Chapter 5G Seismic Building Inventory & Professional Screening Services

San Francisco's Concrete and Rigid-Wall-Flexible-Diaphragm (RWFD) Building Screening Program requires owners of identified buildings to provide information about structural characteristics that may affect earthquake vulnerability.

Jonathan J. McKim, Architect (JJMA) assists commercial property owners, apartment building owners, and property managers with preliminary building research, screening documentation, and coordination of qualified structural engineering services when required.

Mandatory Screening Deadline

June 9, 2027

Affected property owners are required to complete the City's online screening process by the applicable deadline.

The program was established by San Francisco Ordinance 70-25 and is codified in Chapter 5G of the San Francisco Existing Building Code.

The City's initial notices began in 2026. Additional properties may be identified as the program progresses.

What Buildings Are Included?

The program addresses two potentially vulnerable building categories.

Concrete Buildings

Certain concrete buildings may have structural systems or detailing associated with elevated seismic risk, particularly in older construction.

These properties may include office buildings, apartment buildings, and other commercial or residential structures.

Rigid-Wall-Flexible-Diaphragm Buildings

RWFD buildings commonly feature relatively rigid exterior walls combined with more flexible roof or floor diaphragms.

Examples may include tilt-up concrete industrial buildings, warehouses, retail buildings, and other commercial structures.

Not all concrete or tilt-up buildings are necessarily subject to the program. Applicability is determined under Chapter 5G.

What Does the Screening Require?

The City's screening process may request:

• Original building construction dates and uses.

• Available architectural and structural drawings.

• Structural system identification.

• ASCE 41 model building classification.

• Information about previous seismic retrofits.

• Relevant permits and construction records.

• Professional assessment of structural characteristics.

Building owners may complete basic property information. The technical structural portions require an appropriately licensed California design professional.

JJMA's Screening Services

JJMA can assist with:

• Review of DBI screening notices and available property records.

• Research into original construction and subsequent alterations.

• Preliminary identification of building characteristics.

• Review and organization of available architectural drawings.

• Coordination with licensed structural engineers where technical structural evaluation is necessary.

• Assistance with screening documentation and communication with the City.

Does Screening Mean Your Building Must Be Retrofitted?

Not necessarily.

The current screening program is intended to develop an inventory of potentially vulnerable buildings and improve the City's understanding of seismic risk.

A screening requirement does not, by itself, establish that an individual building requires a mandatory seismic retrofit.

Further engineering evaluation or future requirements may apply depending on the building and applicable regulations.

Request a Building Screening Proposal

Owners who have received a DBI screening notice are encouraged to begin gathering existing building records and arranging professional assistance well before the submission deadline.

Contact JJMA to discuss your building's screening requirements.

Regulatory references: San Francisco Existing Building Code Chapter 5G; Ordinance 70-25; ASCE 41, where applicable.