Code Enforcement Section

The Code Enforcement Section (CES) investigates complaints of violations of the Building, Plumbing and Electrical Codes and employs abatement procedures to correct code deficiencies. This section initiates follow-up enforcement when cases have been referred by other divisions within DBI by holding Director’s Hearings and referring cases to the City Attorney for litigation. Assessment fees are collected from building owners that have code violations in order to recover costs incurred by investigations. CES also assists in the preparation and issuance of Emergency Orders for imminent hazards arising from natural disasters and emergencies. 

CODE ENFORCEMENT PROCESS

 

For more information, contact

Code Enforcement Section
Department of Building Inspection
49 South Van Ness Avenue, 4th Floor
San Francisco CA 94103

(628) 652-3430 Phone
(628) 652-3439 Fax
CES Org Chart

Code Enforcement is the administrative process utilized by the Department of Building Inspection to get property owners of buildings with substandard conditions to comply with the San Francisco Administrative, Building, Electrical, Housing, Mechanical, and Plumbing Codes.

The primary authority for Code Enforcement is Chapter 1, Sections 102A, 103A, and 104A of the San Francisco Building Code. Code Enforcement begins when the Department issues, mails to the owner, and posts on the subject building, a Notice of Violation detailing code violations found, and when all corrective work is to be completed.

The issuance of a Notice, or Citation, or referral to an administrative hearing, is not the end of this process. Code Enforcement is finished when:

  • All required corrective work is completed as verified through a final inspection by the pertinent division inspectors.
  • Required permits are issued and completed, as verified by a final inspection by the appropriate division inspector in which the permit job card is signed-off indicating all work is completed.
  • All assessment of costs, reinspection fees, penalties or any other applicable code enforcement fees are paid.
  • All documents necessary to revoke any pertinent Orders of Abatement are recorded.
  • All related complaints on file in the Department’s Complaint Tracking System are “abated”.

The Code Enforcement Section also oversees the Vacant & Abandoned Building Program.

 

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