit issuance will be billed on an hourly basis in accordance with San Francisco Building Code (SFBC) Table 1A-B, Item 2, Back Check Fee. Any construction work that is determined to be necessary under this permit application shall be properly valued and appropriate permit fees shall be charged for such valuation.

eview of submittal documents done by the Department of Building Inspection prior to permit issuance will be billed on an hourly basis in accordance with San Francisco Building Code (SFBC) Table 1A-B, Item 2, Back Check Fee. Any construction work that is determined to be necessary under this permit application shall be properly valued and appropriate permit fees shall be charged for such valuation.

The Disabled Access Compliance Status permit application may be submitted concurrently with or prior to the submittal of other permit applications for construction or tenant improvement work. All permits shall be linked by clear statements on the permit applications for both the disabled access compliance work and any other construction work. The statement on the permit application for the disabled access compliance work should read, “To comply with Disabled Access required under Permit Application #__.” The statement on the permit applications for the tenant improvement work or other construction work should, similarly, note “Disabled Access work related to this construction is being done under Permit Application #.” Disability access within areas of tenant improvement shall be shown on the tenant improvement plans.

Permits may be routed separately for plan review and may be approved separately.

Plan Review Procedures

a) All permits must be accompanied by three sets of submittal documents that indicate required compliance with those portions of the building that the project sponsor wishes to certify. Such portions may include parking, entry, path of travel, public areas such as lobbies, elevators, rest rooms, and other disabled access features. Individual tenant spaces are not included as part of this compliance status documentation. Submittal documents shall include a “key” map or other clear diagram of the areas to be reviewed for compliance. All submittal documents must be signed by a licensed architect or engineer.

b) Other permits for tenant improvement work during the period when the Disabled Access Compliance Status Documentation permit application is under review must reference the Permit Application number for the Disabled Access Compliance Status Documentation permit.

c) A permit issued for Disabled Access Compliance Status Documentation may be referenced by subsequent permits to demonstrate that disabled access compliance is being addressed or that such work has been completed and deemed satisfactory in meeting code requirements.

Field Inspection Procedures

Field inspection of disabled access features shall be done by an inspector with special expertise in this field as designated by the Director or otherwise in accordance with policies and regulations developed by the Department.

Permit Time Limits

a) Plan review time limits shall be as detailed in SFBC Section 106A.3.7, Application Expiration.

b) Following issuance of a permit for Disabled Access Compliance Status, if work is to be done, such work must be started and completed within the times allowed, based on the permit valuation. See SFBC Section 106A.4.4, Permit Expiration.

c) Permit extensions shall apply per SFBC Section 106A.4.4, Permit Expiration.

Permit Sign-Off

a) Temporary occupancy may be allowed in accordance with the policies of the Department of Building Inspection.

b) A final sign-off on the permit for Disabled Access Compliance Status Documentation will be made by the District Building Inspector or by other staff assigned by the Director following completion of all work.

Issuance of Letter of Disabled Access Compliance Status

Upon completion and final sign-off of any Permit Application for Disabled Access Compliance Status Documentation, the Department will issue a Letter of Disabled Access Compliance Status indicating the scope of approved disabled access compliance and any special conditions or exceptions that may apply, including such items as Unreasonable Hardships or Access Appeal Commission decisions. The Letter of Disabled Access Compliance Status must be copied onto any plans that are submitted for subsequent work on the building which intend to refer to this compliance permit. The Department has the authority to revoke any such letter at any time for any reason if disabled access is not being provided in full accord with the requirements of the law or in compliance with the conditions of the letter.

A copy of the Letter of Disabled Access Compliance Status and the related approved permit documents shall be maintained by the Department of Building Inspection in an accessible, paper form to allow easy reference by staff and other interested parties. Such documents shall also be

microfilmed or otherwise recorded as part of the permanent records of the property.

Revisions/Reissuance of an Issued Letter of Disabled Access Compliance Status

The Department will require that any issued Letter of Disabled Access Compliance Status conform to changes to disabled access regulations as they occur. This will require a review and update of each Letter of Disabled Access Compliance Status upon adoption of each new edition of the California Building Code or relevant amendment to that code. Compliance with such new code requirements will only be required if:

• Such code requirements apply retroactively

• Subsequent construction work or other building alteration triggers such additional disabled access requirements

A project sponsor may apply for a permit to alter the scope of the Disabled Access Letter of Compliance. An additional permit and plans will be required to verify conformance with code requirements for disabled access when a Letter of Disabled Access Compliance Status is revised or reissued.

When Access Appeals Commission decisions relate to portions of the building covered by this Letter of Disabled Access Compliance Status, such appeals decisions will be referenced in the letter and all Access Appeals Commission conditions must be met as a condition of the letter. When the Access Appeals Commission has defined a time period as part of an appeal decision, such time period will be noted by date of expiration on the Letter of Disabled Access Compliance Status. Issues related to that AAC decision must be reconsidered following the expiration of such time period.

in the letter and all Access Appeals Commission conditions must be met as a condition of the letter. When the Access Appeals Commission has defined a time period as part of an appeal decision, such time period will be noted by date of expiration on the Letter of Disabled Access Compliance Status. Issues related to that AAC decision must be reconsidered following the expiration of such time period.

Attachment: Sample Letter of Disabled Access Compliance Status

Originally Signed By:

Jim Hutchinson, March 8, 2005 Acting Director

Department of Building Inspection

Approved by the Building Inspection Commission on March 7, 2005

A tt achment A: Letter of Disabled Access Compliance Status

AB-057 Local Equivalency for Approval of Roof Hatches in Lieu of Stairway Penthouses in Designated Buildings

NO. AB-057 :

DATE : July 19, 2004 (Updated 01/01/2023 for code references.)

