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San Francisco Overview
San Francisco Charter
San Francisco Administrative Code
ADMINISTRATIVE CODE
THE SAN FRANCISCO CODES
PREFACE TO THE ADMINISTRATIVE CODE
CHAPTER 1: GENERAL PROVISIONS
CHAPTER 2: BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
CHAPTER 2A: EXECUTIVE BRANCH
CHAPTER 2B: ASSESSMENT APPEALS BOARDS (TAX APPEAL BOARDS)
CHAPTER 3: BUDGET PROCEDURES
CHAPTER 4: CITY BUILDINGS, EQUIPMENT, AND VEHICLES
CHAPTER 5: COMMITTEES
CHAPTER 6: PUBLIC WORKS CONTRACTING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
CHAPTER 7: DISASTER COUNCIL
CHAPTER 8: DOCUMENTS, RECORDS AND PUBLICATIONS
CHAPTER 9A: FARMERS' MARKET
CHAPTER 9B: FLEA MARKET
CHAPTER 10: FINANCE, TAXATION, AND OTHER FISCAL MATTERS
CHAPTER 10A: [REQUEST FOR SHERIFF’S SERVICES]*
CHAPTER 10B: SPECIAL LAW ENFORCEMENT AND PUBLIC WORKS SERVICES
CHAPTER 10C: REIMBURSEMENT FOR TOWING AND STORAGE OF VEHICLES
CHAPTER 10E: PLANNING MONITORING
CHAPTER 10F: 1660 MISSION STREET SURCHARGE
CHAPTER 10G: BOARD OF APPEALS SURCHARGE FOR PERMITS AND FEES
CHAPTER 10H: RECOVERY OF COSTS OF EMERGENCY RESPONSE
CHAPTER 11: FRANCHISES
CHAPTER 12: HOUSING AUTHORITY
CHAPTER 12A: HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION
CHAPTER 12D: MINORITY/WOMEN/LOCAL BUSINESS UTILIZATION
CHAPTER 12E: BAN ON CITY USE OF GAS-POWERED LANDSCAPING EQUIPMENT
CHAPTER 12F: IMPLEMENTING THE MACBRIDE PRINCIPLES - NORTHERN IRELAND
CHAPTER 12G: PROHIBITION ON USE OF PUBLIC FUNDS FOR POLITICAL ACTIVITY BY RECIPIENTS OF CITY CONTRACTS, GRANTS, AND LOANS
CHAPTER 12H: IMMIGRATION STATUS
CHAPTER 12I: CIVIL IMMIGRATION DETAINERS
CHAPTER 12J: CITY BUSINESS WITH BURMA PROHIBITED
CHAPTER 12L: PUBLIC ACCESS TO RECORDS AND MEETINGS OF NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS
CHAPTER 12M: PROTECTION OF PRIVATE INFORMATION*
CHAPTER 12N: LESBIAN, GAY, BISEXUAL, TRANSGENDER, QUEER, AND QUESTIONING YOUTH: YOUTH SERVICES SENSITIVITY TRAINING
CHAPTER 12O: EARNED INCOME CREDIT INFORMATION
CHAPTER 12S: WORKING FAMILIES CREDIT PROGRAM
CHAPTER 12Y: SAN FRANCISCO SLAVERY DISCLOSURE ORDINANCE*
CHAPTER 13: JAILS AND PRISONERS
CHAPTER 14A: DISADVANTAGED BUSINESS ENTERPRISE PROGRAM
CHAPTER 14B: LOCAL BUSINESS ENTERPRISE UTILIZATION AND NON-DISCRIMINATION IN CONTRACTING ORDINANCE
CHAPTER 14C: [EXPIRED]
CHAPTER 15: MENTAL HEALTH SERVICE
CHAPTER 16: OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES GENERALLY
CHAPTER 17: PUBLIC OFF-STREET PARKING FACILITIES
CHAPTER 18: PAYROLL PROCEDURE
CHAPTER 19. COMMUNITY SAFETY CAMERA ORDINANCE
CHAPTER 19A: PUBLIC HEALTH
CHAPTER 19B: ACQUISITION OF SURVEILLANCE TECHNOLOGY
CHAPTER 20: SOCIAL SERVICES
CHAPTER 21: ACQUISITION OF COMMODITIES AND SERVICES
CHAPTER 21A: HEALTH-RELATED COMMODITIES AND SERVICES
CHAPTER 21B: COMMODITIES AND SERVICES RELATING TO PROJECTS ADDRESSING HOMELESSNESS
CHAPTER 21D: FOOD PURCHASES AT HOSPITALS OPERATED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH AND JAILS OPERATED BY THE SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT
CHAPTER 21E: GOODS OR SERVICES CONTRACTS FOR INCARCERATED PERSONS
CHAPTER 21F: SAN FRANCISCO PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION SOCIAL IMPACT PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM.
CHAPTER 21G: GRANTS
CHAPTER 22: RADIO COMMUNICATION FACILITIES
CHAPTER 22A: INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY
CHAPTER 22B: TELECOMMUNICATIONS FACILITIES
CHAPTER 22C: PUBLIC INTERNET ACCESS
CHAPTER 22D: OPEN DATA POLICY
CHAPTER 22E: CITY-OWNED FIBER-OPTIC FACILITIES
CHAPTER 22G: OFFICE OF EMERGING TECHNOLOGY
CHAPTER 22H: DESIGNATION UNDER HEALTH INSURANCE PORTABILITY AND ACCOUNTABILITY ACT (HIPAA)
CHAPTER 22I: OFFICE OF CYBER SECURITY AND DUTIES OF THE CHIEF INFORMATION SECURITY OFFICER
CHAPTER 23: REAL PROPERTY TRANSACTIONS
CHAPTER 23A: SURPLUS PUBLIC LANDS ORDINANCE
CHAPTER 24: REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
CHAPTER 24A: ADMINISTRATIVE STRUCTURE LOCAL RENT SUPPLEMENT PROGRAM IN THE OFFICE OF MAYOR
CHAPTER 24B: RELOCATION APPEALS BOARD
CHAPTER 25: STREET LIGHTING
CHAPTER 26. DEEMED APPROVED OFF-STREET ALCOHOL USE NUISANCE REGULATIONS
CHAPTER 27: HEALTHY NAIL SALON RECOGNITION PROGRAM
CHAPTER 28: ADMINISTRATIVE DEBARMENT PROCEDURE
CHAPTER 29: FINDINGS OF FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY AND FEASIBILITY
CHAPTER 29A: APPROVAL OF POWER PLANT; PLANNING CODE SEC. 303(q) CRITERIA
CHAPTER 29B: CHILD CARE FEASIBILITY STUDY FOR CITY AND CITY-FUNDED PROJECTS
CHAPTER 30: CENTRALIZATION OF WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
CHAPTER 31: CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT PROCEDURES AND FEES
CHAPTER 32: RESIDENTIAL REHABILITATION LOAN PROGRAM
CHAPTER 33: COMMISSION ON THE STATUS OF WOMEN
CHAPTER 33A: LOCAL IMPLEMENTATION OF THE UNITED NATIONS CONVENTION ON THE ELIMINATION OF ALL FORMS OF DISCRIMINATION AGAINST WOMEN (CEDAW)*
CHAPTER 34: NOTIFICATION TO ASSESSOR CONCERNING ZONING RECLASSIFICATIONS OF PROPERTY, CONDITIONAL USE PERMITS AND VARIANCES
CHAPTER 35: RESIDENTIAL, HOTEL, AND PDR COMPATIBILITY AND PROTECTION
CHAPTER 36: COMMUNITY IMPROVEMENTS AREA PLANS AND PROGRAMS
CHAPTER 37: RESIDENTIAL RENT STABILIZATION AND ARBITRATION ORDINANCE
CHAPTER 37A: RENT STABILIZATION AND ARBITRATION FEE
CHAPTER 37B: MIDTOWN PARK APARTMENTS
CHAPTER 37C: EVICTION PROTECTIONS FOR COMMERCIAL TENANTS DURING COVID-19 PANDEMIC
CHAPTER 38: COMMERCIAL LANDLORDS; ACCESS IMPROVEMENT OBLIGATIONS AND NOTICE TO SMALL BUSINESS TENANTS REGARDING DISABILITY ACCESS
CHAPTER 39: [RIGHT TO RETURN TO REVITALIZED PUBLIC HOUSING]
CHAPTER 40: HOUSING CODE ENFORCEMENT LOAN PROGRAM
CHAPTER 41: RESIDENTIAL HOTEL UNIT CONVERSION AND DEMOLITION
CHAPTER 41A: RESIDENTIAL UNIT CONVERSION AND DEMOLITION
