Local code · San Francisco

San Francisco — Local Amendments

The San Francisco Local Amendments, explained in plain English with the controlling citations.

Last reviewed: July 6, 2026

Overview

San Francisco’s Building Inspection Commission (BIC) adopts the California Building Standards Code and layers on local amendments that apply citywide and, in some cases, to specific hillside areas. The 2022 San Francisco Building Code (SFBC) expressly amends the 2022 California Building Code and 2022 California Residential Code; it also adds a local administration chapter and modifies selected technical provisions and appendices. Only the standards and local amendments in effect when your permit application is accepted apply to your project.

The most practical rule: the code version that governs your project “locks” when DBI accepts your permit application for plan review; later updates do not retroactively apply to that permit. See SFBC § 101A.4.1.

What “Local Amendments” mean in San Francisco

The SFBC is a set of local amendments to the state California Building Standards Code, with San Francisco’s own administrative chapter (Chapter 1A) and targeted technical changes. Title, purpose, scope, and the adoption framework are stated in § 101A.1–101A.3, and local rules of conflict and precedence are set in § 101A.7.2 (most restrictive requirement prevails).
The City’s 2022 Building Code amendments were adopted by the Board of Supervisors via Ordinance 225-22 (effective Dec 11, 2022; operative Jan 1, 2023), and later ordinances continue to update specific sections.

Core Citywide Local Amendments (high-impact highlights)

Effective date and code lock-in. Only state-approved standards and local amendments “effective at the time an application for building permit is deemed acceptable for building plan review” govern that permit. See § 101A.4.1.
Appendices: broad non-adoption posture with targeted adoptions.
- Residential Code (CRC) adjustments include non-adoption of numerous appendices (e.g., CRC Appendix AQ – Tiny Houses not adopted) and substitution for some chapters (e.g., CRC Chapter 10 Chimneys and Fireplaces is replaced by SFBC Chapters 2–35; CRC Appendix AH Patio Covers is replaced by SFBC Appendix I). See CRC adoption notes in the SFBC.
- Building Code (CBC) appendices: most are not adopted; CBC Appendix J (Grading) is adopted with local exemptions (e.g., small excavations/fills and minor grading when determined by the Director). See Appendix J, § J103.2 (items 8–12).
Slope Protection Areas. Two mapped hillside areas—Edgehill Mountain Slope Protection Area and Northwest Mt. Sutro Slope Protection Area—carry heightened submittal, peer-review, and inspection gating requirements under § 106A.4.1.2–.3 and § 1705.22.
Special inspections gating in slope areas. Work in either slope area cannot proceed to subsequent construction phases until required special inspection reports are approved. See § 1705.22.
Tower crane safety. Operating a tower crane on a high-rise requires DBI acceptance of a Crane Site Safety Plan and compliance agreement before operation (§ 1705.23). Procedures, forms, and submittals are in Administrative Bulletin AB-023.
Lead-based paint work practices. For pre-1979 buildings and steel structures, San Francisco sets mandatory containment, cleanup, and notification standards in § 327.1–327.5 (e.g., posting “Lead Work in Progress” signs and HEPA cleanup).
Existing high-rises: sprinklers. Existing high-rise buildings, as defined in SFBC Chapter 2, must have automatic sprinklers per § 314.27, with listed exceptions for certain Group R buildings.
Weather-exposed durability details. Additional durability/preservation requirements apply to wood and exterior stair construction (e.g., treated/naturally durable wood under moisture-permeable decks; galvanized supports for certain stairways) in § 2304.12.1.5, § 2304.12.2.3, § 2304.12.2.6.2.
Local equivalencies (case-by-case). DBI can consider local equivalency modifications through its Administrative Bulletins. For example, AB-010 provides a path to approve communicating openings at property lines under equivalency when life-safety performance is demonstrated.

Slope Protection Areas — district-by-district

San Francisco treats the following hillside areas as special “districts” within the Building Code, with project-by-project peer review and stricter submittals.

