SF Section 604 Inspection
San Francisco's Balcony & Deck Safety Law
Section 604 requires San Francisco buildings with 3+ units to have all exterior elevated elements inspected — including metal fire escapes. The April 2022 deadline has already passed.
What Is San Francisco Housing Code Section 604?
Section 604 is a local San Francisco ordinance — older and more comprehensive than California's statewide SB 721 and SB 326 laws. Adopted in 2003 after concerns about aging fire escapes and balconies, it requires apartment buildings, condominiums, and hotels to have all exterior elevated elements professionally inspected every 5 years.
Unlike the state laws, Section 604 goes further:
- Covers all wood AND metal structures (SB 721/326 cover wood only)
- Includes fire escapes and exit corridors
- No minimum height threshold (SB 721/326 require 6+ feet above ground)
- Requires 100% inspection of all elements (not sampling)
If your San Francisco property already complied with SB 721 or SB 326, you're still required to file a separate Section 604 affidavit with the SF Department of Building Inspection (SFDBI). Section 604 covers metal structures and fire escapes that the state laws do not.
Does Section 604 Apply to Your Property?
Section 604 applies to three types of San Francisco properties. If your building is outside SF, this law does not apply — but SB 721 or SB 326 likely does.
Apartment Buildings
Apartments with 3 or more dwelling units. All exterior elevated elements must be inspected — decks, balconies, stairways, corridors, and metal fire escapes.
3+ units requiredCondominiums & HOAs
Condos with 3 or more units. The HOA files the affidavit for common areas; individual owners handle unit-specific structures. Both are required for full compliance.
3+ units requiredHotels & Motels
Hotels with 6 or more guest rooms. Fire escapes, balconies, and exit stairways must all be inspected and reported. Penalties apply regardless of occupancy status.
6+ rooms requiredWhat Do Inspectors Look for in a Section 604 Inspection?
Unlike SB 721 (15% sample) or SB 326 (95% sample), Section 604 requires inspection of 100% of all exterior elevated elements.
Dry Rot & Fungus
Wood decay from moisture infiltration — the #1 cause of structural failure in San Francisco's fog-prone climate.
Structural Deterioration
Cracking, splitting, corrosion, and rust in both wood and metal elements — assessed for load-bearing impact.
Improper Alterations
Unpermitted modifications, DIY repairs, or code-violating changes that compromise structural integrity.
Guard & Handrail Integrity
Load capacity, attachment points, height compliance — critical for fall prevention on elevated structures.
Waterproofing & Drainage
Membrane condition, standing water risk, and drainage slope — failures here accelerate hidden decay beneath surfaces.
Fire Escape Condition 604 Only
Metal corrosion, operability, load-bearing capacity, and landing condition. Not covered by SB 721 or SB 326.
Section 604 vs. SB 721 vs. SB 326
Three different laws, three different sets of requirements. If your property is in San Francisco, up to all three may apply.
| Section 604 | SB 721 | SB 326 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jurisdiction | San Francisco only | Statewide California | Statewide California |
| Property Type | Apts 3+, Condos 3+, Hotels 6+ | Apartments / rentals 3+ | Condos / HOAs |
| Metal Structures | ✓ Yes | ✗ No | ✗ No |
| Fire Escapes | ✓ Yes | ✗ No | ✗ No |
| Height Minimum | None | 6 ft above grade | 6 ft above grade |
| % Inspected | 100% | 15% sample | 95% sample |
| Inspection Cycle | Every 5 years | Every 6 years | Every 9 years |
| Who Can Inspect | GC, Architect, Engineer, Pest Control | GC, Architect, Engineer | Architect or Engineer only |
| Initial Deadline | Apr 2022 (passed) | Jan 2025 (passed) | Jan 2025 (passed) |
Compliance with SB 721 or SB 326 does NOT satisfy Section 604 requirements. You need separate inspections and a separate affidavit filed with SFDBI.
The April 2022 Deadline Has Passed
San Francisco property owners were required to file their first Section 604 affidavit by April 1, 2022. If you haven't complied, here's what you're facing.
Maximum daily civil fines from SFDBI for properties without a completed affidavit
Non-compliance creates liens that can block property sales, refinancing, and permit approvals
Full personal liability exposure if an injury occurs on an uninspected structure
Your 5-year cycle doesn't start until your first inspection — every day you wait pushes your next deadline further
How the Section 604 Inspection Works
From initial consultation to affidavit filing — a clear, documented path to compliance.