CHAPTER 41B: COMMUNITY OPPORTUNITY TO PURCHASE ACT
CHAPTER 41C: TIME-SHARE CONVERSION ORDINANCE
CHAPTER 41D: RESIDENTIAL HOTEL VISITOR POLICIES
CHAPTER 41E. RESIDENTIAL HOTEL MAIL RECEPTACLE ORDINANCE
CHAPTER 41F: TOURIST HOTEL CONVERSION*
CHAPTER 41G: RESIDENTIAL HOTEL COVID-19 PROTECTIONS
CHAPTER 42: INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
CHAPTER 43: MUNICIPAL FINANCE LAW
CHAPTER 44: ADULT DAY HEALTH CARE PLANNING COUNCIL
CHAPTER 45: JURY FEES
CHAPTER 47: PREFERENCE IN CITY AFFORDABLE HOUSING PROGRAMS
CHAPTER 48: RENTAL SUBSIDY PROGRAM FOR LOW-INCOME FAMILIES
CHAPTER 49: SECURITY DEPOSITS FOR RESIDENTIAL RENTAL PROPERTY
CHAPTER 49A: RESIDENTIAL TENANT COMMUNICATIONS
CHAPTER 49B: RESIDENTIAL RENTAL UNITS: LOCK REPLACEMENTS BY LANDLORD WHEN TENANTS VACATE
CHAPTER 50: NONPROFIT PERFORMING ARTS LOAN PROGRAM
CHAPTER 51: VOLUNTARY ARTS CONTRIBUTIONS PROGRAM
CHAPTER 52: SAN FRANCISCO CARBON MITIGATION PROGRAM
CHAPTER 53: URBAN AGRICULTURE
CHAPTER 53A: URBAN AGRICULTURE INCENTIVE ZONES ACT PROCEDURES
CHAPTER 54: SOUTHEAST COMMUNITY FACILITY COMMISSION
CHAPTER 56: DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENTS
CHAPTER 57: FILM COMMISSION
CHAPTER 58: RIGHT TO COUNSEL IN CIVIL MATTERS
CHAPTER 58A: RIGHT TO CIVIL COUNSEL FOR VICTIMS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
CHAPTER 59: HEALTHY FOOD RETAILER ORDINANCE
CHAPTER 59A: FOOD SECURITY AND EQUITY REPORTS
CHAPTER 60: ASSISTED HOUSING PRESERVATION ORDINANCE
CHAPTER 61: WATERFRONT LAND USE
CHAPTER 62: DOMESTIC PARTNERSHIPS
CHAPTER 63: WATER EFFICIENT IRRIGATION ORDINANCE*
CHAPTER 64: CITY EMPLOYEE AND CITY CONTRACTOR SAFETY AND HEALTH
CHAPTER 65: RENT REDUCTION AND RELOCATION PLAN FOR TENANTS INCONVENIENCED BY SEISMIC WORK PERFORMED PURSUANT TO CHAPTERS 14 AND 15 OF THE SAN FRANCISCO BUILDING CODE
CHAPTER 65A: COMPENSATION, OR SUBSTITUTE HOUSING SERVICE, FOR TENANTS AFFECTED BY TEMPORARY SEVERANCE OF SPECIFIED HOUSING SERVICES DURING MANDATORY SEISMIC WORK REQUIRED BY BUILDING CODE CHAPTER 34B
CHAPTER 66: SEISMIC SAFETY RETROFIT PROGRAM
CHAPTER 67: THE SAN FRANCISCO SUNSHINE ORDINANCE OF 1999
CHAPTER 67A: CELL PHONES, PAGERS AND SIMILAR SOUND-PRODUCING ELECTRICAL DEVICES
CHAPTER 67B: PARENTAL LEAVE AND TELECONFERENCING
CHAPTER 68: CULTURAL EQUITY ENDOWMENT FUND
CHAPTER 69: SAN FRANCISCO HEALTH AUTHORITY
CHAPTER 70: IN-HOME SUPPORTIVE SERVICES PUBLIC AUTHORITY
CHAPTER 71: MILLS ACT CONTRACT PROCEDURES
CHAPTER 72: RELOCATION ASSISTANCE FOR LEAD HAZARD REMEDIATION
CHAPTER 74: RENT ESCROW ACCOUNT PROGRAM
CHAPTER 77: BUILDING INSPECTION COMMISSION APPEALS
CHAPTER 78: DEPARTMENT OF BUILDING INSPECTION PERMIT TRACKING SYSTEM
CHAPTER 79: PREAPPROVAL NOTICE FOR CERTAIN CITY PROJECTS
CHAPTER 79A: ADDITIONAL PREAPPROVAL NOTICE FOR CERTAIN CITY PROJECTS
CHAPTER 80: ANTI-BLIGHT ENFORCEMENT PROCEDURE
CHAPTER 80A: ORDERS TO VACATE DUE TO HAZARDOUS HOUSING CONDITIONS
CHAPTER 82: LOCAL HIRING POLICY FOR CONSTRUCTION
CHAPTER 83: FIRST SOURCE HIRING PROGRAM
CHAPTER 84: SAN FRANCISCO RESIDENTIAL RENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM FOR PERSONS DISQUALIFIED FROM FEDERAL RENT SUBSIDY PROGRAMS BY THE FEDERAL QUALITY HOUSING AND WORK RESPONSIBILITY ACT OF 1998 (QHWRA)
CHAPTER 85: THE HOUSING INNOVATION PROGRAM
CHAPTER 86: CHILDREN AND FAMILIES FIRST COMMISSION
CHAPTER 87: FAIR HOUSING IMPLEMENTATION ORDINANCE
CHAPTER 88: PERFORMANCE AND REVIEW ORDINANCE OF 1999
CHAPTER 89: DEPARTMENT OF CHILD SUPPORT SERVICES
CHAPTER 90: ENTERTAINMENT COMMISSION
CHAPTER 90A: PROMOTING AND SUSTAINING MUSIC AND CULTURE
CHAPTER 91: LANGUAGE ACCESS
CHAPTER 92: REAL ESTATE LOAN COUNSELING AND EDUCATION
CHAPTER 93: PREGNANCY INFORMATION DISCLOSURE AND PROTECTION ORDINANCE
CHAPTER 94: THE SAN FRANCISCO PLAZA PROGRAM
CHAPTER 94A: THE SAN FRANCISCO SHARED SPACES PROGRAM
CHAPTER 95: IDENTIFICATION CARDS
CHAPTER 96: COORDINATION BETWEEN THE POLICE DEPARTMENT AND THE DEPARTMENT OF POLICE ACCOUNTABILITY
CHAPTER 96A: LAW ENFORCEMENT REPORTING REQUIREMENTS
CHAPTER 96B: POLICY MAKING MARIJUANA OFFENSES THE LOWEST LAW ENFORCEMENT PRIORITY
CHAPTER 96C: POLICE INTERROGATION OF YOUTH - JEFF ADACHI YOUTH RIGHTS ORDINANCE
CHAPTER 96D: PRESENTATION OF YOUTH CASES
CHAPTER 96E [DOMESTIC VIOLENCE DATA REPORTING]*
CHAPTER 96F: COMMUNITY POLICING PLANS
CHAPTER 96G: LIMITS ON POLICE DEPARTMENT USE AND STORAGE OF DNA PROFILES
CHAPTER 96H: LAW ENFORCEMENT EQUIPMENT POLICIES
CHAPTER 97: HEALTHCARE IMPACT REPORTS
CHAPTER 98: THE BETTER STREETS POLICY
CHAPTER 99: PUBLIC POWER IN NEW CITY DEVELOPMENTS
CHAPTER 100: PROCEDURES GOVERNING THE IMPOSITION OF ADMINISTRATIVE FINES
CHAPTER 101: RESTRICTING THE PURCHASE, SALE, OR DISTRIBUTION OF SUGAR-SWEETENED BEVERAGES BY OR FOR THE CITY
CHAPTER 102: OUR CHILDREN, OUR FAMILIES COUNCIL
CHAPTER 103: NON-COOPERATION WITH IDENTITY-BASED REGISTRY ORDINANCE
CHAPTER 104: COLLECTION OF SEXUAL ORIENTATION AND GENDER IDENTITY DATA
CHAPTER 105: CIGARETTE LITTER ABATEMENT FEE ORDINANCE
CHAPTER 106: CITY NAVIGATION CENTERS
CHAPTER 107: CULTURAL DISTRICTS
CHAPTER 107A: AFRICAN AMERICAN ARTS AND CULTURAL DISTRICT
CHAPTER 107B: CASTRO LESBIAN, GAY, BISEXUAL, TRANSGENDER, AND QUEER (LGBTQ) CULTURAL DISTRICT
CHAPTER 107C: AMERICAN INDIAN CULTURAL DISTRICT
CHAPTER 107D: SUNSET CHINESE CULTURAL DISTRICT
CHAPTER 109: PRIORITIZING 100% AFFORDABLE HOUSING
CHAPTER 110: FORGIVABLE LOAD FOR FIRST-TIME HOMEBUYERS
CHAPTER 111: HOUSING REPORTS FOR SENIORS AND PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES
CHAPTER 115: AUTOMATED POINT OF SALE STATION REGISTRATION AND INSPECTION ORDINANCE
CHAPTER 116: COMPATIBILITY AND PROTECTION FOR RESIDENTIAL USES AND PLACES OF ENTERTAINMENT
CHAPTER 117: COOPERATIVE LIVING OPPORTUNITIES FOR MENTAL HEALTH PROGRAM
CHAPTER 118: PLACE FOR ALL PROGRAM
