SECTION 404E – FACADE INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE CRITERIA AND PROCEDURES

404E.1  Inspection and Maintenance Procedures.  Inspections and maintenance shall be conducted in accordance with procedures to be detailed in an Administrative Bulletin adopted by the Department based on ASTM E 2270 Standard Practice for Periodic Inspection of Building Façades for Unsafe Conditions or ASTM E 2841.

(Amended by Ord. 65-19, File No. 190136, App. 4/12/2019, Eff. 5/13/2019)

404E.2  Method of Inspection.  Inspections may include both general inspection and detailed inspection as detailed in the Administrative Bulletin.

404E.3  Elements to Be Included in Inspections.  Inspections shall include the façade elements listed in ASTM E 2270 and the following additional elements:

   1.   Attached equipment such as communications equipment, pipes and ductwork;

   2.   Decorative elements such as urns, friezes, balustrades, and attached artwork;

   3.   Signs;

   4.   Fire escapes;

   5.   Flagpoles;

   6.   Vertical extensions such as vents;

   7.   Lights and other fixtures;

   8.   Hanging air conditioners and other devices;

   9.   Other elements that could pose a safety hazard if dislodged.

404E.4  Elements Exempt from Inspections.  Inspection is not required for the following conditions:

   1.   Walls within 36 inches of parallel, facing walls on the same or adjoining properties unless the space between the walls is accessible by means of a door;

   2.   Walls and appurtenances within exterior courts and yards enclosed by walls on all sides and where the bottom of the court is on grade, unless there is direct access to the court by means of a door;

   3.   Elements, as approved by the Director, that do not contribute to a safety hazard or that do not require regular maintenance.

SECTION 405E – INSPECTION REPORTS.

   The qualified professional performing any inspection required by this Chapter 4E shall prepare an inspection report in conformity with Section 404E and the Administrative Bulletin adopted by the Department. The property owner or property owner’s authorized agent shall submit a copy of the inspection report to both the property owner and the Department within the time required by Table 403E, provided, however, that the qualified professional shall report any unsafe conditions to the Department immediately notwithstanding the deadline in Table 403E.

   Within 60 days of receipt of an inspection report, the Department shall confirm receipt of the report, provide review comments, if any, and confirm timelines and other requirements for maintenance actions and subsequent inspections.

SECTION 406E – FEES

   The Standard Hourly Rates set forth in Table 1A-D shall be charged to compensate the Department for inspection report review, evaluation, and processing related to implementation and enforcement of this Chapter 4E.

SECTION 407E

   The Director shall implement the procedures detailed in San Francisco Building Code Section 102A, Unsafe Buildings, Structures or Property, and related abatement actions when any of the requirements for façade inspection, reporting, mitigation, repair, or maintenance are not met in a timely manner.

(Added by Ord. 65-19, File No. 190136, App. 4/12/2019, Eff. 5/13/2019)