UPDATE: FIRE SPRINKLER REQUIREMENTS FOR CONDOS UNDER REVIEW

For anyone who owns a condo in San Francisco—or is considering buying one—here's an update on a controversial fire safety regulation. 

At the center of the debate is a 2022 ordinance that requires certain older residential buildings to install modern fire sprinkler systems. The rule primarily targets larger condo buildings (12 stores or more) that lack two separate interior staircases. There are currently 126 buildings on the SF Fire Department's list that will need to comply unless the ordinance is amended.

While all modern buildings have fire sprinkler systems installed at the time of construction, retrofitting older buildings can be much more complex. And of course - complex means expensive. 

As homeowners and HOAs dig into engineering studies and contractor bids, many are discovering that the price tag could exceed $100,000 per unit. Some projections are as high as $300,000 per unit. Although the National Fire Sprinkler Association has said those figures are grossly inflated, they've understandably fueled anxiety and opposition. 

That opposition came to a head in December, when the city hosted a public meeting at Fort Mason to hear directly from homeowners. More than 300 people attended, a turnout that reflected just how widespread and intense the concern has become. 

Some condo owners stated that they will be forced to move if they are unable to afford the cost of special assessments, not to mention the potential cost and inconvenience of having to relocate during construction. 

Following that meeting, mayor Daniel Lurie, responding to homeowners' comments, introduced legislation that would extend compliance deadlines and form a committee to study overall feasibility. 

While details are still being worked out, the goal appears to be creating breathing room: time for more accurate cost assessments, exploration of alternative compliance options, and a broader conversation about how to balance safety with affordability.

In the meantime, the uncertainty is having real-world effects. Property values in affected buildings are being pressured as buyers factor in the unknown cost and inconvenience of future sprinkler installations. Sellers are finding it harder to price units when the potential financial obligation is so unclear. 

The situation at the moment remains in flux. With the mayor’s office, lawmakers, fire officials, and property owners all engaged, we are optimistic that a compromise may be possible—one that achieves meaningful fire-safety improvements without placing an inordinate burden on HOAs and individual homeowners.

We'll keep you updated as the situation evolves. In the meantime - as always - please reach out anytime if you have any questions about how this might affect your property values or timing for your move.