CHAPTER 119: SAFE PARKING PROGRAMS
CHAPTER 120: ADMINISTRATION OF AFFORDABLE HOUSING FUNDS
CHAPTER 121: CLOSURE OF JUVENILE HALL
CHAPTER 122: CLOSURE OF COUNTY JAIL 4
CHAPTER 123: LIBRARY LAUREATE PROGRAMS
APPENDIX: Table of Initiative Ordinances and Policy Declarations
References to Ordinances
San Francisco Business and Tax Regulations Code
BUSINESS AND TAX REGULATIONS CODE
THE SAN FRANCISCO CODES
PREFACE TO THE BUSINESS AND TAX REGULATIONS CODE
ARTICLE 1: PERMIT PROCEDURES
ARTICLE 2: LICENSE FEES
ARTICLE 3: [REPEALED]
ARTICLE 4: [RESERVED]
ARTICLE 5: ELECTRICAL MUSICAL DEVICES
ARTICLE 6: COMMON ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS
ARTICLE 7: TAX ON TRANSIENT OCCUPANCY OF HOTEL ROOMS
ARTICLE 8: SUGARY DRINKS DISTRIBUTOR TAX ORDINANCE
ARTICLE 9: TAX ON OCCUPANCY OF PARKING SPACE IN PARKING STATIONS
ARTICLE 10: UTILITY USERS TAX
ARTICLE 10B: ACCESS LINE TAX
ARTICLE 11: STADIUM OPERATOR ADMISSION TAX
ARTICLE 12: BUSINESS REGISTRATION
ARTICLE 12-A: [REPEALED]
ARTICLE 12-A-1: GROSS RECEIPTS TAX ORDINANCE
ARTICLE 12-B: [REPEALED]
ARTICLE 12B-1: NEIGHBORHOOD BEAUTIFICATION AND GRAFFITI CLEAN-UP FUND TAX OPTION
ARTICLE 12-C: REAL PROPERTY TRANSFER TAX
ARTICLE 12-D: UNIFORM LOCAL SALES AND USE TAX
ARTICLE 13: CONNECTIONS TO THE POLICE DEPARTMENT TERMINAL ALARM PANEL
ARTICLE 14: TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY
ARTICLE 15: BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICTS PROCEDURE CODE
ARTICLE 15A: PUBLIC REALM LANDSCAPING, IMPROVEMENT AND MAINTENANCE ASSESSMENT DISTRICTS ("GREEN BENEFIT DISTRICTS")
ARTICLE 16: [REPEALED]
ARTICLE 17: [REPEALED]
ARTICLE 20: FINANCIAL INFORMATION PRIVACY ORDINANCE
ARTICLE 21: EARLY CARE AND EDUCATION COMMERCIAL RENTS TAX ORDINANCE
ARTICLE 22: PARKING STATIONS; REVENUE CONTROL EQUIPMENT
ARTICLE 23: VEHICLE REGISTRATION FEE EXPENDITURE PLAN
ARTICLE 28: HOMELESSNESS GROSS RECEIPTS TAX ORDINANCE
ARTICLE 29: VACANCY TAX ORDINANCE
ARTICLE 29A: EMPTY HOMES TAX ORDINANCE
ARTICLE 30: CANNABIS BUSINESS TAX
ARTICLE 32: TRAFFIC CONGESTION MITIGATION TAX
ARTICLE 33: OVERPAID EXECUTIVE GROSS RECEIPTS TAX
ARTICLE 36: [REPEALED]
ARTICLE 37: FAIR WAGES FOR EDUCATORS PARCEL TAX ORDINANCE
References to Ordinances
San Francisco Campaign and Governmental Conduct Code
San Francisco Environment Code
ENVIRONMENT CODE
THE SAN FRANCISCO CODES
PREFACE TO THE ENVIRONMENT CODE
CHAPTER 1: PRECAUTIONARY PRINCIPLE POLICY STATEMENT
CHAPTER 2: ENVIRONMENTALLY PREFERABLE PURCHASING ORDINANCE
CHAPTER 3: INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT PROGRAM
CHAPTER 4: HEALTHY AIR AND CLEAN TRANSPORTATION PROGRAM
CHAPTER 5: RESOURCE CONSERVATION ORDINANCE
CHAPTER 7: MUNICIPAL GREEN BUILDING REQUIREMENTS*
CHAPTER 8: TROPICAL HARDWOOD AND VIRGIN REDWOOD BAN
CHAPTER 9: GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS TARGETS AND DEPARTMENTAL ACTION PLANS
CHAPTER 10: TRANSPORTATION OF AGGREGATE MATERIALS
CHAPTER 11: CELL PHONE DISCLOSURE REQUIREMENTS
CHAPTER 12: URBAN FORESTRY COUNCIL
CHAPTER 13: ARSENIC-TREATED WOOD
CHAPTER 14: CONSTRUCTION AND DEMOLITION DEBRIS RECOVERY ORDINANCE*
CHAPTER 15: GREEN BUSINESS PROGRAM
CHAPTER 16: FOOD SERVICE AND PACKAGING WASTE REDUCTION ORDINANCE
CHAPTER 17: PLASTIC BAG REDUCTION ORDINANCE
CHAPTER 18: SOLAR ENERGY INCENTIVE PROGRAM
CHAPTER 19: MANDATORY RECYCLING AND COMPOSTING
CHAPTER 20: EXISTING BUILDINGS ENERGY PERFORMANCE
CHAPTER 21: CLEAN ENERGY FULL DISCLOSURE ORDINANCE
CHAPTER 22: SAFE DRUG DISPOSAL
CHAPTER 23: DRINK TAP ORDINANCE
CHAPTER 24: BOTTLED DRINKING WATER
CHAPTER 25: CLEAN CONSTRUCTION REQUIREMENTS FOR PUBLIC WORKS
CHAPTER 26: BETTER ROOF REQUIREMENTS
CHAPTER 27: ANTIBIOTIC USE IN FOOD ANIMALS
CHAPTER 28: FLAME RETARDANT CHEMICALS IN UPHOLSTERED FURNITURE AND JUVENILE PRODUCTS
CHAPTER 29: ELECTRIC VEHICLE READINESS IMPLEMENTATION*
CHAPTER 30: RENEWABLE ENERGY FOR COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS
CHAPTER 31: ELECTRIC VEHICLE AND CHARGING IN COMMERCIAL PARKING LOTS AND GARAGES*
CHAPTER 32: MANDATORY EDIBLE FOOD RECOVERY
References to Ordinances
San Francisco Fire Code
San Francisco Health Code
HEALTH CODE
THE SAN FRANCISCO CODES
PREFACE TO THE HEALTH CODE
ARTICLE 1: ANIMALS
ARTICLE 1A: ANIMAL SACRIFICE
ARTICLE 1B: PERFORMANCE OF WILD OR EXOTIC ANIMALS FOR PUBLIC ENTERTAINMENT OR AMUSEMENT
ARTICLE 1C: SALE OF ANIMALS
ARTICLE 1D: ANIMAL FUR PRODUCTS
ARTICLE 2: COMMUNICABLE DISEASES
ARTICLE 3: HOSPITALS
ARTICLE 4: DECEASED PERSONS
ARTICLE 5: PUBLIC HEALTH - GENERAL
ARTICLE 6: GARBAGE AND REFUSE
ARTICLE 7: LAUNDRIES
ARTICLE 8: FOOD AND FOOD PRODUCTS
ARTICLE 8A: CANNABIS CONSUMPTION PERMITS
ARTICLE 9: DAIRY AND MILK CODE
ARTICLE 10: MEAT AND MEAT PRODUCTS
ARTICLE 11: NUISANCES
ARTICLE 11A: BED BUG INFESTATION PREVENTION, TREATMENT, DISCLOSURE, AND REPORTING
ARTICLE 11B: HEALTHY BUILDINGS
ARTICLE 12: SANITATION - GENERAL
ARTICLE 12A: BACKFLOW PREVENTION
ARTICLE 12B: SOIL BORING AND WELL REGULATIONS
ARTICLE 12C: ALTERNATE WATER SOURCES FOR NON-POTABLE APPLICATIONS
ARTICLE 14: AMBULANCES AND ROUTINE MEDICAL TRANSPORT VEHICLES
ARTICLE 15: PUBLIC SWIMMING POOLS
ARTICLE 16: REGULATING THE USE OF 'ECONOMIC POISONS'
ARTICLE 17: DISPOSAL OF UNCLAIMED PERSONAL PROPERTY AT SAN FRANCISCO GENERAL HOSPITAL
ARTICLE 18: PROVIDING FOR ISSUANCE OF CITATIONS TO VIOLATORS
ARTICLE 19: SMOKING POLLUTION CONTROL
ARTICLE 19A: REGULATING SMOKING IN EATING ESTABLISHMENTS [SUSPENDED]
ARTICLE 19B: REGULATING SMOKING IN SHARED OFFICE WORKPLACE [SUSPENDED]
ARTICLE 19C: REGULATING SMOKING IN PUBLIC PLACES AND IN HEALTH, EDUCATIONAL AND CHILD CARE FACILITIES [SUSPENDED]
ARTICLE 19D: PROHIBITING CIGARETTE VENDING MACHINES
ARTICLE 19E: PROHIBITING SMOKING IN PLACES OF EMPLOYMENT AND CERTAIN SPORTS ARENAS [SUSPENDED]
