San Francisco extends fire alarm upgrade deadline to July 2023 amid COVID concerns

The San Francisco County Land Use Committee convened on July 4, 2025, to discuss an ordinance aimed at extending the deadline for building owners to upgrade fire alarm systems in residential buildings. The proposed legislation seeks to push the compliance date from July 1, 2021, to July 1, 2023, allowing for a two-year extension.

Andy Mullen, representing Supervisor Catherine Stefani's office, explained that the extension is necessary due to challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Many tenants have expressed discomfort with construction crews entering their homes, and scheduling these upgrades has proven difficult. Mullen noted that the process of coordinating such work can take up to a year, prompting the decision for a longer extension.

Lieutenant Richard Brown from the San Francisco Fire Department supported the ordinance, emphasizing that it is an administrative change to the fire code. He reiterated the importance of following legislative procedures when modifying codes.

During the public comment period, numerous property owners voiced their support for the extension. Many highlighted the ongoing concerns of tenants regarding health and safety, particularly for vulnerable populations such as the elderly and those working from home. Speakers emphasized the need for minimal disruption during this challenging time and expressed gratitude for the committee's consideration of their circumstances.

Several speakers also supported proposed amendments to the ordinance, including increasing the threshold for triggering mandatory upgrades from $50,000 to $99,000. This change aims to alleviate financial burdens on property owners while ensuring compliance with safety regulations.

However, not all comments were in favor of the two-year extension. A representative from the San Francisco Tenants Union raised concerns about the potential risks associated with delaying fire safety upgrades, suggesting that a shorter extension might be more appropriate to ensure tenant safety.

The committee plans to review the proposed amendments and public feedback before making a final decision on the ordinance. The outcome of this meeting could significantly impact the timeline for fire safety upgrades in residential buildings across San Francisco, balancing the needs of property owners with the safety of tenants.