Building Department reports progress on San Francisco's soft story retrofit program

The City of San Francisco is making significant strides in its mandatory soft story retrofit program, with a focus on ensuring the safety of gas lines in affected buildings. During a recent government meeting, officials provided an update on the progress made since July, highlighting a systematic approach to reviewing the safety of gas lines that run through structural elements like gray beams.

The program initially identified 4,942 buildings requiring retrofitting. However, through diligent data analysis and collaboration with Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E), officials have successfully excluded 4,696 buildings from further scrutiny. This leaves just 246 buildings—less than 5% of the total—that still require investigation.

Key to this progress has been the establishment of an internal team that meets bi-weekly to coordinate efforts and gather data. The team is working closely with PG&E to confirm whether gas lines in these buildings have been properly upgraded or protected against corrosion and seismic activity. The methodology includes site visits and third-party validations to ensure compliance and safety.

As part of the ongoing efforts, the Department of Building Inspection (DBI) is preparing an information sheet to guide design professionals and contractors on best practices moving forward. This document is expected to be finalized and presented at a future meeting.

Looking ahead, DBI staff will begin requesting documentation from contractors to verify that gas lines have been adequately protected in the remaining buildings. If documentation is not provided, property owners will be contacted for further investigation. The goal is to conclude this work by the end of the year, contingent on timely responses from contractors.

This proactive approach not only aims to enhance safety but also seeks to streamline future projects by incorporating lessons learned from the current program. The city remains committed to ensuring the structural integrity and safety of its buildings, particularly in the face of potential seismic events.