SAN FRANCISCO HOUSING CODE SECTION 604 ORDINANCE 

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On September 17, 2003, the Board of Supervisors passed Ordinance # 192-02 which added Section 604 to the San Francisco Housing Code. Section 604 requires apartment houses, condominium buildings (of 3 dwellings or more) and hotels (6 guest rooms or more) to have all building appendages be inspected by a licensed general contractor, or other licensed professional.

Inspector verifies that the exit system, corridor, balcony, deck, or any part thereof is in general safe condition, in adequate working order, and free from hazardous dry rot, fungus, deterioration, decay, or improper alteration.

Appendages are described as all wood and metal decks, balconies, landings, exit corridors, stairway systems, guardrails, handrails, fire escapes, or any parts thereof in weather-exposed areas (excluding interior building areas).

Note for residential condominiums: residential condominium owners should have their home owner’s association contact information on the SFDBI affidavit if the building appendages described above are in the common or public areas of the building. If they are not part of the common area, but related to a specific dwelling/condo, then that residential condominium owner must complete the affidavit and return it to the San Francisco Department of Building Inspection. 

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Proof of Compliance & Mailing Instructions: Property owners shall provide proof of compliance with this Section by submitting the enclosed affidavit, with verification (if applicable) completed and signed by the licensed professional who inspected the subject building. Completed affidavits must be submitted to the Housing Inspection Services Division as indicated below, every 5 years. 

Code Enforcement for Failure to File: Code enforcement proceedings as required by the San Francisco Housing Code will be initiated against those property owners who do not file completed and signed affidavits to the Department of Building Inspection. If you have any questions on this matter please call the Housing Inspection Services Division at (415) 558-6220.

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For more information on deck safety visit the San Francisco Department of Building Inspection:   https://sfdbi.org/decksafety

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