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MECHANICAL CODE
2025 Edition
PREFACE
Text Format:
The text in this publication is formatted to allow the user to quickly and easily determine the
source of the included material. Language derived from the 2025 California Code that
is unchanged by local amendment is printed in shaded text (see below). Language constituting
San Francisco amendments to the California Code is printed in unformatted (or “plain”) text. In
either case, bold and/or italic typefaces may be used as appropriate for emphasis, etc. See below
for examples.
To further simplify use of the San Francisco amendments with corresponding sections of the
2025 California Code, explanatory remarks appearing in italics are provided (in boxes at the
beginning of affected provisions) indicating whether the San Francisco amendment to the
California Code is adding, revising, or replacing a section or portion of a section.
To summarize:
Explanatory remarks are boxed and italicized.
Unchanged language from the 2025 California Code is shaded, and may
include bold and/or italicized formatting.
San Francisco amendments are printed in unformatted ("plain") text, and may
include bold and/or italicized formatting.
Marginal Markings:
An arrow [ ← ] represents the location of language that has been deleted by San Francisco
from the 2025 California Code.
A solid line represents a change from the original published edition of the 2025 San Francisco
Mechanical Code.
Historical Notations:
Language which has been added, amended, or deleted from the 2025 publication of the San
Francisco Mechanical Code is indicated with an historical notation, setting forth the ordinance
number and date of adoption. Additionally, a table is included below that lists and summarizes
all legislation that has affected this Code and the other Building Inspection Commission codes
after their initial enactment.
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Chapter 1
ADMINISTRATION
Division I
CALIFORNIA ADMINISTRATION
See Division II Administration for San Francisco Mechanical Code administrative provisions.
No San Francisco Mechanical Code Amendments.
Division II
ADMINISTRATION
SECTION 101.0 – TITLE
101.1 Revise this section as follows:
101.1 Title. This document shall be known as the [ ← ] 2025 San Francisco Mechanical Code,
may be cited as such, and will be referred to herein as “this code.”
SECTION 103.0 – DUTIES AND POWERS OF THE AUTHORITY
HAVING JURISDICTION
103.1 Revise the first paragraph as follows:
103.1 General. The Authority Having Jurisdiction shall be the Authority duly appointed to
enforce this code. For such purposes, the Authority Having Jurisdiction shall have the powers of
a law enforcement officer. The Authority Having Jurisdiction, when necessary, may call upon
the Police Department and other city agencies for aid or assistance in carrying out or enforcing
any of the provisions of this code. The Authority Having Jurisdiction shall have the power to
render interpretations of this code and to adopt and enforce rules and regulations supplemental to
this code as deemed necessary in order to clarify the application of the provisions of this code.
Such interpretations, rules and regulations shall comply with the intent and purpose of this code.
103.4 Revise the first paragraph as follows:
103.4 Right of Entry. [ ← ] When it is necessary to make an inspection to enforce the
provisions of this code or other codes or ordinances, or [ ← ] when the Authority Having
Jurisdiction has reasonable cause to believe that there exists in a building or upon a premises a
condition or violation of this code or other codes or ordinances that makes the building or
premises unsafe, insanitary, dangerous or hazardous, the Authority Having Jurisdiction shall be
permitted to enter the building or premises at reasonable times to inspect or to perform the duties
imposed upon the Authority having Jurisdiction by this code or other codes or
ordinances, provided that where such building or premises is occupied, the Authority Having
Jurisdiction shall present credentials to the occupant and request entry. Where such building or
premises is unoccupied, the Authority Having Jurisdiction shall first make a reasonable effort to
locate the owner or other person having charge or control of the building or premises and request
entry. Where entry is refused, the Authority Having Jurisdiction has recourse to every remedy
provided by law to secure entry.