ARTICLE 19F: PROHIBITING SMOKING IN ENCLOSED AREAS, CERTAIN UNENCLOSED AREAS, AND SPORTS STADIUMS
ARTICLE 19G: ENFORCEMENT OF SMOKING PROHIBITIONS
ARTICLE 19H: PERMITS FOR THE SALE OF TOBACCO
ARTICLE 19I: PROHIBITING SMOKING IN CITY PARK AND RECREATIONAL AREAS AND FARMERS' MARKETS
ARTICLE 19J: PROHIBITING PHARMACIES FROM SELLING TOBACCO PRODUCTS
ARTICLE 19K: PROHIBITING SALES OF TOBACCO PRODUCTS ON PROPERTY OWNED BY OR UNDER THE CONTROL OF THE CITY AND COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO
ARTICLE 19L: PROHIBITING SMOKING AT CERTAIN OUTDOOR EVENTS
ARTICLE 19M: DISCLOSURE TO PROSPECTIVE RESIDENTIAL TENANTS OF WHETHER A UNIT IS SMOKE FREE OR SMOKING OPTIONAL, AND INFORMING EXISTING RESIDENTIAL TENANTS WHERE SMOKING IS OPTIONAL
ARTICLE 19N: ELECTRONIC CIGARETTES - RESTRICTIONS ON SALE AND USE
ARTICLE 19O: [SMOKELESS TOBACCO - USE PROHIBITED AT ATHLETIC VENUES]
ARTICLE 19P: PROHIBITING THE SALE OF TOBACCO PRODUCTS TO PERSONS AGED 18, 19, OR 20
ARTICLE 19Q: PROHIBITING THE SALE OF FLAVORED TOBACCO PRODUCTS
ARTICLE 19R: PROHIBITING THE SALE OF ELECTRONIC CIGARETTES LACKING FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION PREMARKET APPROVAL
ARTICLE 19S: PROHIBITING THE SALE AND DISTRIBUTION OF TOBACCO PRODUCTS IN SAN FRANCISCO
ARTICLE 20: ALKYL NITRITES
ARTICLE 21: HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
ARTICLE 21A: RISK MANAGEMENT PROGRAM
ARTICLE 22: HAZARDOUS WASTE MANAGEMENT
ARTICLE 22A: ANALYZING SOILS FOR HAZARDOUS WASTE
ARTICLE 22B: CONSTRUCTION DUST CONTROL REQUIREMENTS
ARTICLE 23: VIDEO DISPLAY TERMINAL WORKER SAFETY
ARTICLE 24: CHLOROFLUOROCARBON RECOVERY AND RECYCLING
ARTICLE 25: MEDICAL WASTE GENERATOR REGISTRATION, PERMITTING, INSPECTIONS AND FEES
ARTICLE 26: COMPREHENSIVE ENVIRONMENTAL LEAD POISONING INVESTIGATION, MANAGEMENT AND ENFORCEMENT PROGRAM
ARTICLE 27: HEALTH SERVICE SYSTEM AGREEMENT
ARTICLE 28: MEDICAL CANNABIS USER AND PRIMARY CAREGIVER IDENTIFICATION CARDS
ARTICLE 29: LICENSING AND REGULATION OF MASSAGE PRACTITIONERS AND MASSAGE BUSINESSES
ARTICLE 30: REGULATION OF DIESEL BACKUP GENERATORS
ARTICLE 31: HUNTERS POINT SHIPYARD
ARTICLE 32: DISEASE PREVENTION DEMONSTRATION PROJECT
ARTICLE 33: MEDICAL CANNABIS ACT
ARTICLE 34: HEALTHY PRODUCTS, HEALTHY CHILDREN ORDINANCE
ARTICLE 35: BIOLOGICAL AGENT DETECTORS
ARTICLE 36: CHILD COUGH AND COLD MEDICINE WARNING ORDINANCE
ARTICLE 37: TRANS FAT FREE RESTAURANT PROGRAM ORDINANCE
ARTICLE 38: ENHANCED VENTILATION REQUIRED FOR URBAN INFILL SENSITIVE USE DEVELOPMENTS
ARTICLE 39: COMMERCIAL DOG WALKING
ARTICLE 40: SAFE BODY ART
ARTICLE 41: MENTAL HEALTH
ARTICLE 42: [REPEALED]
ARTICLE 43: SURPLUS MEDICATION REPOSITORY AND DISTRIBUTION
ARTICLE 45: CITY-OPERATED ADULT RESIDENTIAL FACILITY
ARTICLE 46:
ARTICLE 47: ADULT SEX VENUES
ARTICLE 48: REQUIRING RETAIL PHARMACIES TO STOCK OPIOID ANTAGONISTS
ARTICLE 49: SPECIMEN TEST COLLECTION SITES
References to Ordinances
San Francisco Municipal Elections Code
San Francisco Labor and Employment Code
San Francisco Park Code
San Francisco Planning Code
San Francisco Zoning Maps
San Francisco Police Code
POLICE CODE
THE SAN FRANCISCO CODES
PREFACE TO THE POLICE CODE
ARTICLE 1: PUBLIC NUISANCES
ARTICLE 1.1: REGULATING THE USE OF VEHICLES FOR HUMAN HABITATION
ARTICLE 1.2 DISCRIMINATION IN HOUSING AGAINST FAMILIES WITH MINOR CHILDREN
ARTICLE 1.3: TEMPORARY MORATORIUM ON RENTAL INCREASES RENT ROLLBACK BASED UPON APRIL 15, 1979, RENTAL RATES AND REFUNDING ANY RENT INCREASES
ARTICLE 1.5: DISPLAY OF LIFE AND PROPERTY CONSERVATION DECALS
ARTICLE 2: DISORDERLY CONDUCT
ARTICLE 3: GAMES OF CHANCE
ARTICLE 4: PARADES
ARTICLE 4.5: FUNERAL PROCESSION ESCORTS
ARTICLE 5: OFFENSIVE POWDERS
ARTICLE 6: FRAUD AND DECEIT
ARTICLE 7: ANIMALS AND BIRDS
ARTICLE 7.1: HORSE-DRAWN VEHICLES
ARTICLE 8: MINORS
ARTICLE 9: MISCELLANEOUS CONDUCT REGULATIONS
ARTICLE 9.5: PROHIBITING OF PROFESSIONAL STRIKEBREAKERS
ARTICLE 9.6: REGULATIONS FOR SOLICITATION FOR CHARITABLE PURPOSES
ARTICLE 10: REGULATIONS FOR ADVERTISING
ARTICLE 10.1: REGULATING EXPOSURE OF PHOTOGRAPHS, CARTOONS OR DRAWINGS ON NEWSRACKS
ARTICLE 10.2: REGULATION OF COMPUTER RENTAL BUSINESSES
ARTICLE 11: REGULATIONS FOR AMUSEMENTS
ARTICLE 11.1: COMMERCIAL DISPLAY OF DEAD HUMAN BODIES
ARTICLE 11.2: REGULATIONS FOR ADULT THEATERS AND ADULT BOOKSTORES PERMIT AND LICENSE PROVISIONS
ARTICLE 12: REGULATIONS FOR AUTOMOBILES
ARTICLE 13: MISCELLANEOUS REGULATIONS FOR PROFESSIONS AND TRADES
ARTICLE 13.1: JUNK DEALERS - PERMIT AND REGULATION
ARTICLE 13.2 BICYCLE MESSENGER BUSINESSES
ARTICLE 13.3: CAR RENTAL BUSINESSES
ARTICLE 13.4: REDUCING RENTAL-CAR BURGLARIES
ARTICLE 14: LICENSES FOR ADVERTISING
ARTICLE 15: LICENSES FOR AMUSEMENTS
ARTICLE 15.1: ENTERTAINMENT REGULATIONS PERMIT AND LICENSE PROVISIONS
ARTICLE 15.2: ENTERTAINMENT REGULATIONS FOR EXTENDED-HOURS PREMISES
ARTICLE 15.3: PROHIBITING NUDE PERFORMERS, WAITERS AND WAITRESSES
ARTICLE 15.4: ENCOUNTER STUDIOS
ARTICLE 15.5: NUDE MODELS IN PUBLIC PHOTOGRAPHY STUDIOS
ARTICLE 15.6: ESCORT SERVICES
ARTICLE 15.7: EVENT PROMOTERS
ARTICLE 16: REGULATION OF CANNABIS
ARTICLE 17: MISCELLANEOUS LICENSE REGULATIONS
ARTICLE 17.1: REGULATIONS FOR FORTUNETELLING; PERMIT AND LICENSE PROVISIONS
ARTICLE 18: SAN FRANCISCO POLICE PISTOL RANGE
ARTICLE 19: DISPOSAL OF UNCLAIMED PROPERTY
ARTICLE 20: REPRODUCING AND FURNISHING REPORTS
ARTICLE 21: BAN ON PUBLIC USE OF GAS-POWERED LANDSCAPING EQUIPMENT
ARTICLE 22: CITATIONS FOR VIOLATIONS OF CERTAIN PROVISIONS OF THE HEALTH CODE AND POLICE CODE
ARTICLE 23: REGULATIONS FOR PORT AREA*
ARTICLE 24: REGULATING STREET ARTISTS*
ARTICLE 25: REGULATIONS FOR PRIVATE PROTECTION AND SECURITY SERVICES*
ARTICLE 26: REGULATIONS FOR PUBLIC BATH HOUSES
ARTICLE 27: REGULATIONS FOR MORTGAGE MODIFICATION CONSULTANTS
ARTICLE 28: REGULATIONS FOR PAWNBROKERS PERMIT AND LICENSE PROVISIONS