Edgehill Mountain Slope Protection Area

Where it applies. Generally bounded by Garcia Ave, Vasquez Ave, Kensington Way, Ulloa St; traversed by Edgehill Way. Assessor’s Blocks: 2875, 2876, 2923, 2933, 2934, 2935, 2936A, 2936B. See § 106A.4.1.2.1.
Purpose. Elevated risk of landslides, ground shaking, and subsidence; therefore, DBI requires peer review to protect public health and safety. See § 106A.4.1.2.2.
Triggers. New buildings or “alterations that involve a substantial increase in the envelope” of an existing structure trigger mandatory Structural Advisory Committee review and agency site visits; DBI may deny permits if risks cannot be mitigated. See § 106A.4.1.2.3–.2.4.
Required submittals. DBI cannot waive plan submittal requirements here; plans must be prepared by a California-licensed design professional and include a construction/staging plan addressing neighbor safety. See § 106A.3.2 (Exceptions, item 2).
Inspections gating. Subsequent construction phases cannot start until special inspection reports are approved under § 1705.22.

Northwest Mt. Sutro Slope Protection Area

Where it applies. Generally bounded by Crestmont Dr. (east), Oak Park to Christopher Blvd. (south), Warren Dr. (west), then to 6th Ave/Kirkham St. and back to Crestmont Dr. Assessor’s Blocks: 1850, 1851, 2635, 2636, 2638, 2674–2677, 2686. See § 106A.4.1.3.1.
Purpose. Same life-safety rationale as Edgehill—mandatory peer review for structural integrity and hillside stability. See § 106A.4.1.3.2.
Triggers and decision standard. New buildings or substantial envelope-increase alterations go to the Structural Advisory Committee; DBI must deny if unsafe conditions or increased instability cannot be mitigated. See § 106A.4.1.3.3–.3.4.
Required submittals. Licensed design professional plans and a construction/staging plan demonstrating compliance and safe methods; DBI may require proof of sufficient infrastructure and code-compliant emergency access. See § 106A.3.2 (Exceptions, item 2).
Inspections gating. Same as Edgehill—later phases are blocked until special inspection reports are approved per § 1705.22.
Committee composition. For projects in either slope area, the Structural Advisory Committee includes a structural engineer, a geologist, and a geotechnical engineer and consults with an architect; selection process is specified. See § 105A.6.2 (as amended).

Selected Local Amendments at a Glance

Topic	Local Standard	Code Reference
Code version that applies	Standards in effect when permit app is accepted govern that permit	§ 101A.4.1
Conflict rule	Most restrictive requirement prevails across SFBC, other Title 24 parts, and Municipal Code	§ 101A.7.2
Slope Protection Areas – triggers	New buildings or substantial envelope-increase alterations require Structural Advisory Committee review and agency site visits	§ 106A.4.1.2.3; § 106A.4.1.3.3
Slope areas – submittals	No plan waivers; licensed professional plans + construction/staging plan; may need infrastructure/emergency access verification	§ 106A.3.2 (Exceptions, item 2)
Slope areas – inspection gating	Cannot commence next phase until special inspection reports are approved	§ 1705.22
Tower crane use on high-rises	Crane Site Safety Plan and Compliance Agreement accepted by DBI before operation	§ 1705.23; AB-023
Lead-based paint work	Mandatory practices, HEPA cleanup, signage, and occupant notice for pre-1979 buildings/steel structures	§ 327.1–327.5
Existing high-rises	Automatic sprinklers required (with specified exceptions)	§ 314.27
Durability at weather exposure	Added requirements for exterior wood and stair components	§ 2304.12.1.5; § 2304.12.2.3; § 2304.12.2.6.2
CRC appendices	Many CRC appendices not adopted (e.g., Tiny Houses, Board of Appeals); patio covers follow SFBC Appendix I	CRC adoption notes; CRC App. AQ not adopted; CRC App. AH replaced
CBC Appendix J (Grading)	Adopted with local exemptions (e.g., limited excavation/fill; minor grading)	CBC App. J, § J103.2 (8–12)

Practical navigation tips

Coordinate early with Permits & Inspections if you suspect your parcel is inside a slope protection area; DBI will require specialty submittals and peer review before issuing or advancing permits.
If using a tower crane for a high-rise, build AB-023’s submittals and Cal/OSHA timing into your schedule. DBI will not allow operation until your Crane Site Safety Plan is accepted. Coordinate related Fire Code and Operational Permits as needed.
For grading, verify whether your work qualifies for CBC Appendix J’s local exemptions; if not, plan on separate grading permits and submittals.
Pre-1979 buildings: plan for lead-safe work practices, required signage, and neighbor notices; coordinate with your team early to avoid inspection delays.
For emergency access and water supply, slope-area submittals must demonstrate Fire Department-compliant routes; cross-check with Access & Water Supply if your design changes site circulation.