103.5 Add the following section:
103.5 Authority Having Jurisdiction May Adopt Rules and Regulations. The Authority
Having Jurisdiction shall have the power to render interpretations of this code and to adopt and
enforce rules and supplemental regulations to clarify the application of its provisions. Such
interpretations, rules and regulations shall be in conformance with the intent and purpose of this
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code. Such rules and regulations, commonly referred to as “Code Rulings” and “Administrative
Bulletins,” supplemental to this code, shall not take effect until approved by the Building
Inspection Commission and signed by the Authority Having Jurisdiction except in unusual
circumstances where the Authority Having Jurisdiction has determined there is an immediate
need to protect the public health and safety. When the Authority Having Jurisdiction finds that
such circumstances exist, the Authority Having Jurisdiction may order immediate enforcement of
a particular rule or regulation. The Authority Having Jurisdiction shall arrange for a subscription
service to such rules and regulations, the entire cost of which is to be borne by the subscribers.
103.6 Add the following section:
103.6 Code Revisions. The Authority Having Jurisdiction shall transmit to the Building
Inspection Commission, at intervals not exceeding three years, recommendations for changes to
this code, based on studies of the following:
1. Requests of the Board of Examiners for variances from this code, and for approvals of
alternate materials, alternate designs and methods of construction.
2. Code changes recommended by the Board of Examiners.
3. Code changes recommended by the Code Advisory Committee or other bodies subordinate
to the Building Inspection Commission.
4. Results obtained and problems encountered from legal actions taken to correct code
violations.
5. Changes or improvements in materials, methods of construction or design and changes
proposed by interested persons.
6. Investigations of fire and structural damage to buildings, and of complaints of
unsatisfactory mechanical system performance.
7. Periodic changes to the California Mechanical Code and other State regulations which may
affect this code.
8. Administrative Bulletins and Code Rulings currently in effect.
9. Violations of this code found on inspections or investigations.
SECTION 104.0 – PERMITS
104.2 Add item (6) as follows:
(6) Replacement water heaters of not more than 100 gallons (378.54 liters) capacity are
exempt from building permits when a new flue is not installed, but shall require plumbing
permits.
104.3 Replace this section as follows:
104.3 Application for Permit. [ ← ] Applications for permits to perform regulated mechanical
work shall conform to the applicable requirements as set forth in Chapter 1A of the Building
Code and Chapter 1, Division II of the Plumbing Code.
104.4 Replace this section as follows:
104.4 Permit Issuance. [ ← ] Permit processing and issuance for regulated mechanical work
shall conform to the applicable requirements as set forth in Chapter 1A of the Building Code and
Chapter 1, Division II of the Plumbing Code.
104.4.3 Replace this section as follows:
104.4.3 Permit Expiration. [ ← ] Mechanical permits expire per Section 106A.4.4 of the San
Francisco Building Code. Permit fees may be partially refunded if a written cancellation request
is made to the Building Official prior to commencement of the permitted work and within 90
days of the date of permit issuance. See Section 110A, Table 1A-R Refunds of the Building
Code for refunds.
104.5 Replace this entire section including subsections with the following section:
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[ ← ] 104.5 Fees. Fees for regulated mechanical work shall be as set forth in Chapter 1A of the
Building Code and in Chapter 1, Division II of the Plumbing Code.
SECTION 106.0 – VIOLATIONS AND PENALTIES
106.0 Add the following three sections:
106.7 Violations. Any person, the owner or the owner’s authorized agent, who violates,
disobeys, omits, neglects or refuses to comply with, or resists or opposes the execution of any of
the provisions of this code, shall be liable for a civil penalty, not to exceed $500 for each day
such violation is committed or permitted to continue, which penalty shall be assessed and
recovered in a civil action brought in the name of the people of the City and County of San
Francisco by the City Attorney in any court of competent jurisdiction. Any penalty assessed and
recovered in an action brought pursuant to this paragraph shall be paid to the City Treasurer and
credited to the Department of Building Inspection’s Special Fund.