Free Consultation
We review your property details — units, structure types, access requirements. You receive a firm quote within 24 hours. No obligation, no hidden fees.
On-Site Inspection
Our licensed inspector examines 100% of all exterior elevated elements: balconies, decks, stairways, corridors, guard rails, and fire escapes. Non-destructive testing (moisture meters, endoscopic cameras, infrared) is used as needed.
Detailed Report
You receive a comprehensive written report with findings, photos, condition ratings, and repair recommendations prioritized by urgency.
Affidavit Filing
We prepare a signed compliance affidavit ready for direct submission to SFDBI. If repairs are needed, we provide a corrective timeline and can re-inspect once work is complete.
Need repairs? ABD provides structural repair, deck reconstruction, and waterproofing services in-house — keeping everything under one roof with a 5-year warranty.
Why Property Owners Choose ABD for Section 604
All Three Laws, One Company
ABD handles Section 604, SB 721, and SB 326 compliance. If your SF building needs multiple inspections, we combine them into a single visit — saving you time and money.
Licensed & Insured
CSLB #1060736. General liability and workers' comp insurance. NADRA and CREIA member. Our inspectors meet all Section 604 qualification requirements.
100% Element Coverage
Section 604 demands 100% inspection — not sampling. We inspect every balcony, deck, stairway, fire escape, and railing. No shortcuts.
Inspection + Repair Under One Roof
Found structural issues? Our team handles repairs in-house: dry rot remediation, deck reconstruction, waterproofing, and railing replacement. 5-year warranty on all work.
Section 604 Inspection Cost
Typical range for San Francisco properties. Final cost depends on:
- Number of residential or hotel units
- Number and complexity of elevated structures
- Building access requirements (scaffolding, lift)
- Whether combined with SB 721/326 inspection (reduces total cost)
- Full written report with photos
- Compliance affidavit prepared for SFDBI submission
- Repair recommendations with priority ratings
- No hidden fees — transparent, upfront pricing
Section 604 Questions
Is Section 604 the same as SB 721?
No. Section 604 is a local San Francisco ordinance adopted in 2003. SB 721 is a 2018 California state law. Both may apply to your San Francisco apartment building, and compliance with one does not satisfy the other. Section 604 also covers metal structures and fire escapes, which SB 721 does not.
My property already complied with SB 721. Do I still need Section 604?
Yes. SB 721 compliance does not fulfill Section 604 requirements. Section 604 covers metal structures and fire escapes that SB 721 doesn't, and requires 100% inspection vs. SB 721's 15% sample.
What happens if I missed the April 2022 deadline?
You are currently out of compliance with SF Housing Code. The SF Department of Building Inspection can issue civil fines of $100–$500 per day and place liens on your property that block sales, refinancing, and permits. Contact us at (916) 848-2728 to get compliant as quickly as possible.
How often is a Section 604 inspection required?
Every 5 years. Your re-inspection cycle begins from the date of your first compliant inspection and affidavit filing with SFDBI.
Who can perform a Section 604 inspection?
A licensed general contractor, licensed architect, licensed professional engineer, or licensed structural pest control professional. ABD inspectors hold the required qualifications (CSLB #1060736).
Does Section 604 apply to single-family homes?
No. Section 604 applies only to apartment buildings with 3+ dwelling units, condominiums with 3+ units, and hotels with 6+ guest rooms. Single-family homes and duplexes are exempt.
Does Section 604 cover metal fire escapes?
Yes — and this is a key difference from SB 721 and SB 326, which do not cover metal structures or fire escapes. All metal exterior elevated elements, including fire escapes, must be inspected under Section 604.
What is a Section 604 Affidavit?
A signed document submitted to the SF Department of Building Inspection (SFDBI) confirming that your property's exterior elevated elements have been inspected and are safe or that repairs have been completed. ABD prepares this affidavit as part of our inspection service.
Where do I submit the Section 604 Affidavit?
By email to dbi.hissection604@sfgov.org or by mail to the SFDBI Housing Inspection Services Division, 49 South Van Ness Avenue, 4th floor, San Francisco, CA 94103.
Can you combine Section 604 with SB 721 or SB 326?
Yes. ABD offers combined inspection packages covering Section 604, SB 721, and/or SB 326 in a single site visit — reducing your total cost and minimizing disruption to tenants. Call (916) 848-2728 for a combined quote.
Don't Let Section 604 Fines Pile Up
Every day without compliance costs up to $500. Schedule your inspection now and protect your San Francisco property.