SUBJECT : Plan Review and Permit Process

Local Equivalency for Approval of Roof Hatches in Lieu of Stairway Penthouses TITLE : in Designated Buildings

PURPOSE :

REFERENCE :

DISCUSSION :

The purpose of this Administrative Bulletin is to provide standards and procedures for the application, case-by-case review and approval of requests for a modification based on Local Equivalency to allow the use of roof hatches as alternates to stairway penthouses in R-3 buildings where the stairway access to the roof does not strictly comply with the provisions of Section 1011.12 of the San Francisco Building Code.

Current edition of the San Francisco Building Code

• Section 104A .2.1, General

• Section 104A .2.7, Modifications

• Section 104A .2.8, Alternate materials, design, and methods of construction

• Section 705.5 and Tables 601 and 602, Fire Resistance of Walls

• Section 705.11, Parapets

• Section 1011, Stairways

• Section 1011.12, Stairway to roof

The installation of roof penthouses throughout the City is an issue of serious concern to the public and the Planning Department inasmuch as such penthouses may expand structures to larger than may be compatible with surrounding structures and may block sunlight and views. Roof penthouses are often a basis of extensive Planning and Building Department review, permit appeals and reconsideration during construction. The use of roof hatches in lieu of stair penthouses under certain conditions can do much to resolve the problems related to roof penthouses, could permit rapid processing and issuance, and, if installed in accordance with the following conditions, would not impair the code-mandated suitability, strength, effectiveness, fire resistance, durability, safety or sanitation of the standard method of roof access.

This bulletin does not apply to buildings under the jurisdiction of the San Francisco Fire Department, although requests to apply alternates and equivalencies to the regular code will be considered by the Fire Department on a case-by-case basis.

The use of roof hatches under this Administrative Bulletin is limited to the following applications:

1. Where proposed roof hatches provide access to the roof of buildings under the jurisdiction of the Department of Building Inspection, and

2. Where a stairway to the roof is either required by code or voluntarily proposed, and

3. Where the roof hatch and its appurtenances are approved and constructed as detailed below, and

4. When the roof hatch is served by a stairway.

Other applications for roof hatches in lieu of required fully complying stairways will be considered on a case-by-case basis under the review and approval procedures in the California Building Code regarding “Modifications” and “Alternative materials, alternate designs and methods of construction.”

Note: Under Section 1011.12, Exception: In buildings without an occupied roof, access to the roof shall be permitted to be a roof hatch or trap door not less than16 square feet in area and having a minimum dimension of 2 feet.

Procedure for Application of Local Equivalency

Project sponsors wishing to apply Local Equivalencies must fill out and submit the request for Approval of Local Equivalencies on a standard form (Attachment A). Fees to be paid and scheduling of review of requests are as noted on that form. Following Department of Building Inspection and, as appropriate, other agency review, each request will be approved, approved with conditions, disapproved, or placed on “Hold” pending submittal of additional information.

Further details of procedures for the review of Local Equivalencies and appeal of departmental determinations may be found in AB-005, Procedures for Approval of Local Equivalencies.

Conditions of Local Equivalency

Roof hatches in lieu of stairway penthouses may be permitted when the following approved equivalent provisions are met. This Local Equivalency allows roof hatches to be used in lieu of stairway penthouses and for such roof hatch to be considered as meeting the code requirements for a stairway to the roof if the below listed standard provisions are met:

1. Applicant shall submit drawings showing details of the proposed roof hatch, stairway, stair handrail, and other details as needed to demonstrate compliance, insofar as is practical, with the stairway requirements of the San Francisco Building Code. Submittal documents shall include a plan view showing the location of the roof hatch and stairway and shall include sections and/or elevations detailing the proposed installation.

2. Stairways shall have handrails on at least one side. At least one handrail shall extend at least 34 inches above the roof surface. Such handrail may be attached to the underside of the operable hatch so that it is in the correct position for handrails when the hatch is in the open position, or it may be secured to the roof or other construction. Minor breaks in the continuity of the handrail are permitted; handrail sections must be generally aligned.

3. If the opening for the stairway to the roof is within the distance where protection of openings is required, then parapets extending along the parapet wall at least the length of the opening shall be provided per Section 705.11.

4. The curb at the roof opening for the roof hatch on the side where the stairs emerge from the interior shall extend above the roof surface no more than nine inches, the curb at the roof hatch on other sides of the hatch shall not exceed 24 inches above the roof surface, and the maximum height of any portion of the hatch in a closed position shall not exceed 36 inches above the roof surface.

5. The rise and run of stairs to the roof shall meet regular code requirements.

6. The width of a stairway to a roof and the clear width of a roof hatch in its open position shall be not less than 30 inches, except that when serving an occupied roof with an occupant load of 10 or more or serving an occupied roof area greater than 400 square feet the width shall meet the specific requirements of the San Francisco Building Code. Handrails, lifting mechanisms and other equipment may encroach into the required width up to 1 1/2" when the roof hatch is in a fully open position.

7. When the roof hatch serves an occupied roof, the hatch latching mechanism shall be operable from the exterior.

A permit application and related submittal documents shall detail all construction that is approved as a result of this Request for Approval of Local Equivalency. No work to install roof hatches in lieu of stairway penthouses shall be done prior to approval of such Permit Application and issuance of

a permit.

Signed By:

Frank Y. Chiu, July 18, 2004

Director

Department of Building Inspection

Approved by the Building Inspection Commission on July 18, 2004

A tt achment A: Procedures for Approval of Local Equivalency

AB-058 Procedures for Seismic Instrumentation of New Buildin s g

NO. AB-058 :

DATE : March 25, 2008 (Updated 01/01/2023 for code references.)

