What Is a Section 604 Inspection in San Francisco? Property Owners Guide
Section 604 is a San Francisco–specific safety requirement that mandates a qualified inspection every 5 years for fire escapes and other exterior elements, both metal and wood, from roof to ground.
Great Escape Service and Inspections must submit a signed compliance affidavit to the San Francisco Department of Building Inspection (SFDBI) to confirm the building is safe and maintained.
If you manage or own property in San Francisco, staying Section 604 compliant protects residents, avoids violations, and keeps your insurance risk low.
What does Section 604 cover?
Section 604 covers all wood and metal Exterior Elements, including fire-escape systems on existing buildings in San Francisco.
Details, briefly explained:
Applies to: Fire escapes, balconies, landings, stairs, catwalks, walkways, guardrails, handrails, platforms, connections, anchorage points
Materials: Metal and wood assemblies
Scope: From roof to ground, including mounting points and waterproofing where relevant
Goal: Verify structural integrity, corrosion and decay conditions, and safe egress at all times
If you need a local specialist, Great Escape Service & Inspection helps San Francisco owners complete inspections and submit the correct forms to the city.
How often is a Section 604 inspection required?
Every 5 years, buildings must undergo a qualified inspection every five years then submit the affidavit confirming compliance to SFDBI. Annual fire escape maintenance is still recommended, so issues do not build up between cycles.
Who can perform a Section 604 inspection?
A qualified professional with relevant credentials and experience, licensed Structural or Civil Engineers, licensed Architects, or qualified General Contractors experienced with fire escapes and exterior elements. Choose inspectors who can document findings clearly and prepare the affidavit form for SFDBI.
What happens during a Section 604 inspection?
The inspector evaluates structural integrity, corrosion and decay, connections, anchorage, and safe egress, then issues a written report and, if compliant, Great Escape Service and Inspections submits an Affidavit to SFDBI and to the Owner.
Typical checklist, simplified:
Visual review of all metal, welds, bolts, brackets, and anchors
Visual review of all wood, posts, beams, ledgers, and guardrails & handrails
Spot checks for corrosion, rust, rot, and water intrusion
Verification of connections to the building
Confirmation of clear, unobstructed egress
Photo documentation of conditions, maintenance needs, and repairs
Submission of signed-off affidavit to SFDBI and Owner for the records
Need a full start-to-finish service, from inspection to city paperwork? Great Escape Service & Inspection can manage the process for you.
What if issues are found?
The owner must repair unsafe conditions, then complete a re-inspection and submit the affidavit confirming compliance.
Details:
If immediate hazards are identified, restrict use until repaired
Obtain permits for structural repairs where required
Complete repairs promptly, then schedule re-inspection
Keep all records for future cycles
Section 604 vs SB 721 vs SB 326
Section 604 is San Francisco–only and includes all metal and wood exterior elements with a 5-year cycle. SB 721 and SB 326 are California state laws focused on wood-based exterior elements in apartments and HOAs, with different cycles and inspector types.
Comparison table:
| Section | Where It Applies | Frequency | Elements Covered | Typical Inspector |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Section 604 | San Francisco only, Apts, Multi-family Units, Condos and HOAs | Every 5 years | Fire escapes, balconies, stairs, walkways, metal and wood, roof to ground | Licensed General Contractor, Pest Controller, Engineer, Architect |
| SB 721 | California, apartments and multifamily (3+ units) | Every 6 years | Wood-based Exterior Elevated Elements, six feet from the ground | Licensed GC A/B, Engineer, or Architect |
| SB 326 | California, HOAs, and condos | Every 9 years | Wood-based Exterior Elevated Elements, six feet from the ground | Licensed Engineer or Architect |
What documents must be submitted to SFDBI?
Great Escape Service and Inspections will submit the sign-off Section 604 compliance affidavit to the SFDBI and the owner, confirming the inspection, supported by the inspector’s report with photo documentation. The Owner will keep a copy on file for their records..
What are the common reasons buildings fail Section 604?
Corrosion, loose connections, missing hardware, rot, water intrusion, and obstructed egress are typical failure points.
Details:
Rusted or weakened steel components
Loose bolts, failing anchors, cracked welds
Deteriorated wood
Failed waterproofing system
Debris or storage blocking egress routes
Simple timeline to stay compliant
Inspect every 5 years, repair issues immediately, re-inspection, then submit your affidavit to SFDBI.
| Step | Owner Action | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Schedule inspection | Hire a qualified local inspector | Receive findings and photos |
| 2. Fix issues | Complete repairs (as indicated) by Licensed Professional | Re-inspection if required |
| 3. File affidavit | Keep the report/affidavit on file | Compliance recorded |
Pro tips for owners in San Francisco
Maintain fire escape drop ladders annually, not just every 5 years
Keep egress clear and unobstructed at all times
Addressing waterproofing and rust early reduces repair costs later
Use inspectors who also help with affidavit submission to avoid paperwork delays
Already planning your cycle? Start with a quick call to Great Escape Service & Inspection, we will schedule an inspection, provide reports, and an affidavit submission to SFDBI..
Conclusion
Section 604 is a San Francisco–specific safety requirement designed to ensure that all metal and wood exterior elements, as well as fire escapes, are safe, accessible, and structurally sound. With a 5-year inspection cycle and a mandatory affidavit, staying compliant protects residents, lowers liability, and avoids city violations. Working with the right team makes the process straightforward, from inspection to SFDBI submission.
FAQs:
Is Section 604 required for every building in San Francisco?
Yes, if your building has fire escapes as well as metal and wood exterior elements. It is an Apartment building (including condominiums) with three or more dwelling units. Hotels with six or more guest rooms
Does Section 604 include metal fire escapes?
Yes. Unlike state laws focused on wood systems, Section 604 includes all metal and wood elevated elements, including fire-escape.
Who signs the Section 604 affidavit?
The Licensed professional signs the affidavit with supported reports and photos.
Do I need permits for repairs found during a Section 604 inspection?
Yes, if structural elements or life-safety components are being repaired or replaced, the code requires repairs to be made immediately, and repairs often require permits.
What issues can cause me to fail the Section 604 inspection?
Structural damage: Visible signs of damage, such as cracks, sagging, wood rot, lack of proper waterproofing, corrosion/rust in metal components, and age-related deterioration that compromises safety..
Is Section 604 the same as SB 721 or SB 326?
No. Section 604 is San Francisco-specific and includes all metal and wood exterior elements from roof to ground, while SB 721 and SB 326 are California State Law focused on wood-based exterior elevated elements six feet from the ground.
What happens if I ignore Section 604?
The city may issue violations, fines, or enforcement actions, and you could face insurance or liability exposure if an incident occurs.
When should I start if my deadline is near?
Start immediately. Scheduling, repairs, and paperwork can take time. Early action prevents rush fees and violations. Section 604 was added to the San Francisco Housing Code in 2002.