ARTICLE 29: REGULATION OF NOISE
ARTICLE 30: PERMITS FOR TOW CAR DRIVERS
ARTICLE 30.1: PERMITS FOR TOW CAR FIRMS
ARTICLE 31: REGULATIONS FOR TEMPORARY HELIPORTS AND PERMIT PROVISIONS
ARTICLE 32: REGULATIONS FOR CONDUCTING BINGO GAMES
ARTICLE 32A: REGULATIONS FOR CONDUCTING POKER GAMES
ARTICLE 33: PROHIBITING DISCRIMINATION BASED ON RACE, COLOR, ANCESTRY, NATIONAL ORIGIN, PLACE OF BIRTH, SEX, AGE, RELIGION, CREED, DISABILITY, SEXUAL ORIENTATION, GENDER IDENTITY, WEIGHT, OR HEIGHT
ARTICLE 33B: PROHIBITION AGAINST DISCRIMINATION BY CLUBS OR ORGANIZATIONS WHICH ARE NOT DISTINCTLY PRIVATE
ARTICLE 33K: [EXPIRED]
ARTICLE 33L: [EXPIRED]
ARTICLE 33M: [EXPIRED]
ARTICLE 34: REGULATIONS FOR PHOTOGRAPHERS - PERMIT AND LICENSE PROVISIONS
ARTICLE 35: FIREARM STRICT LIABILITY ACT
ARTICLE 36: PROHIBITING THE CARRYING OF A FIREARM WHILE UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF AN ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE OR DRUG, OR POSSESSION OF A FIREARM WHILE UPON PUBLIC PREMISES SELLING OR SERVING ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES
ARTICLE 36A: [SALE, MANUFACTURE, AND DISTRIBUTION OF FIREARMS AND AMMUNITION; POSSESSION OF HANDGUNS]
ARTICLE 36B: STORAGE OF FIREARMS IN MOTOR VEHICLES
ARTICLE 36C: PROHIBITION OF FIREARMS AT PUBLIC GATHERINGS
ARTICLE 36D: GUN VIOLENCE RESTRAINING ORDERS
ARTICLE 37: POLICE EMERGENCY ALARM ORDINANCE
ARTICLE 38: PROHIBITING DISCRIMINATION ON THE BASIS OF AIDS AND ASSOCIATED CONDITIONS
ARTICLE 39: PEDICABS
ARTICLE 41: PROHIBITING THE SALE OR POSSESSION OF REPLICA HYPODERMIC NEEDLES OR SYRINGES
ARTICLE 42: SALE AND DISPLAY OF AEROSOL PAINT CONTAINERS AND MARKER PENS
ARTICLE 42A: COLOR TIRES
ARTICLE 42B: MERCURY THERMOMETERS
ARTICLE 42D: SALE AND DISPLAY OF PRODUCTS CONTAINING HYDROFLUORIC ACID
ARTICLE 43: ACCESS TO REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH CARE FACILITIES
ARTICLE 44: CLOSED CAPTIONS ACTIVATION REQUIREMENT ORDINANCE
ARTICLE 45: FIREARMS AND WEAPONS VIOLENCE PREVENTION ORDINANCE
ARTICLE 46: PROHIBITING SELF-SERVICE MERCHANDISING OF TOBACCO PRODUCTS EXCEPT IN PLACES TO WHICH MINORS HAVE NO ACCESS
ARTICLE 47: PERSONAL WATERCRAFT
ARTICLE 48: LASER POINTERS
ARTICLE 49: PROCEDURES FOR CONSIDERING ARRESTS AND CONVICTIONS AND RELATED INFORMATION IN EMPLOYMENT AND HOUSING DECISIONS
ARTICLE 50: CRIMINAL HISTORY IN ADMISSION TO POST-SECONDARY EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS
ARTICLE 51: STORMWATER FLOOD RISK DISCLOSURE
ARTICLE 52: OCCUPANT'S RIGHT TO CHOOSE A COMMUNICATIONS SERVICES PROVIDER
ARTICLE 53: REGULATION OF THIRD-PARTY FOOD DELIVERY SERVICES
ARTICLE 55: ACCEPTANCE OF CASH BY BRICK-AND-MORTAR BUSINESSES
ARTICLE 56: MOTOR VEHICLE STUNT DRIVING
References to Ordinances
San Francisco Port Code
San Francisco Public Works Code
PUBLIC WORKS CODE
THE SAN FRANCISCO CODES
PREFACE TO THE PUBLIC WORKS CODE
ARTICLE 1: GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
ARTICLE 2: PUBLIC CONTRACT PROCEDURE
ARTICLE 2.1: PERMIT FEES AND OCCUPANCY ASSESSMENTS
ARTICLE 2.3: HUNTERS POINT SHIPYARD
ARTICLE 2.4: EXCAVATION IN THE PUBLIC RIGHT-OF-WAY
ARTICLE 3: REGULATIONS IN REGARD TO WORKING CONDITIONS
ARTICLE 4: SEWERS
ARTICLE 4.1: INDUSTRIAL WASTE
ARTICLE 4.2. SEWER SYSTEM MANAGEMENT
ARTICLE 4.3: SEWERS
ARTICLE 5: STREET FLOWER MARKETS
ARTICLE 5.1: ANTI-LITTER RECEPTACLES
ARTICLE 5.2: TABLES AND CHAIRS IN PUBLIC SIDEWALK OR ROADWAY AREAS
ARTICLE 5.3: DISPLAY OF FRUITS AND VEGETABLES OR NONFOOD MERCHANDISE ON PUBLIC SIDEWALKS
ARTICLE 5.4: REGULATION OF NEWSRACKS
ARTICLE 5.5: DISTRIBUTION OF FREE SAMPLE MERCHANDISE ON PUBLIC PROPERTY
ARTICLE 5.6: POSTING OF SIGNS ON CITY-OWNED LAMP POSTS OR UTILITY POLES
ARTICLE 5.7: HANDBILL DISTRIBUTION ON PRIVATE PREMISES; DISPLAY OF BANNERS
ARTICLE 5.8: PERMIT REGULATIONS FOR MOBILE FOOD FACILITIES CONCERNING PRODUCTS FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION
ARTICLE 5.9: PERMIT REGULATIONS FOR VENDORS
ARTICLE 6: STREET IMPROVEMENT PROCEDURE
ARTICLE 6.1: IMPROVEMENT PROCEDURE CODE
ARTICLE 7: MAINTENANCE DISTRICTS
ARTICLE 9: UNACCEPTED STREETS
ARTICLE 11: SPUR TRACKS
ARTICLE 13: ENGINEERING INSPECTION
ARTICLE 14: UNDERGROUND PIPES, WIRES AND CONDUITS
ARTICLE 15: MISCELLANEOUS
ARTICLE 16: URBAN FORESTRY ORDINANCE
ARTICLE 16.1: TREE DISPUTE RESOLUTION
ARTICLE 17: CONTROL OF DUMPS DISPOSING OF MATERIALS FROM CONSTRUCTION OR DEMOLITION
ARTICLE 18: UTILITY FACILITIES
ARTICLE 19: PUBLIC TELEPHONE BOOTHS ON PUBLIC SIDEWALKS
ARTICLE 20: PROHIBITED BICYCLE ACTIONS AND TRANSACTIONS
ARTICLE 21: RESTRICTION OF USE OF POTABLE WATER FOR SOIL COMPACTION AND DUST CONTROL ACTIVITIES
ARTICLE 22: RECLAIMED WATER USE
ARTICLE 23: GRAFFITI REMOVAL AND ABATEMENT
ARTICLE 24: SHOPPING CARTS
ARTICLE 25: PERSONAL WIRELESS SERVICE FACILITIES
ARTICLE 26*: ILLEGAL DUMPING
ARTICLE 27: SURFACE-MOUNTED FACILITIES
References to Ordinances
San Francisco Subdivision Code
San Francisco Transportation Code
Comprehensive Ordinance List
San Francisco Building Inspection Commission (BIC) Codes
SEC. 37.3. RENT LIMITATIONS.
   (a)   Rent Increase Limitations for Tenants in Occupancy. Landlords may impose rent increases upon tenants in occupancy only as provided below and as provided by subsections 37.3(d) and 37.3(g):
      (1)   Annual Rent Increase. On March 1 of each year, the Board shall publish the increase in the CPI for the preceding 12 months, as made available by the U.S. Department of Labor. A landlord who has reported the required information about their rental unit to the Rent Board as set forth in Section 37.15 shall have a license to impose annually a rent increase which does not exceed a tenant’s base rent by more than 60% of said published increase. In no event, however, shall the allowable annual increase be greater than 7%.
