Ordinance amending the Administrative Code to establish the Fire Code Technical Advisory Council to evaluate and advise the Board of Supervisors, the Mayor, and the Fire Department, on the criteria and types of evidence the Fire Marshal should consider in determining whether to waive, modify, or delay certain compliance requirements under the Fire Code that certain existing high-rise residential buildings have sprinkler systems; and to set forth the membership and duties of the Fire Code Technical Advisory Council.

This ordinance establishes the Fire Code Technical Advisory Council to advise the Board of Supervisors, Mayor, and Fire Department on criteria for waiving, modifying, or delaying sprinkler system compliance for existing high-rise residential buildings, as required by San Francisco Fire Code Section 1103.5.4 (deadline January 1, 2035).

Key aspects of the Council include:

• Purpose: To evaluate and recommend standards for alternate methods, waivers, and extensions related to sprinkler retrofits.
• Membership (11 voting members): Appointed by the Board of Supervisors (property owner/manager, tenant, HOA rep, fire protection contractor, construction professional, architect/engineer), Controller's Office, Fire Department, Department of Building Inspection, Public Utilities Commission, and a Board of Supervisors member.
• Duties: Develop definitions for terms like "reasonable degree of fire protection," "alternative protection," "not physically possible," "disproportionate effort," and "undue hardship." The Council will consider information related to water capacity and budget analyses.
• Timeline: The Council must submit findings and recommendations within 90 days of its first meeting. It will meet at least twice monthly for the first 90 days and then at least monthly until it sunsets.
• Sunset: The Council will automatically sunset one year after its first meeting unless the Board of Supervisors extends its term.
• Effective Date: The ordinance becomes effective 31 days after enactment.