Board of Supervisors proposes new facade inspection requirements for high-rise buildings

The San Francisco Board of Supervisors convened on July 4, 2025, to discuss significant amendments to the city's building code, specifically targeting the safety of high-rise structures. The primary focus of the meeting was on Ordinance file number 231,130, which mandates supplemental inspections for buildings with 15 or more stories.

Carl Neceta, the legislative affairs manager, introduced the topic, followed by Janie Chan, manager of the Department of Building Inspection (DBI) technical services. Chan provided a background on the proposed changes, referencing a recent glass study that revealed broken glass incidents in seven high-rise buildings after the March 2023 storms. This prompted emergency legislation requiring facade inspections for buildings constructed after 1998.

The investigation conducted by WJE, a firm specializing in glass failures, found that most breakages could have been prevented with proper oversight. Key recommendations included avoiding certain types of glass and improving detection protocols for broken glass to enhance public safety.

The proposed ordinance aims to require all tall buildings to conduct supplemental inspections every five years, focusing on windows and exterior glass surfaces to identify potential hazards. These inspections will occur between the already mandated comprehensive inspections, which are required every ten years.

Neceta outlined additional amendments to the ordinance, emphasizing the need for clarity on the inspection process. The proposed changes include defining the minimum elements of the supplemental inspections, which will primarily consist of a 100% visual assessment of the glass and glazing components. Furthermore, an exemption for the supplemental report may be granted if a qualified professional certifies that it is unnecessary.

The Board's discussions underscored the city's commitment to enhancing building safety standards and protecting residents from potential hazards associated with high-rise structures. The next steps involve finalizing the amendments and implementing the new inspection requirements, with the first reports due in April 2026.