SUBJECT : Building Seismic Instrumentation

TITLE : Procedures for Seismic Instrumentation of New Buildings

To describe requirements and procedures for installing, monitoring, and reporting data PURPOSE : from required or voluntarily installed seismic instruments in buildings.

Current edition of the San Francisco Building Code, Section 1604.11, Earthquake Recording Instrumentation. Current edition of the California Building Code Appendix L. Federal Emergency Management Agency, July 2000, Recommended Post-Earthquake

REFERENCES : Evaluation and Repair Criteria for Existing Welded Steel Moment-Frame Buildings,

FEMA 352, Washington, D.C. CSMIP (California Strong Motion Instrumentation Program) Document: CGS/DGS SYSREQ 2007-TR State of California, System Requirements: Integrated Tri-Axial Accelerograph, Downloadable at:

                                 -                                      [https://www.conservation.ca.gov/cgs/Documents/Program](https://www.conservation.ca.gov/cgs/Documents/Program-SMIP/SystemRqmts-TriaxialAccelerograph.pdf) SMIP/SystemRqmts TriaxialAccelerograph.pdf

DISCUSSION :

Information regarding building performance in earthquakes is important in improving construction practices to further reduce the risk of future earthquake damage by developing codes, standards, and mitigation measures. Such information also helps to understand the movement of buildings following earthquakes and provides data to guide in the inspection, testing and repair of post-earthquake building damage. San Francisco has adopted California Building Code Appendix L, requiring provision of instrumentation for the collection of building seismic data.

A. REQUIRED INSTRUMENTATION

Installation Required

As detailed in California Building Code Appendix L, every new building in San Francisco over six stories in height with an aggregate floor area of

60,000 square feet (5574 m [2] ) or more, and every new building over 10 stories in height regardless of floor area, shall be provided with not less than three approved recording accelerographs with triaxial seismic sensors.

Approval and Documentation of Instrumentation

Project sponsors who are required to provide accelerographs for new buildings must submit two sets of submittal documents, as part of the building permit submittal documents, detailing the proposed installation. Such documents shall clearly identify the following:

• Floor plans of building showing locations of accelerographs.

• Specifications of accelerographs and related instruments and equipment.

Plans will be submitted to DBI for approval.

Approved plans will be transmitted to California Strong Motion Instrumentation Program.

Guidelines for Installation of Accelerographs:

1. Location. The accelerographs shall be located in the basement, midportion, and near the top of the building. The preferred locations for the accelerographs are in small, seldom-used rooms or closets near a column. Instruments ideally should be vertically aligned. Adequate space shall be provided to mount the accelerographs and to contain an approved protective enclosure. The protective enclosure shall be securely fastened to the floor or ceiling.

2. Service Requirements. Each accelerograph shall be located so that access is maintained at all times. Access shall be unobstructed by room contents. A sign stating “Maintain Clear Access To This Instrument” shall be posted in a conspicuous location near each instrument. This sign shall also include the phone numbers of the local building contact and the Department of Building Inspection.

Each accelerograph requires AC power.

A dial-up telephone line is required at the base-level accelerograph.

3. Installation Details. All accelerographs shall be installed with the same orientation relative to the building, with the orientation chosen such that the reference or long dimension of the instrument is aligned with a major axis of the building. The orientation shall be clearly and permanently marked on the floor near the location of each instrument. The accelerographs’ triggering threshold shall be set to 1% g, nominal. Auxiliary devices (e.g. telephone switch) shall be secured to the floor, ceiling or the enclosure.

ientation chosen such that the reference or long dimension of the instrument is aligned with a major axis of the building. The orientation shall be clearly and permanently marked on the floor near the location of each instrument. The accelerographs’ triggering threshold shall be set to 1% g, nominal. Auxiliary devices (e.g. telephone switch) shall be secured to the floor, ceiling or the enclosure.

4. The accelerographs shall be interconnected for common start and common timing.

5. The owner of the building shall be responsible for the correct installation and the required documentation of the accelerographs.

Maintenance

1. Programs for the maintenance and service of the instruments, and remote and onsite access to the data, shall be provided by the owner of the building, subject to approval by the Director of DBI. Once each year, the building owner shall submit a form to DBI certifying that the equipment is in operating order and describing any changes in the equipment or access procedures. (See attached Appendix B – Instrumentation Program and Annual Renewal).

2. Log book on-site by owner.

3. Long Term Monitoring and Data Recovery. Upon acceptance of the installation, the California Strong Motion Instrumentation Program agrees to perform long-term monitoring of the accelerographs to help assure their correct operation. The California Strong Motion Instrumentation Program will perform periodic operational checks and function tests remotely via the provided phone line. California Strong Motion Instrumentation Program will notify the building contact person and Department of Building Inspection when any repair actions are needed. For instruments monitored by CSMIP, equipment operation will be remotely checked and the building owner will be notified of needed repairs. Needed repairs shall be made by the building

owner.

Data Recovery and Analysis

Data produced by the instruments shall be made available to DBI upon request. Data shall be retrievable remotely by internet connection or modem. After a significant earthquake, California Strong Motion Instrumentation Program will recover the recorded data, process it and provide results to the designated building contact person and to the Department of Building Inspection. With the approval of the Department of Building Inspection, strong motion data from an instrumented building may be made public on the California Strong Motion Instrumentation Program web site, with the location of the building identified generically, with no specific building address provided.

If the basement acceleration exceeds 5% g then the set of records must be transmitted to the owner and DBI.

B. VOLUNTARY INSTRUMENTATION

Voluntary instrumentation of new and existing buildings not required to be instrumented is encouraged. Compliance to the guidelines in this Administrative Bulletin is recommended for voluntary instrumentation.

