Jonathan J. McKim, Architect (JJMA) provides professional facade inspection and reporting services for San Francisco property owners, homeowners associations, commercial property managers, and building ownership groups.

San Francisco Administrative Bulletin AB-110 establishes the procedures for implementing the City's mandatory Building Facade Inspection and Maintenance Program under the San Francisco Existing Building Code (SFEBC), Chapter 5F.

The program is intended to identify deteriorated exterior building components that could pose a hazard to pedestrians, occupants, and adjoining properties.

Buildings Subject to Inspection

The program generally applies to buildings that:

• Are five or more stories in height.

• Are classified as Construction Type I, II, III, or IV.

• Fall within the inspection and reporting requirements of SFEBC Chapter 5F.

Buildings of 15 or more stories are also subject to supplemental facade inspection requirements.

JJMA Inspection Services

JJMA provides professional architectural services tailored to the building's construction, condition, and applicable inspection requirements, including:

• Review of existing drawings, building records, and previous inspection reports.

• Visual assessments of exterior walls, cladding, windows, cornices, balconies, parapets, and architectural projections.

• Identification and documentation of deterioration, displacement, cracking, corrosion, water intrusion, and potentially unsafe conditions.

• Coordination of facade access and qualified inspection contractors when required.

• Preparation of inspection reports, photographic documentation, and recommendations for corrective action.

• Preparation of applicable DBI compliance affidavits and assistance with report submission.

Where necessary, JJMA coordinates with structural engineers, facade specialists, and qualified access contractors to establish an appropriate inspection program.

Inspection Procedures

AB-110 incorporates ASTM E2270, Standard Practice for Periodic Inspection of Building Facades for Unsafe Conditions.

Comprehensive inspections generally require 100% visual inspection and 25% tactile inspection of exterior facades, subject to the applicable standard and DBI requirements.

Inspection methods may include ground-level observation, elevated access, close-range examination, and other appropriate techniques selected by the qualified professional.

Reporting and Corrective Action

JJMA prepares written inspection findings identifying observed conditions, potential hazards, recommended maintenance or repairs, and appropriate follow-up actions.

Conditions presenting an immediate public safety hazard require prompt protective measures and coordination with the appropriate authorities.

Request an AB-110 Facade Inspection Proposal

Whether your property is approaching a mandatory inspection deadline, has received a DBI notice, or requires an independent assessment of exterior conditions, JJMA can assist with establishing the appropriate inspection scope.

Contact JJMA to request a project-specific proposal.

San Francisco, California | Serving the San Francisco Bay Area

Regulatory references: San Francisco Existing Building Code Chapter 5F; DBI Administrative Bulletin AB-110; ASTM E2270 and ASTM E2841.