Checklist

Confirm which SFBC/CBC edition and local amendments will govern your permit at submittal (see § 101A.4.1).
Map whether the site falls in the Edgehill or NW Mt. Sutro Slope Protection Area; if so, plan for Structural Advisory Committee review and enhanced submittals (see § 106A.4.1.2–.3; § 106A.3.2).
Prepare special inspection/structural observation programs; in slope areas, plan construction phases around § 1705.22’s gating.
If planning a tower crane on a high-rise, submit the Crane Site Safety Plan and Compliance Agreement per § 1705.23 and AB-023.
Check whether CBC Appendix J (Grading) applies or if your grading qualifies for local exemptions; otherwise, budget time for grading permits.
For pre-1979 buildings/steel structures, implement lead-safe work practices and required notifications under § 327.1–327.5.
Verify any exterior wood/stairs details meet SF’s added durability requirements (§ 2304.12.*).
Confirm whether specialized local provisions intersect with Planning Code, Height & Bulk, or Setbacks & Yards requirements; these are separate approvals.

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue	Why it matters	What to verify
Code “lock-in” date	Using the wrong code edition can trigger redesign	Confirm acceptance date and governing edition per § 101A.4.1 with DBI intake staff.
Slope-area boundaries	A parcel just inside a boundary faces extra peer review and submittals	Check parcel against § 106A.4.1.2.1 / § 106A.4.1.3.1 maps and Assessor’s Blocks; when in doubt, Verify with the jurisdiction.
“Substantial increase in envelope”	Triggers Structural Advisory Committee review; not a numeric threshold in retrieved text	Not found in retrieved materials; ask DBI plan review for interpretation under § 106A.4.1.2–.3. Verify with the jurisdiction.
Crane operations timing	Missed AB-023 steps can halt high-rise construction	Confirm § 1705.23 acceptance; coordinate Cal/OSHA permits referenced by AB-023.
Lead-safe compliance scope	Pre-1979 and steel structures invoke local rules	Scope, signage, and cleanup details in § 327.1–327.5; plan inspections accordingly.

Plain-English Summary

San Francisco mostly uses California’s building codes but adds its own rules where local conditions warrant—especially on steep hillsides, where getting a permit involves extra peer review, stricter submittals, and phase-by-phase inspection signoffs. Expect added procedures for tower cranes on high-rises, lead-safe practices in older buildings, local durability details for weather-exposed construction, and a different set of adopted appendices (like San Francisco’s version of grading rules).

Information Gaps

Exact numeric threshold for “substantial increase in the envelope” that triggers slope-area review — Not found in retrieved materials.
Any local changes to occupancy-specific height/area tables or egress in the 2022 SFBC beyond those cited — Not found in retrieved materials.
Citywide adoption status of other CBC appendices beyond those listed — Partial excerpts only; Verify with the jurisdiction.

Source References

San Francisco Building Inspection Commission Code — Building Code Administration and adoption framework: § 101A.1–101A.7.3; Preface/adoption note (Ord. 225-22) — https://sfbos.org/sites/default/files/o0225-22.pdf; see also San Francisco Building Inspection Commission Code
Slope Protection Areas (creation, purpose, peer review, denial standard): § 106A.4.1.2.1–.2.4; § 106A.4.1.3.1–.3.4; Structural Advisory Committee composition § 105A.6.2; submittals in slope areas § 106A.3.2 (Exceptions)
Special inspections gating in slope areas; demolition special inspection; crane safety trigger: § 1705.21–1705.23; AB-023 Crane Site Safety Plan procedures
Lead-based paint work practices: § 327.1–327.5 (signage, cleanup, occupant notice)
Existing high-rise sprinklers: § 314.27 (as amended by Ord. 70-25) — https://sfbos.org/sites/default/files/o0070-25.pdf
Weather-exposed durability: § 2304.12.1.5; § 2304.12.2.3; § 2304.12.2.6.2
Appendices adoption: CRC chapter/appendix adjustments; CBC Appendix adoption (Appendix J with local exemptions in § J103.2 items 8–12)