If inspections are required, data from instrumentation systems meeting the minimum standards of California Building code Appendix Lwill be considered for reduction of connection inspection requirements following an earthquake. More comprehensive instrumentation is strongly recommended, particularly for tall or irregular buildings.

Originally Signed by:

Vivian L. Day, C.B.O.

Director

Department of Building Inspection

Approved by the Building Inspection Commission March 19, 2008

Attachments:

APPENDIX A: Cabling, Communications And Equipment Specifications

APPENDIX B: Instrumentation Program and Annual Renewal

A P PENDIX C: Guideline and General Considerations for Strong Motion Instrumentation in Tall Buildings

AB-078 Criteria for Waiving Special Inspection Requirements for Signs, Awnings and Canopies

NO. AB-078 :

DATE : June 5, 2012 (Updated 01/01/2023 for code references)

SUBJECT : Permit Review and Operation

Criteria for Waiving Special Inspection Requirements for Signs, Awnings and TITLE : Canopies

PURPOSE :

REFERENCES :

DISCUSSION :

The purpose of this Administrative Bulletin is to establish criteria for waiving the special inspection requirements for signs, awnings and canopies meeting the conditions of this Administrative Bulletin.

Current edition of the California Building Code

• Section 108A.1 Inspections, General

• Chapter 17 Structural Tests and Special Inspections

• Section 3107 Signs

• Section 3105 Awnings and Canopies DBI Administrative Bulletin AB-046, Special Inspection and Structural Observation Procedure

SFBC Section 1704.2 Exception 1 states that “Special inspections are not required for work of a minor nature or as warranted by conditions in the jurisdiction as approved by the building official.”

This Administrative Bulletin is to establish criteria for waiving the special inspection requirements for signs, awnings and canopies which are less than the sizes, weights and projection as specified below.

Conditions of Waivers

1. Awnings and canopies

a. For fabric awnings and canopies, engineering calculations and special inspection on welding are waived.

b. For fabric awnings and canopies, special inspection on anchor bolts is waived, provided that:

i. All expansion bolts are installed with the required torque per manufacturer’s ICC report, and,

ii. There are at least 4 bolts per connection and bolts are at least 3/8 diameter and embedded at least 3 inches.

2. Signs

For signs weighing less than 250 lbs., less than 24 sq. ft. in area and less than a 4 feet projection, engineering calculations and all special inspections are waived, provided that all expansion bolts are installed with the required torque per manufacturer’s ICC report.

For signs less than 24 sq. ft. in area but exceeding the weight and projection limits above, special inspection on welding is waived. Special inspection on anchor bolts is also waived, provided that:

a. Structural calculations are submitted showing that the stress level is not more than 25% of the design allowable;

b. All expansion bolts are installed with the required torque per manufacturer’s ICC report; and

c. There are at least 4 bolts per connection and bolts are at least 3/8 diameter and embedded at least three (3) inches.

Originally Signed by:

Vivian L. Day, C.B.O. June 5, 2012

Director

Department of Building Inspection

A p proved by the Building Inspection Commission on 3/21/2012

AB-082 Guidelines and Procedures for Structural Desi n Review g

NO. AB-082 :

DATE : November 21, 2018 (Updated 01/01/2023 for code references)

SUBJECT : Permit Processing and Issuance

Guidelines and Procedures for Structural, Geotechnical, and Seismic Hazard TITLE : Engineering Design Review

PURPOSE :

The purpose of this Administrative Bulletin is to present guidelines and procedures for Structural, Geotechnical, and Seismic Hazard Engineering Design Review of buildings and other structures. Such Review may be required by the San Francisco Building Code, by another Administrative Bulletin, or at the request of the Director of the Department of Building Inspection (SFDBI).

Current edition of the San Francisco Building Code (SFBC) - Section 101A.2, Purpose - Section 104A.2, Powers and Duties of Building Official - Section 104A.2.8, Alternate materials, design, and methods of construction - Section 105A.6, Structural Advisory Committee - Chapter 16, Structural Design ASCE 7-16 Minimum Design Loads and Associated Criteria for Buildings and Other

REFERENCES :

Structures : - Section 16.5 Design Review, Seismic Response History Procedures - Section 17.7 Design Review, Seismically Isolated Structures - Section 18.5 Design Review, Structures with Damping Systems SEAOC, 1999, “Project Design Peer Review” (Chapter 4, October 1995) Recommended Guidelines for the practice of Structural Engineering in California, Structural Engineers Association of California, Sacramento, California

DISCUSSION : See Commentary sections throughout this document.

1. SCOPE OF THIS BULLETIN

This bulletin addresses Structural, Geotechnical, and Seismic Hazard Engineering Design Review of buildings and other structures (referred to herein as “Review”). Review may apply to design of new structures, or addition, alteration, or retrofit of existing structures. It may apply to projects designed to the prescriptive provisions of the SFBC or to projects incorporating exceptions to the prescriptive provisions of the SFBC, at the discretion of the Director of the Department of Building Inspection (SFDBI). Review may include one or more of the following disciplines:

1. Structural Engineering

2. Geotechnical Engineering

3. Site-Specific Seismic Hazard Assessment

4. Earthquake Ground Motion Selection and Scaling

Commentary: The term “Structural, Geotechnical, and Seismic Hazard Engineering Design Review” (or “Review”) used herein is often referred to as “Peer Review.” It encompasses “Design Review” as required by ASCE 7-16 Section 16.5 (Seismic Response History Procedures), 17.7 (Seismically Isolated Structures), and 18.5 (Structures with Damping Systems). The Director requires Review when implicated

by these Building Code sections, and may require Review in other instances as deemed necessary by the Director.

