A well-designed, constructed, and maintained building facade protects the building interior from water leakage, air infiltration, and energy loss. However, environmental exposure and time can degrade facade components. Facade deterioration can lead to a range of issues from compromised performance to potential falling hazards.
Damaged and deteriorated building facades are a serious public safety concern. The damage also affects the appearance and structure of buildings playing significant roles in San Francisco’s culture and history. When facade elements fail, there is a chance the component could fall — putting people and property at risk. As a result, many cities, including Boston, Chicago, and New York, have adopted facade ordinances.
The primary concern of building facade inspection ordinances is to insure the safety of the public and surrounding property and to establish baseline cycles of inspection, maintenance and repair. While public safety is paramount, what these...