San Francisco Building Code Chapter 13C, the SF Green Building Ordinance, requires LEED Gold or GreenPoint Rated certification for most new construction and major renovations, the strictest local green standard in California.
SF Environment Code Chapter 7 and Building Code Chapter 13C enforce mandatory green building standards exceeding California Title 24. New residential buildings four stories or fewer need GreenPoint Rated; taller buildings and commercial new construction require LEED Gold or LEED Platinum equivalent. Major renovations over 25,000 square feet trigger green requirements. The ordinance covers energy efficiency, water conservation, recycled materials, EV charging readiness, and embodied carbon limits. SF Climate Action Plan 2021 added all-electric requirements for new construction starting 2021, eliminating natural gas hookups. DBI plan review verifies green compliance before permits issue.
Failing to achieve required green certification, missing all-electric build requirements, omitting EV-ready wiring, or skipping mandatory water-saving fixtures stops permit issuance.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
San Francisco, CA
San Francisco regulates noise under Police Code Article 29 (Sections 2900-2920), administered by the Department of Public Health and enforced by SFPD. Quiet ...
San Francisco, CA
Fence height in San Francisco is regulated by Planning Code Section 136 (Permitted Obstructions in Required Setbacks, Yards, and Usable Open Space), administ...
San Francisco, CA
San Francisco's Planning Code permits residential lawn ornaments, statuary, and religious or political displays without permit so long as no structure exceed...
San Francisco, CA
San Francisco does not regulate residential inflatable holiday decorations by size or type. Standard Police Code Article 29 noise rules apply to motor blower...
San Francisco, CA
San Francisco has no ordinance restricting when residents may put up or take down holiday lights. Standard rules from Police Code Article 29 (noise) and Plan...
San Francisco, CA
Built-in outdoor kitchens in San Francisco require building permits whenever the project includes new electrical, plumbing, gas piping, or a fixed structure ...
See how San Francisco's green building code rules stack up against other locations.
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