San Francisco's Better Roofs Ordinance requires most new buildings up to ten stories to dedicate 15-30% of roof area to solar PV, solar thermal, or a living (vegetated) roof, and applies cool-roof reflectivity standards citywide.
Adopted 2017 (Ord. 5-17) and codified in Planning Code Sections 149 and 401, the Better Roofs rule applies to new construction of residential and commercial buildings ten stories or fewer. Owners must devote at least 15% of the roof to solar (PV or thermal) and may satisfy the requirement by combining solar with a living roof at higher coverage. The 2019 amendments expanded the living-roof option to all new commercial. CalGreen cool-roof reflectivity (SRI) values apply on top of the local solar mandate. SF Planning verifies compliance at building permit and certificate of occupancy.
Permits will not issue without a compliant roof plan. Post-occupancy removal of the solar or living roof is a Planning Code violation subject to abatement and fines up to $250 per day.
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See how San Francisco's cool roof requirements rules stack up against other locations.
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