Committee sends fire‑code amendments — including 5‑foot access requirement — to full board

The Land Use & Transportation Committee voted Jan. 22 to send to the full Board of Supervisors a fire‑code ordinance that would require owners to file five‑year sprinkler inspection records and annual alarm and detection inspections with the Fire Department, establish a cost‑recovery filing fee, and require a minimum five‑foot access from the public right‑of‑way to residential structures on newly subdivided lots.

Supervisor Connie Chan, sponsor of the legislation, said the bill grew out of lessons from the deadly Maui fires and local operational experience. "Sprinkler systems, for the very least, can save lives," Chan said, adding that the five‑foot access standard is not arbitrary but based on field testing by the Fire Department.

Fire marshal Ken Coughlin presented photos and testing results showing operational challenges with four‑foot corridors allowed under SB 9. He said crews must sometimes carry heavy ladders and equipment down narrow passages to reach rear units and that the extra foot — from 4 to 5 feet — materially changes what crews can carry and how safely they can operate.

Supporters argued the filing requirement and fee will allow the city to identify and inspect potentially noncompliant buildings proactively. Housing advocates and developers raised concerns about impacts on lot‑split and ADU projects. Jake Price of the Housing Action Coalition asked the committee to continue the measure for further technical work, arguing the 5‑foot requirement as drafted could block numerous lot‑split projects.

Member Erin Peskin moved to forward the ordinance to the full Board with a positive recommendation; the committee recorded affirmative votes and advanced the item. Staff and supervisors said they remain open to technical refinements, and supervisors urged further stakeholder conversations as the item moves to the Board.

The ordinance also directs the Clerk of the Board to forward the ordinance to the California Building Standards Commission upon final passage.