      (2)   Banking. A landlord who refrains from imposing an annual rent increase or any portion thereof may accumulate said increase and, subject to Section 37.15, impose that amount on the tenant’s subsequent rent increase anniversary dates. A landlord who, between April 1, 1982, and February 29, 1984, has banked an annual 7% rent increase (or rent increases) or any portion thereof may impose the accumulated increase on the tenant’s subsequent rent increase anniversary dates.
      (3)   Capital Improvements, Rehabilitation, and Energy Conservation Improvements, and Renewable Energy Improvements. A landlord may impose rent increases based upon the cost of capital improvements, rehabilitation, energy conservation improvements, or renewable energy improvements, provided that such costs are certified pursuant to Sections 37.7 and 37.8B below; provided further that where a landlord has performed seismic strengthening in accordance with Building Code Chapters 16B and 16C, no increase for capital improvements (including but not limited to seismic strengthening) shall exceed, in any 12 month period, 10 percent of the tenant's base rent, subject to rules adopted by the Board to prevent landlord hardship and to permit landlords to continue to maintain their buildings in a decent, safe and sanitary condition. A landlord may accumulate any certified increase which exceeds this amount and impose the increase in subsequent years, subject to the 10 percent limitation. Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to supersede any Board rules or regulations with respect to limitations on increases based upon capital improvements whether performed separately or in conjunction with seismic strengthening improvements pursuant to Building Code Chapters 16B and 16C.
      (4)   Utilities. A landlord may impose increases based upon the cost of utilities as provided in Section 37.2(q) above.
      (5)   Water: Charges Related to Excess Water Use, and 50% Passthrough of Water Bill Charges Attributable to Water Rate Increases Resulting From Issuance of Water System Improvement Revenue Bonds Authorized at the November 2002 Election.
         (A)   Charges Related to Excess Water Use. A landlord may impose increases not to exceed 50 percent of the excess use charges (penalties) levied by the San Francisco Water Department on a building for use of water in excess of Water Department allocations under the following conditions:
            (i)   The landlord provides tenants with written certification that the following have been installed in all units: (1) permanently installed retrofit devices designed to reduce the amount of water used per flush or low-flow toilets (1.6 gallons per flush); (2) low-flow showerheads which allow a flow of no more than 2.5 gallons per minute; and (3) faucet aerators (where installation on current faucets is physically feasible); and
            (ii)   The landlord provides the tenants with written certification that no known plumbing leaks currently exist in the building and that any leaks reported by tenants in the future will be promptly repaired; and
            (iii)   The landlord provides the tenants with a copy of the water bill for the period in which the penalty was charged. Only penalties billed for a service period which begins after the effective date of the ordinance [April 20, 1991] may be passed through to tenants. Where penalties result from an allocation which does not reflect documented changes in occupancy which occurred after March 1, 1991, a landlord must, if requested in writing by a tenant, make a good-faith effort to appeal the allotment. Increases based upon penalties shall be prorated on a per-room basis provided that the tenancy existed during the time the penalty charges accrued. Such charges shall not become part of a tenant's base rent. Where a penalty in any given billing period reflects a 25 percent or more increase in consumption over the prior billing period, and where that increase does not appear to result from increased occupancy or any other known use, a landlord may not impose any increase based upon such penalty unless inspection by a licensed plumber or Water Department inspector fails to reveal a plumbing or other leak. If the inspection does reveal a leak, no increase based upon penalties may be imposed at any time for the period of the unrepaired leak.
         (B)   Fifty Percent (50%) Passthrough of Water Bill Charges Attributable to Water Increases Resulting From Issuance of Water System Improvement Revenue Bonds Authorized at the November 2002 Election. A landlord may pass through fifty percent (50%) of the water bill charges attributable to water rate increases resulting from issuance of Water System Improvement Revenue Bonds authorized at the November 2002 election (Proposition A), to any unit that is in compliance with any applicable laws requiring water conservation devices. The landlord is not required to file a petition with the Board for approval of such a cost passthrough. Such cost passthroughs are subject to the following:
            (i)   Affected tenants shall be given notice of any such passthrough as provided by applicable notice of rent increase provisions of this Chapter 37, including but not limited to Section 37.3(b)(3).
            (ii)   A tenant may file a hardship application with the Board, and be granted relief from all or part of such a cost passthrough.
            (iii)   If a tenant's hardship application is granted, the tenant's landlord may utilize any available Public Utilities Commission low-income rate discount program or similar program for water bill reduction, based on that tenant's hardship status.
            (iv)   A landlord shall not impose a passthrough pursuant to Section 37.3(a)(5)(B) if the landlord has filed for or received Board approval for a rent increase under Section 37.8(e)(4) for increased operating and maintenance expenses in which the same increase in water bill charges attributable to water rate increases resulting from issuance of any water revenue bonds authorized at the November 5, 2002 election was included in the comparison year cost totals.
            (v)   Where a tenant alleges that a landlord has imposed a water revenue bond passthrough that is not in compliance with Section 37.3(a)(5)(B), the tenant may petition for a hearing under the procedures provided by Section 37.8. In such a hearing the landlord shall have the burden of proving the accuracy of the calculation that is the basis for the increase. Any tenant petition challenging such a passthrough must be filed within one year of the effective date of the passthrough.
            (vi)   A tenant who has received a notice of passthrough or a passthrough under this Section 37.3(a)(5)(B) shall be entitled to receive a copy of the applicable water bill from the landlord upon request.
            (vii)   The amount of permissible passthrough per unit under this Section 37.3(a)(5)(B) shall be determined as follows:
               (1)   The San Francisco Public Utilities Commission will determine the charge per unit of water, if any, that is attributable to water rate increases resulting from issuance of water system improvement revenue bonds authorized at the November 5, 2002 election.
               (2)   The charge identified in Section 37.3(a)(5)(B)(vii)(1) shall be multiplied by the total units of water used by each customer, for each water bill. The result is the total dollar amount of the water bill that is attributable to water rate increases resulting from issuance of water system improvement revenue bonds authorized at the November 5, 2002 election. That charge shall be a separate line item on each customer's water bill.
               (3)   The dollar amount calculated under Section 37.3(a)(5)(B)(vii)(2) shall be divided by two (since a 50% passthrough is permitted), and then divided by the total number of units covered by the water bill, including commercial units. The resulting dollar figure shall be divided by the number of months covered by the water bill cycle (most are two-month bill cycles), to determine the amount of that water bill that may be passed through to each residential unit for each month covered by that bill.
               (4)   These passthroughs may be imposed on a monthly basis. These passthroughs shall not become part of a tenant's base rent. The amount of each passthrough may vary from month to month, depending on the amount calculated under Sections 37.3(a)(5)(B)(vii)(1) through (3).
            (viii)   The Board may amend its rules and regulations as necessary to implement this Section 37.3(a)(5)(B).
      (6)   Property Tax. A landlord may impose increases based upon a 100% passthrough of the change in the landlord’s property tax resulting from the repayment of general obligation bonds of the City and County of San Francisco approved by the voters between November 1, 1996, and November 30, 1998 as provided in Section 37.2(q).
         A landlord may impose increases based upon a 50% passthrough of the change in the landlord’s property tax resulting from the repayment of San Francisco Unified School District or San Francisco Community College District general obligation bonds approved by the voters after November 1, 2006, as provided in Section 37.2(q).
         The amount of such increases shall be determined for each tax year as follows:
         (A)   The Controller and the Board of Supervisors will determine the percentage of the property tax rate, if any, in each tax year attributable to the general obligation bonds and repayable within such tax year.
         (B)   This percentage shall be multiplied by the total amount of the net taxable value as of November 1 of the applicable tax year. The result is the dollar amount of property taxes for that tax year for a particular property attributable to the repayment of the general obligation bonds.
         (C)   The dollar amount calculated under subsection (a)(6)(B) shall be divided by the total number of all units in each property, including commercial units. That figure shall also be discounted to reflect the percentage passthrough that the voters authorized, as applicable: specifically, in the case of the 50% passthroughs authorized for general obligation bonds of the City and County of San Francisco approved by the voters after November 14, 2002 and general obligation bonds of the San Francisco Unified School District or San Francisco Community College District approved by the voters after November 1, 2006, the figure shall be divided by two. The figure shall then be divided by the total number of months that the passthrough may apply pursuant to subsection (a)(6)(D)(i), to determine the monthly per unit costs for that tax year of the repayment of general obligation bonds.
         (D)   Landlords may pass through to each unit in a particular property the dollar amount calculated under subsections (a)(6)(A), (B), and (C), as provided in this subsection (a)(6)(D).
            (i)   If a passthrough is imposed on or before December 31, 2020, it shall apply only for the 12-month period after it is imposed. Starting January 1, 2021, all passthroughs shall apply for the same number of months covered by the property tax bills used in the passthrough calculation, and the calculation may not be based on tax bills issued more than three years prior to the year in which the passthrough was imposed.