106.8 Any person, the owner or the owner’s authorized agent, who violates, disobeys, omits,
neglects or refuses to comply with, or who resists or opposes the execution of any of the
provisions of this code, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, and upon conviction thereof shall be
punished by a fine not exceeding $500 or by imprisonment not exceeding six months, or by both
such fine and imprisonment, unless otherwise provided in this code, and shall be deemed guilty
of a separate offense for every day such violation, disobedience, omission, neglect or refusal
shall continue. Any person who shall do any work in violation of any of the provisions of this
code, and any person having charge of such work who shall permit it to be done, shall be liable
for the penalty provided.
106.9 It shall be unlawful for any person to interfere with the posting of any notice provided for
in this code, or to tear down or mutilate any such notice so posted by the Department of Building
Inspection.
SECTION 107.0 – BOARD OF APPEALS
107.0 Replace this title and entire section as follows:
107.0 [ ← ] Board of Examiners. Applicants may appeal decisions made by the Department of
Building Inspection to the Board of Examiners regarding approval of alternate materials,
methods and types of construction and for variances from the provisions of this code. See
Building Code Section 105A.1.
Chapter 2
DEFINITIONS
No San Francisco Mechanical Code Amendments.
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Chapter 3
GENERAL REGULATIONS
SECTION 302.2 - ALTERNATE MATERIALS AND METHODS
OF CONSTRUCTION EQUIVALENCY
302.2.2 Add the following section:
302.2.2 Fees. See Building Code Section 110A, Table 1A-J Miscellaneous Fees for applicable
fees.
Chapter 4
VENTILATION AIR
No San Francisco Mechanical Code Amendments.
Chapter 5
EXHAUST SYSTEMS
SECTION 504.3 – DOMESTIC COOKING EXHAUST
EQUIPMENT
504.3 Add the following sentence as item number (7) to the list:
(7) Provide exhaust hood above kitchen range, stove or cooktop. Exhaust duct shall terminate to
the exterior per California Mechanical Code Section 502.2.1
Chapter 6
DUCT SYSTEMS
No San Francisco Mechanical Code Amendments.
Chapter 7
COMBUSTION AIR
No San Francisco Mechanical Code Amendments.
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Chapter 8
CHIMNEYS AND VENTS
SECTION 802.2 – CONNECTION TO VENTING SYSTEMS
802.2.6 Revise this section as follows:
802.2.6 Direct-Vent Appliances. Listed direct-vent appliances shall be installed in accordance
with the manufacturer’s installation instructions and Section 802.8.2. [NFPA 54:12.3.5],
provided the installation does not violate existing State or Local ordinance and does not create a
nuisance as defined within this code and section 216.0 of the San Francisco Plumbing Code.
SECTION 802.6 – GAS VENTS
802.6.1 Revise the heading and first sentence of this section as follows:
802.6.1 Additional Termination Requirements. A gas vent shall terminate at least four (4) feet
(1219 mm) from a property line, except a public way and in accordance with one of the
following:
SECTION 802.8 – THROUGH-THE-WALL VENT
TERMINATIONS
802.8 Revise the first sentence of this section and add an exception (3) to this section as follows:
802.8 Through-the-Wall Vent Termination. A mechanical draft venting system shall terminate
at least four (4) feet (1219 mm) from a property line, except a public way and not less than 3 feet
(914 mm) above any forced air inlet located within 10 feet (3048 mm). (See Figure 802.8)
Exceptions:
(1) This provision shall not apply to the combustion-air intake of a direct-vent appliance.
(2) This provision shall not apply to the separation of the integral outdoor-air inlet and flue
gas discharge of listed outdoor appliances. [NFPA 54:12.9.1]
(3) Direct-vent appliances shall comply with sections 802.2.6 and 802.8.2
Chapter 9
INSTALLATION OF SPECIFIC APPLIANCES
SECTION 924.1 – INCINERATORS AND CREMATORIES
924.1 Add the following sentence as a second paragraph:
The operation and installation of incinerators shall also comply with the regulations of the Bay
Area Air Quality Management District.
