Chapter 5F of the Existing Building Code provides a schedule for owners of buildings that are five stories or taller to submit inspection reports every 10 years.

The Proposed Legislation would require all buildings 15 stories or taller to conduct supplemental inspections in between comprehensive inspections every 5 years, focusing on windows and exterior glass surfaces to identify any defective or damaged materials that may cause glass failures.

The Department of Building Inspection recommended instituting supplemental inspection reports for tall buildings every five years to detect and mitigate glass failures that could have been identified before storm conditions, as demonstrated by glass failures experienced by high-rise buildings in the early months of 2023.

The unique topography of San Francisco results in tall buildings and dense development over areas with high pedestrian traffic in a region with seismic hazards and increasing storm intensity, which warrants frequent inspection and maintenance of tall building façades.

The Building Inspection Commission recommended approval of the ordinance with additional proposed changes recommended by the Code Advisory Committee and Department of Building Inspection staff.

The accountability of the ordinance implementation would be overseen by departmental staff, as indicated by the process involving the Commission Secretary and the reference to organizational accountability structures.