            (ii)   The landlord shall give affected tenants notice of the passthrough as provided by applicable notice of rent increase provisions of this Chapter 37, including but not limited to Section 37.3(b)(3). The passthroughs may be imposed at any time in the calendar year, provided that the landlord serves notice of such passthrough to be effective on the anniversary date of each tenant’s occupancy of the property. The passthroughs shall not become a part of a tenant’s base rent. The amount of each passthrough imposed pursuant to this subsection (a)(6) may vary from year-to-year, depending on the amount calculated under subsections (a)(6)(A), (B), and (C). A landlord may impose the passthroughs described in this subsection (a)(6) for a particular tax year only with respect to those tenants who were residents of a particular property on November 1 of the applicable tax year. A landlord shall not impose a passthrough pursuant to this subsection (a)(6) if the landlord has filed for or received Board approval for a rent increase under Section 37.8(e)(4) for increased operating and maintenance expenses in which the same increase in property taxes due to the repayment of general obligation bonds was included in the comparison year cost totals.
         (E)   A tenant who has received a passthrough under this subsection (a)(6) may file a financial hardship application with the Board, and the Board may grant the tenant complete or partial relief from that part of the passthrough that is attributable to general obligation bonds approved by the voters on or after November 5, 2019. The standards and procedures for the financial hardship application shall be as set forth in Sections 37.7(h)-(i).
         (F)   The Board will have available a form which explains how to calculate the passthrough. Landlords must provide to tenants, on or before the date that notice is served on the tenant of a passthrough permitted under this subsection (a)(6), a copy of the completed form. This completed form shall be provided in addition to the Notice of Rent Increase required under Section 37.3(b). Where a tenant alleges that a landlord has imposed a charge which exceeds the limitations set forth in this subsection (a)(6), the tenant may petition for a hearing under the procedures provided by Section 37.8. In such a hearing, the landlord shall have the burden of proving the accuracy of the calculation that is the basis for the increase. Any tenant petitions challenging such a passthrough must be filed within one year of the effective date of the passthrough.
         (G)   The Board may amend its rules and regulations as necessary to implement this Ssubsection (a)(6).1
      (7)   RAP Loans. A landlord may impose rent increases attributable to the City Administrator's amortization of the RAP loan in an area designated on or after July 1, 1977, pursuant to Chapter 32 of the San Francisco Administrative Code.
      (8)   Additional Increases. A landlord who seeks to impose any rent increase which exceeds those permitted above shall petition for a rental arbitration hearing pursuant to Section 37.8 of this Chapter.
      (9)   A landlord may impose a rent increase to recover costs incurred for the remediation of lead hazards, as defined in San Francisco Health Code Article 11 or 26. Such increases may be based on changes in operating and maintenance expenses or for capital improvement expenditures as long as the costs which are the basis of the rent increase are a substantial portion of the work which abates or remediates a lead hazard, as defined in San Francisco Health Code Article 11 or 26, and provided further that such costs are approved for operating and maintenance expense increases pursuant to Section 37.8(e)(4)(A) and certified as capital improvements pursuant to Section 37.7 below.
         When rent increases are authorized by this Subsection 37.3(a)(9), the total rent increase for both operating and maintenance expenses and capital improvements shall not exceed 10 percent in any 12 month period. If allowable rent increases due to the costs of lead remediation and abatement work exceed 10 percent in any 12 month period, an Administrative Law Judge shall apply a portion of such excess to approved operating and maintenance expenses for lead remediation work, and the balance, if any, to certified capital improvements, provided, however, that such increase shall not exceed 10 percent. A landlord may accumulate any approved or certified increase which exceeds this amount, subject to the 10 percent limit.
      (10)   With respect to units occupied by recipients of tenant-based rental assistance:
         (A)   If the tenant's share of the base rent is not calculated as a fixed percentage of the tenant's income, such as in the Housing Choice Voucher Program and the Over-FMR Tenancy Program, or if the tenant is receiving assistance under the HOPWA rental subsidy program, then:
            (i)   If the base rent is equal to or greater than the payment standard, the rent increase limitations in Sections 37.3(a)(1) and (2) shall apply to the entire base rent, and the arbitration procedures for those increases set forth in Section 37.8 and 37.8A shall apply.
            (ii)   If the base rent is less than the payment standard, the rent increase limitations of this Chapter shall not apply; provided, however, that any rent increase which would result in the base rent being equal to or greater than the payment standard shall not result in a new base rent that exceeds the payment standard plus the increase allowable under Section 37.3(a)(1).
         (B)   If the tenant's share of the base rent is calculated as a fixed percentage of the tenant's income, such as in the Section 8 Certificate Program, the rent increase limitations in Section 37.3(a)(1) and (2) shall not apply. In such circumstances, adjustments in rent shall be made solely according to the requirements of the tenant-based rental assistance program.
      (11)   Additional Occupants.
         (A)   Except as provided in Section 37.3(a)(11)(B), a landlord may not impose increases solely because a tenant has added an additional occupant to an existing tenancy, including, but not limited to, a newborn child or family member as defined in Section 401 of the Housing Code. The prohibition on increases mandated by this Subsection (A) shall apply notwithstanding a rental agreement or lease that specifically permits a rent increase for additional occupants.
         (B)   A landlord may petition the Board for a rent increase pursuant to Section 37.3(a)(8) for costs associated with the addition of occupants authorized under Section 37.9(a)(2)(C).
         (C)   Rent increases otherwise permitted by the Costa-Hawkins Rental Housing Act, California Civil Code Section 1950 et seq. (as it may be amended from time to time) are not prohibited or limited by this Section 37.3(a)(11).
   (b)   Notice of Rent Increase for Tenants in Occupancy. On or before the date upon which a landlord gives a tenant legal notice of a rent increase, the landlord shall inform the tenant, in writing, of the following:
      (1)   Which portion of the rent increase reflects the annual increase, and/or a banked amount, if any;
      (2)   Which portion of the rent increase reflects costs for increased operating and maintenance expenses, rents for comparable units, and/or capital improvements, rehabilitation, energy conservation measures improvements, or renewable energy improvements certified pursuant to Section 37.7. Any rent increase certified due to increases in operating and maintenance costs shall not exceed seven percent;
      (3)   Which portion of the rent increase reflects the passthrough of charges for: gas and electricity; or the passthrough of increased water bill charges attributable to water rate increases resulting from issuance of water revenue bonds authorized at the November 2002 election as provided by Section 37.3(a)(5)(B), which charges and calculations of charges shall be explained in writing on a form provided by the Board; or the passthrough of general obligation bond measure costs as provided by Section 37.3(a)(6), which charges shall be explained in writing on a form provided by the Board as described in Section 37.3(a)(6)(E);
      (4)   Which portion of the rent increase reflects the amortization of the RAP loan, as described in Section 37.3(a)(7) above.
      (5)   Nonconforming Rent Increases. Any rent increase which does not conform with the provisions of this Section shall be null and void.
      (6)   With respect to rental units occupied by recipients of tenant-based rental assistance, the notice requirements of this Subsection (b) shall be required in addition to any notice required as part of the tenant-based rental assistance program.
   (c)   Initial Rent Limitation for Subtenants. A tenant who subleases his or her rental unit may charge no more rent upon initial occupancy of the subtenant or subtenants than that rent which the tenant is currently paying to the landlord.
   (d)   Costa-Hawkins Rental Housing Act (Civil Code Sections 1954.50. et seq.). Consistent with the Costa-Hawkins Rental Housing Act (Civil Code Sections 1954.50. et seq.) and regardless of whether otherwise provided under Chapter 37:
      (1)   Property Owner Rights to Establish Initial and All Subsequent Rental Rates for Separately Alienable Parcels.
         (A)   An owner of residential real property may establish the initial and all subsequent rental rates for a dwelling or a unit which is alienable separate from the title to any other dwelling unit or is a subdivided interest in a subdivision as specified in subdivision (b), (d), or (f) of Section 11004.5 of the California Business and Professions Code. The owner's right to establish subsequent rental rates under this paragraph shall not apply to a dwelling or unit where the preceding tenancy has been terminated by the owner by notice pursuant to California Civil Code Section 1946 or has been terminated upon a change in the terms of the tenancy noticed pursuant to California Civil Code Section 827; in such instances, the rent increase limitation provisions of Chapter 37 shall continue to apply for the duration of the new tenancy in that dwelling or unit.
         (B)   Where the initial or subsequent rental rates of a Subsection 37.3(d)(1)(A) dwelling or unit were controlled by the provisions of Chapter 37 on January 1, 1995, the following shall apply:
            (i)   A tenancy that was in effect on December 31, 1995, remains subject to the rent control provisions of this Chapter 37, and the owner may not otherwise establish the subsequent rental rates for that tenancy.
            (ii)   On or after January 1, 1999, an owner may establish the initial and all subsequent rental rates for any tenancy created on or after January 1, 1996.
         (C)   An owner's right to establish subsequent rental rates under Subsection 37.3(d)(1) shall not apply to a dwelling or unit which contains serious health, safety, fire or building code violations, excluding those caused by disasters, for which a citation has been issued by the appropriate governmental agency and which has remained unabated for six months or longer preceding the vacancy.
         (D)   An owner’s right to establish subsequent rental rates under subsection 37.3(d)(1) shall not apply to a dwelling or unit that is a new dwelling unit created pursuant to the Code provisions specified in subsection 37.2(r)(4)(D), or a dwelling unit that utilizes the Code provisions specified in subsection 37.2(r)(4)(D).