SECTION 1013.0 – INSPECTIONS AND TESTS
1013.1 Revise this section as follows:
1013.1 General. An installation for which a permit is required shall not be put into service until
it has been [ ← ] certified by a licensed boiler contractor or inspected by an approved insuring
company inspector and an operating permit has been issued.
It shall be the duty of the owner or his authorized representative to notify the Authority Having
Jurisdiction that the installation [ ← ] has been certified or inspected. It also shall be the duty of
the owner or his authorized representative to post in a conspicuous position on the installation a
notice in substantially the following form: “Warning! This installation has not been inspected
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and approved by the Authority Having Jurisdiction and shall not be covered or concealed until so
inspected and approved,” and it shall be unlawful for anyone other than the Authority Having
Jurisdiction to remove such notice. The Authority Having Jurisdiction shall require such tests as
it deems necessary to determine that the installation [ ← ] complies with the provision of this
section. Such tests shall be made by the owner or his authorized representative in the presence of
the Authority Having Jurisdiction.
Exception: On installations designed and supervised by a registered professional engineer, the
Authority Having Jurisdiction shall have the authority to permit inspection and testing by such
registered design professional.
1013.2 Revise this section as follows:
1013.2 Operating Permit.
It shall be unlawful to operate a boiler or pressure vessel without first obtaining a valid
operating permit to do so from the Authority Having Jurisdiction. Such permit shall be displayed
in a conspicuous place adjacent to the boiler or pressure vessel. The operating permit shall not be
issued until the equipment has been [ ← ] certified as complying with State of California
Building Safety Orders by a licensed boiler contractor, by employees of an approved insuring
company holding commissions from the National Board of Boiler and Pressure Vessel Inspectors
or by a registered professional engineer.
Exception: The operation of steam-heating boilers, low-pressure hot-water-heating boilers, hot
water supply boilers, and pressure vessels in residential occupancies of less than six dwelling
units and utility occupancies.
1013.3 Revise this section as follows:
1013.3 Maintenance Inspection. The Authority Having Jurisdiction shall [ ← ] require an
inspection of boilers and pressure vessels operated under permit in accordance with
ASHRAE/ACCA 180 at such intervals as deemed necessary, but not less frequently than in
accordance with Section 1013.4 through Section 1013.7.
1013.7 Revise the second paragraph as follows:
Inspection of boilers and pressure vessels may be made by licensed C-4 Boiler Contractors
and, when covered by insurance shall be permitted to be made by employees of the insuring
company holding commissions from the National Board of Boiler and Pressure Vessel
Inspectors, subject to approval of the Authority Having Jurisdiction. Approved insuring company
inspectors shall make reports on prescribed forms on inspections authorized by the Authority
Having Jurisdiction. The reports shall be filed in the Authority Having Jurisdiction office.
Company inspectors shall notify the Authority Having Jurisdiction of suspension of insurance
because of dangerous conditions, new insurance in effect, and discontinuance of insurance
coverage, or any unsafe conditions requiring correction.
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Chapter 11
REFRIGERATION
No San Francisco Mechanical Code Amendments.
Chapter 12
HYDRONICS
No San Francisco Mechanical Code Amendments.
Chapter 13
FUEL GAS PIPING
No San Francisco Mechanical Code Amendments.
Chapter 14
PROCESS PIPING
No San Francisco Mechanical Code Amendments.
Chapter 15
SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEMS
No San Francisco Mechanical Code Amendments.
Chapter 16
STATIONARY POWER PLANTS
No San Francisco Mechanical Code Amendments.
Chapter 17
REFERENCED STANDARDS
No San Francisco Mechanical Code Amendments.
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Appendix B
PROCEDURES TO BE FOLLOWED TO PLACE
GAS EQUIPMENT IN OPERATION
No San Francisco Mechanical Code Amendments.
Appendix C
INSTALLATION AND TESTING OF OIL (LIQUID)
FUEL-FIRED EQUIPMENT
No San Francisco Mechanical Code Amendments.
Note: Appendices A, D, E, F and G not adopted by CMC.