Reviewers and Review teams are distinct from a Structural Advisory Committee, which is a public body that the Director may convene in accordance with SFBC Section 105A.6 “to advise the Building Official on matters pertaining to the design and construction of buildings with special features or special design procedures.”

2. PURPOSE OF REVIEW

If the Director determines that Review is required, the Director shall request one or more Structural, Geotechnical, or Seismic Hazard Reviewers having specialized knowledge and experience to provide their professional opinion on identified aspects of a project. The purpose of the Review is to provide an independent, objective, technical review of those aspects of the project design that are identified in the scope of the Review. For projects that are intended to be fully compliant with the prescriptive provisions of the SFBC, the purpose of the Review also includes advising the Director whether the design aspects in the scope of the Review satisfy the prescriptive requirements of the SFBC. For projects incorporating exceptions to the prescriptive provisions of the SFBC, the purpose of the Review also includes advising the Director whether the design aspects in the scope of the Review satisfy the requirements of SFBC Section 104A.2.8 (“Alternative materials, design, and methods of construction”) or other requirements or criteria identified in the scope of the review.

The Review shall not be construed to replace quality assurance measures ordinarily exercised by the Structural or Geotechnical Engineer of Record in the design of a structure or development of geotechnical design recommendations. Responsibility for the design, and the responsibility to demonstrate conformance of the design to the SFBC, resides solely with the Engineer of Record. The responsibility for conducting plan check resides with the Director and any plan check consultants. The responsibility for acceptance of a design and any decisions on the issuance of permits resides solely with the Director.

3. ADMINISTRATION OF REVIEW

Reviewers contract with SFDBI and are responsible to the Director. SFDBI is responsible for the payment of fees and other expenses for the professional services of the Reviewer(s). Reviewers shall provide their professional opinion to the Director and shall sign all written communication to the Director.

Commentary: SFDBI’s new process retains the Reviewer’s responsibility to the Director and aligns with a number of jurisdictions that contract directly with Reviewers and pass the cost through to the Project Sponsor. Previously, the City of San Francisco procedures for procurement of professional services have not been suited to directly contracting with consulting engineers, and Reviewers instead contracted with the Project Sponsor. The Reviewers nevertheless are responsible to and act under the instructions of the Director. The Structural Engineers Association Recommended Guidelines for the Practice of Structural Engineering in California, 5th Edition (1999) recommends that appropriate language regarding design responsibility be included in the Reviewer’s contract:

“Responsibility for the structural design remains with the [Engineer of Record] because the [Reviewer] has no contractual ability to change or prepare contract documents. For this reason, an appropriate indemnification clause should be included in the [Reviewer’s] agreement with the client.” Responsibilities of the Chair of a Review Team

On a project for which there is more than one Reviewer, the Director shall designate one of the Reviewers to serve as Chair of the Review Team. The Chair is responsible for leading the Review in his or her own discipline and for coordinating the Review. The Chair does not take responsibility for the professional opinions of Reviewers of other disciplines. Either the Reviewers jointly write a letter or letters expressing the opinions of the Review Team, or the Reviewers in each discipline write separate letters to the Director addressing the findings and review scope for their discipline. Reviewers provide their professional opinion only in their area of expertise.

Distinction between Review reports and Construction Documents

None of the reports or documents from the Reviewer(s) are Construction Documents. Under no circumstances should letters or other documents from the Reviewer(s) be put into the Engineer of Record’s project drawings or reproduced in any other way that makes Reviewer documents appear to be part of the Construction Contract Documents. The Engineer of Record is solely responsible for the Construction Contract Documents. Documents from the Reviewer(s) will be retained as part of SFDBI’s project files.

4. QUALIFICATIONS AND SELECTION OF REVIEWERS

Each Reviewer shall be selected by the Director based on the Reviewer’s qualifications applicable to the project and considering availability relative to the project schedule. The Director may, at his or her discretion, consult with the Project Sponsor, the Engineer of Record, or others before selecting the Reviewer(s), with the final selection of the Reviewer(s) being the sole responsibility of the Director. Reviewers shall disclose to the Director, in writing, any potential conflict of interest related to the project, the desired scope of Review, or the ability of the Reviewer to be independent and objective in the Review.

the Project Sponsor, the Engineer of Record, or others before selecting the Reviewer(s), with the final selection of the Reviewer(s) being the sole responsibility of the Director. Reviewers shall disclose to the Director, in writing, any potential conflict of interest related to the project, the desired scope of Review, or the ability of the Reviewer to be independent and objective in the Review.

Each Reviewer providing professional engineering services shall be a Registered Design Professional holding a Professional Engineer (P.E.) license, in accordance with California law. Qualified engineering staff and reviewers not registered as a P.E., including reviewers from academia, can contribute to the review under the responsible charge of a registered P.E.

Additional registration requirements for each Review discipline are specified below. Where suitably qualified, it is acceptable for one Reviewer to fulfill more than one of these roles.

Structural Engineering Design Reviewers

Structural Engineering Design Reviewers shall have experience in structural engineering pertinent to the review scope and type of structure. If applicable to the review scope, they shall have experience in:

• Prescriptive requirements and, where applicable, the “alternative materials, design and methods” provisions of the SFBC

• Performance-based engineering

• Structural design and detailing for seismic performance

• Seismic evaluation and retrofit of existing structures

• Design of structures incorporating the materials, systems, and technologies to be incorporated in the project

• Nonlinear response-history analysis

• Applicable structural engineering research

In addition to having the experience described above, the lead Structural Engineering Design Reviewer shall be registered as a Structural Engineer (S.E.) in California. Additional Structural Engineering Design Reviewers who work as part of the Review team are not required to be registered Structural Engineers.