      (2)   Conditions for Establishing the Initial Rental Rate Upon Sublet or Assignment. Except as identified in this Subsection 37.3 (d)(2), nothing in this Subsection or any other provision of law of the City and County of San Francisco shall be construed to preclude express establishment in a lease or rental agreement of the rental rates to be applicable in the event the rental unit subject thereto is sublet, and nothing in this Subsection shall be construed to impair the obligations of contracts entered into prior to January 1, 1996, subject to the following:
         (A)   Where the original occupant or occupants who took possession of the dwelling or unit pursuant to the rental agreement with the owner no longer permanently reside there, an owner may increase the rent by any amount allowed by this Subsection to a lawful sublessee or assignee who did not reside at the dwelling or unit prior to January 1, 1996. However, such a rent increase shall not be permitted while:
            (i)   The dwelling or unit has been cited in an inspection report by the appropriate governmental agency as containing serious health, safety, fire, or building code violations, as defined by Section 17920.3 of the California Health and Safety Code, excluding any violation caused by a disaster; and,
            (ii)   The citation was issued at least 60 days prior to the date of the vacancy: and,
            (iii)   The cited violation had not been abated when the prior tenant vacated and had remained unabated for 60 days or for a longer period of time. However, the 60-day time period may be extended by the appropriate governmental agency that issued the citation.
         (B)   This Subsection 37.3(d)(2) shall not apply to partial changes in occupancy of a dwelling or unit where one or more of the occupants of the premises, pursuant to the agreement with the owner provided for above (37.3(d)(2)), remains an occupant in lawful possession of the dwellings or unit, or where a lawful sublessee or assignee who resided at the dwelling or unit prior to January 1, 1996, remains in possession of the dwelling or unit. Nothing contained in this Subsection 37.3(d)(2) shall be construed to enlarge or diminish an owner's right to withhold consent to a sublease or assignment.
         (C)   Acceptance of rent by the owner shall not operate as a waiver or otherwise prevent enforcement of a covenant prohibiting sublease or assignment or as a waiver of an owner's rights to establish the initial rental rate unless the owner has received written notice from the tenant that is party to the agreement and thereafter accepted rent.
      (3)   Termination or Nonrenewal of a Contract or Recorded Agreement with a Government Agency Limiting Rent. An owner who terminates or fails to renew a contract or recorded agreement with a governmental agency that provides for a rent limitation to a qualified tenant, shall be subject to the following:
         (A)   The tenant(s) who were beneficiaries of the contract or recorded agreement shall be given at least 90 days' written notice of the effective date of the termination and shall not be obligated to pay more than the tenant's portion of the rent, as calculated under that contract or recorded agreement, for 90 days following receipt of the notice of termination or nonrenewal.
         (B)   The owner shall not be eligible to set an initial rent for three years following the date of the termination or nonrenewal of the contract or agreement.
         (C)   The rental rate for any new tenancy established during the three-year period in that vacated dwelling or unit shall be at the same rate as the rent under the terminated or nonrenewed contract or recorded agreement, plus any increases authorized under this Chapter 37 after the date of termination/non renewal.
         (D)   The provisions of Subsections 37.3(d)(3)(B) and (C) shall not apply to any new tenancy of 12 months or more duration established after January 1, 2000, pursuant to the owner's contract or recorded agreement with a governmental agency that provides for a rent limitation to a qualified tenant unless the prior vacancy in that dwelling or unit was pursuant to a nonrenewed or canceled contract or recorded agreement with a governmental agency that provides for a rent limitation to a qualified tenant.
      (4)   Subsection 37.3(d) does not affect the authority of the City and County of San Francisco to regulate or monitor the basis or grounds for eviction.
      (5)   This Subsection 37.3(d) is intended to be and shall be construed to be consistent with the Costa-Hawkins Rental Housing Act (Civil Code Sections 1954.50 et seq.).
   (e)   Effect of Deferred Maintenance on Passthroughs for Lead Remediation Techniques.
      (1)   When lead hazards are remediated or abated pursuant to San Francisco Health Code Articles 11 or 26, are violations of State or local housing health and safety laws, there shall be a rebuttable presumption that the lead hazards are caused or created by deferred maintenance as defined herein of the current or previous landlord. If the landlord fails to rebut the presumption, the costs of such work shall not be passed through to tenants as either a capital improvement or an operating and maintenance expense. If the landlord rebuts the presumption, he or she shall be entitled to a rent increase if otherwise justified by the standards set forth in this Chapter.
      (2)   For purposes of the evaluation of petitions for rent increases for lead remediation work, maintenance is deferred if a reasonable landlord under the circumstances would have performed, on a regular basis, the maintenance work required to keep the premises from being in violation of housing safety and habitability standards set forth in California Civil Code Section 1941 and the San Francisco Municipal Code. In order to prevail on a deferred maintenance defense, a tenant must show that the level of repair or remediation currently required would have been lessened had maintenance been performed in a more timely manner.
   (f)   Costa-Hawkins Vacancy Control. Where a landlord has terminated the previous tenancy as stated in either subsection (1), (2) or (3) below, for the next five years from the termination, the initial base rent for the subsequent tenancy shall be a rent not greater than the lawful rent in effect at the time the previous tenancy was terminated, plus any annual rent increases available under this Chapter 37. This Section 37.3(f) is intended to be consistent with California Civil Code Section 1954.53(a)(1)(A)-(B).
      (1)   Where the previous tenancy was terminated by a notice of termination of tenancy issued under California Civil Code Section 1946.1 stating the ground for recovery of possession under Sections 37.9(a)(8), (9), (10), (11), or (14) of this Code. For purposes of the termination of tenancy under Section 37.9(a)(9), the initial rent for the unit may be set by a subsequent bona fide purchaser for value of the condominium.
      (2)   Where the previous tenancy was terminated upon a change in terms of tenancy noticed under California Civil Code Section 827, except a change in rent permitted by law. Within 10 days after serving the notice of termination based upon a change in terms of tenancy under Civil Code Section 827, the landlord shall notify the Board in writing of the monthly rent the tenant was paying when the landlord gave the notice to the tenant, and provide a copy of the notice to the Board to the tenant.
      (3)   Where the landlord terminated or did not renew a contract or recorded agreement with a governmental agency that provided for a rent limitation to a qualified tenant. When a landlord terminates a tenant-based rental assistance program, the landlord shall, within 10 days after giving the notice of termination of the program to the tenant, notify the Board in writing of the monthly rent the tenant was paying and the monthly rent paid by the program to the landlord on behalf of the tenant when the landlord gave notice to the tenant, and provide a copy of the notice to the Board to the tenant.
   (g)   New Construction and Substantial Rehabilitation.
      (1)   An owner of a residential dwelling or unit which is newly constructed and first received a certificate of occupancy after the effective date of Ordinance No. 276-79 (June 13, 1979), or which the Rent Board has certified has undergone a substantial rehabilitation, may establish the initial and all subsequent rental rates for that dwelling or unit, except:
         (A)   where rent restrictions apply to the dwelling or unit under Sections 37.3(d) or 37.3(f);
         (B)   where the dwelling or unit is a replacement unit under Section 37.9A(b);
         (C)   as provided for certain categories of units under Section 37.2(r)(4)(D); and
         (D)   as provided in a development agreement entered into by the City under Administrative Code Chapter 56.
(Added by Ord. 20-84, App. 1/19/84; amended by Ord. 338-87, App. 8/14/87; Ord. 102-91, App. 3/21/91; Ord. 127-91, App. 4/2/91; Ord. 221-92, App. 7/14/92; Proposition H, 11/3/92; Ord. 405-96, App. 10/21/96; Ord. 179-98, App. 5/29/98; Ord. 250-98, App. 7/31/98; Ord. 347-99, File No. 992197, App. 12/30/99; Ord. 116-00, File No. 991315, App. 6/2/2000; Proposition H, 12/2/2000; Ord. 2-03, File No. 020716, App, 1/21/2003; Ord. 107-03, File No. 030689, App. 5/23/2003; Ord. 99-04, File No. 031992, App. 6/4/2004; Ord. 252-06, File No. 061183, App. 10/11/2006; Ord. 171-15 , File No. 150646, Eff. 11/8/2015; Ord. 17-16 , File No. 151229, App. 2/18/2016, Eff. 3/19/2016; Ord. 119-16, File No. 160554, App. 7/1/2016, Eff. 7/31/2016; Ord. 250-19, File No. 190843, App. 11/6/2019, Eff. 12/7/2019; Ord. 296-19, File No. 191105, App. 12/20/2019, Eff. 1/20/2020; Ord. 265-20, File No. 201262, App. 12/18/2020, Eff. 1/18/2021, Oper. 7/1/2022; Ord. 172-22, File No. 211232, App. 8/4/2022, Eff. 9/4/2022; Ord. 210-22, File No. 210866, App. 10/28/2022, Eff. 11/28/2022; Ord. 91-23, File No. 221021, App. 5/26/2023, Eff. 6/26/2023; Ord. 195-23, File No. 230026, App. 9/15/2023, Eff. 10/16/2023; Ord. 64-24, File No. 231185, App. 3/28/2024, Eff. 4/28/2024)
CODIFICATION NOTE
1.   So in Ord. 250-19.