The ordinance updates the Health Code to require that new buildings and major renovations with sensitive uses must have ventilation systems that maintain positive pressure, and it limits enhanced ventilation standards to single-family homes starting January 1, 2026. It also includes findings related to state law and environmental quality regulations.
Ordinance amending the Health Code to clarify the City’s enhanced ventilation standards by codifying the requirement that all new buildings and major renovations of buildings that contain a sensitive use certify that the building’s ventilation system is capable of maintaining positive pressure; limiting applicability of the City’s enhanced ventilation standard to single family homes, effective January 1, 2026, to align with state law; making findings under the California Health and Safety Code; affirming the Planning Department’s determination under the California Environmental Quality Act; and directing the Clerk of the Board of Supervisors to forward this Ordinance to the California Building Standards Commission upon final passage.
How it got here
The legislation originated from a need to clarify and enhance ventilation standards in San Francisco's Health Code, prompted by local environmental conditions and state law alignment.
Mayor Lurie introduced the ordinance to amend the Health Code regarding enhanced ventilation standards for new buildings and major renovations containing sensitive uses.
The committee referred the ordinance to the Building Inspection Commission and the Planning Department for review and recommendations.
The Building Inspection Commission held a public hearing and unanimously recommended approval of the ordinance.
The Planning Department affirmed that the ordinance complies with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
The committee amended the ordinance and recommended it for passage by the Board of Supervisors.
The Board of Supervisors finally passed the ordinance, which was subsequently approved by the Mayor.
The Commission accepted the ordinance's modifications to the California Building Standards Code for filing.
Reconstructed from attached documents & the official record