Geotechnical Engineering Reviewers

Geotechnical Engineering Reviewers shall have experience in geotechnical engineering pertinent to the review scope and type of site and foundation. If applicable to the review scope, they shall have experience in:

• Design of shallow and/or deep foundation systems of the type proposed for the project

• Interpretation of geotechnical and geological investigations

• Soil-foundation-structure interaction under static (gravity) and seismic loading conditions

• Liquefaction, landslides, and other geological site hazards

• Ground improvement

• Static and dynamic earth pressures

• Effects of dewatering on the project site and its vicinity

• Effects of construction-related activities on foundation performance of neighboring structures

• Numerical modeling of geotechnical and seismic hazards, and associated soil-structure interaction issues

In addition to having the experience described above, the lead Geotechnical Engineering Reviewer shall be registered as a Geotechnical Engineer (G.E.) or a Civil Engineer (C.E.) in California. Additional Geotechnical Engineering Reviewers who work as part of the Review team are not required to be registered Geotechnical or Civil Engineers.

Seismic Hazard and Ground Motion Reviewers

Reviewers of seismic hazard and ground motions shall have experience in these fields pertinent to the review scope and the hazard and ground motion approaches being used. If applicable to the review scope, they shall have experience in:

• SFBC requirements related to hazard and ground motions

• Fault sources and characteristics in the San Francisco Bay Area

• Probabilistic and deterministic seismic hazard assessment

• Site effects and site response analysis

• Ground motion prediction equations

• Selection and scaling of motions, and application of motions to a structure

• Applicable research on seismic hazard and ground motion selection and scaling

In addition to having the experience described above, the Reviewer of seismic hazard and ground motions shall be registered as a Professional Engineer in California or shall provide his or her services under the responsible charge of a registered Professional Engineer on the Review team.

5. PROJECTS REQUIRING REVIEW

The Director shall require Review for projects where Review is required by the SFBC. The Director may require Review for other projects at the Director’s discretion. Table 1 lists project characteristics commonly considered by the Director in determining whether Review is required. Along with the characteristics in Table 1, the Director’s determination of whether a project requires Review, and what Review disciplines are required, may depend on factors such as:

• Size, importance, occupant load, post-earthquake functionality requirements, or risk category of the structure

• Characteristics of the site, foundation system, and adjacent structures

• Irregular or unusual structural configurations

• Pertinent qualifications within SFDBI to conduct an in-house review

Commentary: Project Sponsors are strongly encouraged to contact SFDBI early in the project design process and to request a pre-application meeting with SFDBI and the Engineer of Record to determine Review requirements. The SFDBI AB-028 “Pre-application and Pre-addendum Plan Review Procedures” specifies procedures for requesting and carrying out such a meeting.

Commentary: Review may be appropriate for the seismic evaluation or retrofit design of existing structures when such an evaluation is carried out according to either (a) SFEBC Section 304 .3.1, which reference the ASCE 41 standard, or (b) SFEBC Section 304 .3.2, which requires a lateral strength of 75%/100% of that required for new buildings, sometimes assumed to be taken only in elements with structural detailing conforming to current code requirements. Review issues applicable to existing structures can include:

• Establishing appropriate material properties.
• Properly accounting for strength degradation, including acceptability limits for degrading

components.

• Use of materials not covered in building codes, such as fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP).
• For evaluations per SFEBC Section 304.3.2, evaluating the behavior and compatibility of existing

elements, including gravity framing.

6. SCOPE OF REVIEW SERVICES

The scope of services for each Reviewer shall be approved by the Director. Each Reviewer shall provide to the Director a written copy of the proposed scope of services for the Reviewer’s contract with SFDBI. The proposed scope of services in the contract and any changes proposed to be made thereto shall be approved by the Director. The following describes possible review services for the disciplines addressed in this bulletin.

Services common to all Review disciplines

The scope of services for Review disciplines addressed herein shall include the following:

• Define the scope of the Review.

• Participate in meetings with the Engineer of Record, other Reviewers, and representatives of the Director, either in person or remotely, to discuss and resolve technical issues.

• Review design criteria, methods, and assumptions, and compatibility of the criteria with the project objectives.

• Review, typically by spot-check, analysis results, calculations, and structural drawings. As appropriate, conduct limited independent analyses or calculations as a check of the design.

• Maintain a project Review comment log addressing the material reviewed, including Reviewer comments, the Engineer of Record’s responses, and resolution of comments.

• Prepare a letter report that summarizes the findings of the Review and provides the Reviewer’s professional opinion whether the aspects of the project in the Reviewer’s purview are in conformance with criteria identified in the scope of the Review. Prepare interim letters if required for partial permitting.

At the discretion of the Director, the Review may be restricted to a single aspect, such as seismic design of the structural system, or it may include other aspects of design, such as design for wind resistance, design of special foundation or earth retaining systems, or the structural bracing of important non-structural elements.

The Review may cover design-build or contractor-designed items that affect structural and geotechnical performance relevant to the intended scope of the Review.

