San Francisco actively enforces property maintenance standards through the Housing Code, Building Code, and Health Code. Blighted properties with peeling paint, broken windows, overgrown vegetation, graffiti, or accumulated debris face code enforcement action from DBI and DPH.
The Housing Code requires all residential buildings to be maintained in a safe, clean, and sanitary condition. The Existing Building Code addresses structural maintenance. DBI responds to complaints about exterior deterioration, broken or boarded windows, and hazardous conditions. The city also has an aggressive graffiti abatement program requiring property owners to remove graffiti within 30 days of notification. Vacant buildings must be registered and secured against unauthorized entry.
Code enforcement begins with a Notice of Violation requiring correction within a specified timeframe. Failure to comply can result in administrative penalties, abatement proceedings, and liens against the property. Fines range from $250 to $1,000 per day for serious violations.
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 property blight rules stack up against other locations.
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