San Francisco Concrete Building Screening Program
San Francisco is requiring owners of noticed concrete buildings to submit screening information by June 9, 2027. Miyamoto helps owners confirm scope, gather structural documentation, complete engineer-required screening, and plan smart next steps for non-ductile concrete, rigid-wall-flexible-diaphragm, and adaptive reuse projects.
Know Your Building. Meet the City Deadline.
The DBI program is not just paperwork. It determines whether a building is excluded, needs engineer-provided structural information, or may be included in future seismic safety measures.
Screening form submission deadline for noticed owners
Older concrete buildings may require engineer review under Chapter 5G
Estimated structural casualties from older concrete buildings in a major Bay Area earthquake
What buildings may be in scope?
San Francisco's screening program is intended to identify concrete buildings that may warrant closer structural review. Applicability can depend on DBI records, construction type, occupancy, and known vulnerability indicators.
Concrete construction
Older concrete buildings may require screening depending on age, occupancy, and structural system.
Higher-occupancy use
Residential, commercial, institutional, and mixed-use buildings may face different review paths.
Vulnerability indicators
Irregular layouts, brittle detailing, weak connections, or prior alterations can raise concern.
DBI notice or uncertainty
If a notice was received, or records are unclear, early engineering review can clarify next steps.
A cleaner path through DBI screening
Owners do not need to navigate the process from scratch. Miyamoto brings engineering judgment, documentation discipline, and practical next-step guidance.
Notice or concern
Start with the DBI notice, owner inquiry, or uncertainty about whether the building is covered.
Record review
Gather drawings, permit history, prior reports, and known building information.
Engineering screening
Evaluate structural system, visible risk indicators, and likely ordinance pathway.
DBI-ready documentation
Prepare clear findings, forms, or recommendations aligned with the required process.
Next-step strategy
Determine whether no further action, additional evaluation, retrofit planning, or coordination is needed.
If you received a notice, start with records and a focused engineering review.
Talk with a structural engineer →San Francisco Screening Timeline
The current program is a screening and inventory phase. DBI will use the submitted information to determine compliance status and inform future citywide seismic safety measures.
Now
Gather Records
Find permits, completion records, structural drawings, prior retrofit documentation, occupancy information, and building-use history.
June 9, 2027
Submit Screening
Noticed owners must submit concrete building screening information to DBI by the stated deadline.
After Review
Resolve DBI Questions
DBI reviews submissions for completeness and accuracy, then may issue a compliance notice or request corrections.
Future Phase
Plan Retrofit or Reuse Strategy
If the building is not excluded, start evaluating voluntary retrofit, risk reduction, financing, phasing, and adaptive reuse options before mandatory work arrives.
San Francisco Concrete Screening FAQs
Common owner questions about DBI screening, Chapter 5G, exemptions, engineer involvement, and adaptive reuse planning.
Who has to submit the DBI screening form?
If you received a notice about the Concrete Building Screening Program, DBI says you are required to provide information about the building. The screening helps determine whether the property is an RWFD building, a concrete building, or neither.
What is due by June 9, 2027?
Owners must submit the required building information by June 9, 2027. The form may require permit history, structural design details, past retrofit information, building use, occupancy, dwelling units, and documentation used to support the answers.
Can an owner complete the form without an engineer?
Owners can provide basic building information. When structural questions are required, DBI states that a California-licensed architect, civil engineer, or structural engineer must provide those answers.
What if my building is excluded or already retrofitted?
Some buildings may be excluded after DBI verifies the submitted information. If a prior retrofit or construction type may affect status, Miyamoto can review records and prepare a clear screening position before submission.
What happens if we do not submit?
DBI states that concrete building owners who do not submit building information will be automatically included in any potential mandatory retrofit program in the future.
How does adaptive reuse fit into this?
Adaptive reuse is easier to evaluate before compliance becomes a scramble. Early engineering review can show whether retrofit concepts, change-of-use goals, phasing, and cost planning can be coordinated into one decision path.
Talk to Miyamoto About Your San Francisco Building
Send the property address, notice status, and any available drawings or permit records. Philip Yu and the Miyamoto team can help confirm next steps for DBI screening, NDC/RWFD risk, retrofit planning, and adaptive reuse strategy.