Structural Engineering Design Review services

If a Review of Structural Engineering Design is undertaken, the scope of services shall indicate the aspects of design or structural elements (e.g. seismic design, dampers, etc.) that are included in the Review. The scope of services may include review of the following:

• Structural performance goals

• Structural basis of design and overall concept

• Design methodology and acceptance criteria

• Mathematical modeling and simulation, including input assumptions

• Structural calculations

• Interpretation of analysis results

• Design and detailing of members and systems

• Structural Construction Documents, including drawings, specifications, and quality control and inspection provisions

Geotechnical Engineering Review services

If a Review of Geotechnical Engineering is undertaken, the scope of services shall include review of geotechnical engineering methods and assumptions and the geotechnical aspects of foundation design, as well as evaluation of the recommendations regarding geotechnical aspects of construction, which may include load testing and construction monitoring. This may include review of the following:

• Project geotechnical report, including draft versions as appropriate, and the final report

• Geotechnical basis of design

• Plans and drawings for the selected foundation system, including below-grade walls

• Pertinent calculations performed in support of geotechnical or foundation recommendations

• The proposed foundation system and its appropriateness for the structure and ground conditions encountered at the site

• Allowable foundation bearing pressures for gravity, seismic, and other relevant loading conditions

• Predicted foundation settlement, including expected and potential variation, under anticipated gravity and seismic loading conditions

• Design earth pressure, including static and seismic, for below-grade walls

• If used in the design evaluations, load-deflection characteristics of the soil-foundation system

• The assessment of risk for liquefaction, landslide, or other site geologic hazards

• Ground improvement recommendations, including static and seismic performance criteria

• The potential effects of construction activities

• Long-term interaction with foundations of existing adjacent and nearby structures

• The proposed foundation load testing program and load test program results

• The proposed quality control and quality assurance program for ground improvement

• The proposed monitoring program for evaluating performance of shoring, dewatering, adjacent buildings, and nearby improvements

Commentary: Often, design of ground improvement systems (e.g. deep soil mixing) is performed by a design-build contractor. In that case, the design team should provide to the Reviewers design-build contractor’s calculations demonstrating that the ground improvement will perform as intended during the design ground motions. The contractor’s ground improvement plan – including test section, quality control and quality assurance procedures, and post-improvement verification field measurements – should be reviewed by the Geotechnical Engineering Reviewer. If design of deep foundations is performed by a specialty deep foundation contractor (e.g. torqued-in pipe piles), foundation performance criteria should be established by the design team, and verification load test results should be reviewed by the Geotechnical Engineering Reviewer.

Site-Specific Seismic Hazard Review services

If a Review of site-specific seismic hazard is undertaken, the scope of services shall include the review of site-specific earthquake spectra, the methods and assumptions used in development of the spectra, and SFBC requirements. This may include the review of:

• Fault sources, and associated magnitude ranges

• Site information and assumed shear wave velocity and other properties

• Application of ground motion prediction equations

• Adjustment for rupture directivity, orientation with respect to the fault, basin effects, maximum direction effects, or other effects

• Site response analysis, including effect of the presence of deep foundations and/or ground improvement on site response

• Comparison of spectra to code-minimum requirements

• Soil-foundation-structure interaction effects, where included in the seismic hazard analysis

Earthquake Ground Motion Review services

The scope of services shall include the review of the motions to be used in the design, their selection, scaling to response spectra, their duration, and SFBC requirements. This may include review of:

• Fault sources and characteristics

• The method used for scaling or matching and the period range for scaling

• Suitability related to record characteristics such as magnitude, distance, mechanism, Vs 30 or other site parameters, scale factor, and the presence and period of pulses

• Orbit plots of the horizontal components of the records

• The location and orientation of how the records are applied to the structure

7. REVIEW PROCESS

Schedule

Reviewers should be engaged as early in the design process as practical. This affords Reviewers and the design team an opportunity to evaluate fundamental design decisions, which could disrupt design development if addressed later in the design phase. Early in the design process, the Engineer(s) of Record, a representative of the Director, and the Reviewer(s) should convene a meeting to establish the scope of the Review, the methods and lines of communication, the timing of Review milestones, and the degree to which the Engineer(s) of Record anticipates the design will be developed for each milestone.

Submittals by the Engineer(s) of Record to the Reviewer(s)

The Engineer(s) of Record shall provide design submittals to the Reviewer(s). Submittals shall be organized and documented in a manner that facilitates review by the Reviewer(s).

Where engineering software is used to perform structural or geotechnical analysis, the Engineer of Record shall identify the version of software used and shall indicate key assumptions and how the analysis is applied to the project. The Engineer of Record shall, as requested, provide copies of data

input and output for the Reviewer(s) and shall indicate those aspects of the output that govern the design. Where the software used is not commercially available or commonly used in the industry for the purpose undertaken, the Engineer of Record shall provide verification records indicating that the software is capable of proper solution of analysis of the type performed on the project. If the software is not available to the Reviewer(s) for the evaluation of the input and interpretation of results, the Engineer of Record shall provide such data as the Reviewer(s) deem necessary to perform verification that the work is properly executed.

Comment log

Reviewer(s) shall provide written comments in a timely fashion to the Engineer(s) of Record and to the Director, with requests for response as necessary. The Engineer(s) of Record are responsible for responding to all comments. The Reviewer(s) shall maintain a log that summarizes Reviewer comments, Engineer of Record responses to comments, and resolution of comments. The Reviewer(s) shall make the log available to the Engineer(s) of Record, the Director, and the Project Sponsor as requested.

For projects designed to the prescriptive provisions of the SFBC, the comment log may identify aspects of the project for which performance might be improved by introducing design enhancements exceeding the minimum requirements of the SFBC. It is not required for the design to be modified to comply with these enhancements unless so directed by the Director.

Review findings reports

At the conclusion of the Review, and at other times requested by the Director, the Reviewer(s) shall submit to the Director a written report documenting the scope of the Review, the comment log, and the professional opinions of the Reviewer(s) regarding the design’s conformance with the criteria identified in the scope of the Review.

8. DISPUTE RESOLUTION

The Engineer of Record and the Reviewer(s) shall interact in a professional manner. Reviewers shall prepare comments in a respectful manner, shall prepare in writing all requests for response, and shall make reasonable requests of the Engineer of Record for additional evaluations or backup information. The Engineer of Record shall respond clearly and completely to Reviewer comments.