Sources

Retrieved passages

CBC § 2002 (Article VI) High relevance
CRC § 1.1.8 (Title 24) High relevance
CBC § 101 (section or) High relevance
CGBSC § 101 (Chapter 1) High relevance
CGBSC § 196 (section or) High relevance
CGBSC § 302 (section as) High relevance
San Francisco Zoning Code (section shall) High relevance
CRC § 101A (Chapter 1) High relevance
CBC § 2304 (Chapter 17A) High relevance
CBC § 1705.23 (Section 1705.23.) High relevance
CBC § 105A.6 (Section 105A.6.) High relevance
CBC § 327 (SECTION 327) High relevance
San Francisco Zoning Code (Section 107A) High relevance
CBC § 3303 (Section 3303) High relevance
CBC § 1705.23 (Section 1705.23) Medium relevance
CBC § 1010 (Section 1010) Medium relevance

Cited sections

San Francisco Building Inspection Commission Code — Building Code Administration and adoption framework: § 101A.1–101A.7.3; Preface/adoption note (Ord. 225-22) — see also San Francisco Building Inspection Commission Code (§ 101A.1)
Slope Protection Areas (creation, purpose, peer review, denial standard): § 106A.4.1.2.1–.2.4; § 106A.4.1.3.1–.3.4; Structural Advisory Committee composition § 105A.6.2; submittals in slope areas § 106A.3.2 (Exceptions) (§ 106A.4.1.2.1)
Special inspections gating in slope areas; demolition special inspection; crane safety trigger: § 1705.21–1705.23; AB-023 Crane Site Safety Plan procedures (§ 1705.21)
Lead-based paint work practices: § 327.1–327.5 (signage, cleanup, occupant notice) (§ 327.1)
Existing high-rise sprinklers: § 314.27 (as amended by Ord. 70-25) — (§ 314.27)
Weather-exposed durability: § 2304.12.1.5; § 2304.12.2.3; § 2304.12.2.6.2 (§ 2304.12.1.5)
Appendices adoption: CRC chapter/appendix adjustments; CBC Appendix adoption (Appendix J with local exemptions in § J103.2 items 8–12) (§ J103.2)
SF Building Inspection Commissions Code.md

Frequently asked questions

Does San Francisco adopt the California “Tiny Houses” appendix?

No. San Francisco does not adopt CRC Appendix AQ (Tiny Houses), so those prescriptive provisions are not available locally. Projects must comply with the SFBC/CBC in effect, or pursue other pathways like ADUs where allowed by planning and state law. See CRC Appendix adoption notes in the SFBC.

I’m planning a high-rise with a tower crane—what approvals do I need?

Before operating a tower crane on a high-rise, DBI must accept your Crane Site Safety Plan and Compliance Agreement under § 1705.23; AB-023 details submittals, timing, and coordination with Cal/OSHA permits. Plan this early to avoid schedule impacts.

My lot is near Edgehill Way—what special rules apply?

If your site is within the Edgehill Mountain Slope Protection Area, new buildings or substantial envelope-increasing alterations require Structural Advisory Committee review, agency site visits, and enhanced submittals by a licensed professional. DBI may deny permits if hillside stability concerns cannot be mitigated. See § 106A.4.1.2.1–.2.4 and § 106A.3.2 (Exceptions).

Do existing high-rise buildings in San Francisco need automatic sprinklers?

Yes. Regardless of other provisions, existing high-rises must have an NFPA 13-compliant automatic sprinkler system, with specific exceptions for certain Group R buildings. See § 314.27 for scope and exceptions.

Are patio covers governed by the CRC in San Francisco?

No. CRC Appendix AH (Patio Covers) is not adopted in San Francisco; instead, patio cover provisions are handled under SFBC Appendix I. Confirm details during permit intake. See CRC/SFBC appendix adoption notes.

What local lead-safe rules apply to renovation in older residential buildings?

For any pre-1979 building (or steel structure), San Francisco requires specific containment, cleanup, and occupant/neighbor notifications. Expect “Lead Work in Progress” signage and HEPA cleanup standards under § 327.1–327.5.

When does my project’s applicable code version get fixed?

The governing edition and local amendments fix when DBI deems your permit application acceptable for plan review. Later changes do not apply to that permit. See § 101A.4.1.

Do I need a grading permit for minor site work?

Maybe not. San Francisco adopts CBC Appendix J (Grading) with local exemptions for certain small excavations/fills and minor grading operations listed in § J103.2 (items 8–12). Verify your scope against those thresholds.

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