The Engineer of Record and the Reviewer(s) shall attempt to develop a resolution on each issue raised. If the Engineer of Record and the Reviewer(s) are unable to resolve particular comments, the Reviewer(s) shall report the impasse to the Director, and the Director shall give the Engineer of Record and the Reviewer(s) the opportunity to explain their arguments.

The Director, as Building Official, makes all decisions concerning acceptance of a design and issuance of permits. The responsibility of the Reviewer is limited to providing his or her professional opinion to the Director. The Director, should the need arise, may address differences of opinion between the Engineer of Record and the Reviewer(s) in a method the Director deems appropriate. The Director also may engage additional outside consultants to assist in issue resolution.

/s/ 12/3/18 /s/ 12/3/18

Signed by:

Gary Ho, S.E. December 3, 2018

Manager

Department of Building Inspection

Daniel Lowrey December 3, 2018

Deputy Director

Department of Building Inspection

Tom C. Hui, S.E., C.B.O. December 3, 2018

Director

Department of Building Inspection

A p proved by the Building Inspection Commission on November 21, 2018.

AB-083 Requirements and Guidelines for the Seismic Design of New Tall Buildings using Non- Prescri tive Seismic-Desi n Procedures p g

NO. AB-083 :

DATE : March 25, 2008 (Updated 01/01/2023 for code references)

SUBJECT : Permit Processing and Issuance

Requirements and Guidelines for the Seismic Design of New Tall Buildings using TITLE : Non-Prescriptive Seismic-Design Procedures

PURPOSE :

The purpose of this Administrative Bulletin is to present requirements and guidelines for the seismic structural design and submittal documents for building permits for new tall buildings in San Francisco that use non-prescriptive seismic design procedures.

Current edition of the San Francisco Building Code, Section 104A.2.8 Alternate materials, design, and methods of construction SEAONC, 2007, Recommended Administrative Bulletin on the Seismic Design & Review of Tall Buildings Using Non-Prescriptive Procedures, prepared by Structural Engineers Association of Northern California (SEAONC) AB-083 Tall Buildings Task Group ASCE/SEI 7-16, Minimum Design Loads and Associated Criteria for Buildings and Other Structures, prepared by the Structural Engineering Institute of the American

REFERENCES :

Society of Civil Engineers 2003 NEHRP Recommended Provisions For New Buildings And Other Structures Part 1: Provisions and Part 2: Commentary (FEMA 450) SEAONC, 1999, Contractual Provisions to Address the Engineer’s Liability when Using Performance-Based Seismic Design, Structural Engineers Association of Northern California SEAOC, 2001, “Seismology Committee Background and Position Regarding 1997 UBCEq. 30-7 and Drift,” Structural Engineers Association of California

DISCUSSION :

1. SCOPE

This bulletin presents requirements and guidelines for seismic structural design and submittal documents for building permit for new tall buildings in San Francisco that use non-prescriptive seismic design procedures.

Commentary : It is intended that buildings designed to the requirements and guidelines of this bulletin will have seismic performance at least equivalent to that intended of code-prescriptive seismic designs, consistent with the San Francisco Building Code sections indicated below. To demonstrate that a building design is capable of providing code equivalent seismic performance, a three-step procedure shall be performed as specified in Section 4 of this Administrative Bulletin. Intended code seismic performance can be found in the commentary of FEMA 450. This bulletin intentionally contains both requirements, which are stated in mandatory language (e.g., “shall”) and guidelines, which use nonmandatory language.

This bulletin is not written to cover essential facilities.

For the purposes of this Administrative Bulletin, a non-prescriptive seismic design is one that takes exception to one or more of the prescriptive requirements of the San Francisco Building Code and Chapter 12 of ASCE/SEI 7-16 and the standards referenced therein, by invoking San Francisco Building Code, Section 104A.2.8, which allows alternative materials and methods of construction as approved by the Building Official.

For the purposes of this bulletin, tall buildings are defined as those with hn greater than 160 feet above average adjacent ground surface.

The height, hn is defined in the San Francisco Building Code as the height of Level n above the average level of the ground surface adjacent to the

structure. Level n is permitted to be taken as the roof of the structure, excluding mechanical penthouses and other projections above the roof whose mass is small compared with the mass of the roof.

Procedures other than those presented herein may be acceptable pursuant to the approval of the Director of the Department of Building Inspection.

Commentary : ASCE/SEI 7-16 Sections that discuss non-prescriptive or “alternative” seismic design procedures are reproduced below: 11.1.4 Alternate Materials and Methods of Construction. Alternate materials and methods of construction to those prescribed in the seismic requirements of this standard shall not be used unless approved by the Authority Having Jurisdiction. Substantiating evidence shall be submitted demonstrating that the proposed alternate will be at least equal in strength, durability, and seismic resistance for the purpose intended.

12.1.1 Basic Requirements. …An approved alternative procedure shall not be used to establish the seismic forces and their distribution unless the corresponding internal forces and deformations in the members are determined using a model consistent with the procedure adopted.

San Francisco Building Code sections that discuss non-prescriptive or “alternative” seismic design procedures are reproduced below:

104A.2.8 Alternate materials, design and methods of construction. The provisions of this code are not intended to prevent the use of any material, alternate design or method of construction not specifically prescribed by this code, provided any alternate has been approved and its use authorized by the building official.

The building official may approve any such alternate, provided the building official finds that the proposed design is satisfactory and complies with the provisions of this code and that the material, method or work offered is, for the purpose intended, at least the equivalent of that prescribed in this code in suitability, strength, effectiveness, fire resistance, durability, safety and sanitation.

The building official shall require that sufficient evidence or proof be submitted to substantiate any claims that may be made regarding its use. The details of any action granting approval of an alternate shall be recorded and entered in the files of the code enforcement agency.