What Is a Section 604 Inspection in San Francisco? Property Owners Guide

Section 604 is a San Francisco–specific safety requirement that mandates a qualified inspection every 6 years for fire escapes and other exterior elements, both metal and wood, from roof to ground.

Qulaified vendors must submit a signed compliance affidavit to the San Francisco Department of Building Inspection (SFDBI) to confirm the building is safe and maintained.

Staying Section 604 compliant protects residents, avoids violations, and keeps your insurance risk low.

What does Section 604 cover?

Section 604 coversall wood and metalExterior Elements, including fire-escape systems on existing buildings in San Francisco.

Details, briefly explained:

• Applies to: Fire escapes, balconies, landings, stairs, catwalks, walkways, guardrails, handrails, platforms, connections, anchorage points

• Materials: Metal and wood assemblies

• Scope: From roof to ground, including mounting points and waterproofing where relevant

• Goal: Verify structural integrity, corrosion and decay conditions, and safe egress at all times

How often is a Section 604 inspection required?

Every 6 years, buildings must undergo a qualified inspection every five years then submit the affidavit confirming compliance to SFDBI. Annual fire escape maintenance is still recommended, so issues do not build up between cycles.

Who can perform a Section 604 inspection?

A qualified professional with relevant credentials and experience, licensed Structural or Civil Engineers, licensed Architects, or qualified General Contractors experienced with fire escapes and exterior elements. Choose inspectors who can document findings clearly and prepare the affidavit form for SFDBI.

What happens during a Section 604 inspection?

The inspector evaluates structural integrity, corrosion and decay, connections, anchorage, and safe egress, then issues a written report and, if compliant, Great Escape Service and Inspections submits an Affidavit to SFDBI and to the Owner.

Typical checklist, simplified:

• Visual review of all metal, welds, bolts, brackets, and anchors

• Visual review of all wood, posts, beams, ledgers, and guardrails & handrails

• Spot checks for corrosion, rust, rot, and water intrusion

• Verification of connections to the building

• Confirmation of clear, unobstructed egress

• Photo documentation of conditions, maintenance needs, and repairs

• Submission of signed-off affidavit to SFDBI and Owner for the records

Need a full start-to-finish service, from inspection to city paperwork? Great Escape Service & Inspection can manage the process for you.

What if issues are found?

The owner must repair unsafe conditions, then complete a re-inspection and submit the affidavit confirming compliance.

Details:

• If immediate hazards are identified, restrict use until repaired

• Obtain permits for structural repairs where required

• Complete repairs promptly, then schedule re-inspection

• Keep all records for future cycles

Section 604 vs SB 721 vs SB 326

Section 604 is San Francisco–only and includes all metal and wood exterior elements with a 6-year cycle. SB 721 and SB 326 are California state laws focused on wood-based exterior elements in apartments and HOAs, with different cycles and inspector types.

Comparison table:

Section	Where It Applies	Frequency	Elements Covered	Typical Inspector
Section 604	San Francisco only, Apts, Multi-family Units, Condos and HOAs	Every 6 years	Fire escapes, balconies, stairs, walkways, metal and wood, roof to ground	Licensed General Contractor, Pest Controller, Engineer, Architect
SB 721	California, apartments and multifamily (3+ units)	Every 6 years	Wood-based Exterior Elevated Elements, six feet from the ground	Licensed GC A/B, Engineer, or Architect
SB 326	California, HOAs, and condos	Every 9 years	Wood-based Exterior Elevated Elements, six feet from the ground	Licensed Engineer or Architect

What documents must be submitted to SFDBI?

Great Escape Service and Inspections will submit the sign-off Section 604 compliance affidavit to the SFDBI and the owner, confirming the inspection, supported by the inspector’s report with photo documentation. The Owner will keep a copy on file for their records..

What are the common reasons buildings fail Section 604?

Corrosion, loose connections, missing hardware, rot, water intrusion, and obstructed egress are typical failure points.

Details:

• Rusted or weakened steel components

• Loose bolts, failing anchors, cracked welds

• Deteriorated wood

• Failed waterproofing system

• Debris or storage blocking egress routes

Simple timeline to stay compliant

Inspect every 5 years, repair issues immediately, re-inspection, then submit your affidavit to SFDBI.

Step	Owner Action	Outcome
1. Schedule inspection	Hire a qualified local inspector	Receive findings and photos
2. Fix issues	Complete repairs (as indicated) by Licensed Professional	Re-inspection if required
3. File affidavit	Keep the report/affidavit on file	Compliance recorded

Pro tips for owners in San Francisco

• Maintain fire escape drop ladders annually, not just every 5 years

• Keep egress clear and unobstructed at all times

• Addressing waterproofing and rust early reduces repair costs later

• Use inspectors who also help with affidavit submission to avoid paperwork delays

Already planning your cycle? Start with a quick call to Great Escape Service & Inspection, we will schedule an inspection, provide reports, and an affidavit submission to SFDBI..

Conclusion

Section 604 is a San Francisco–specific safety requirement designed to ensure that all metal and wood exterior elements, as well as fire escapes, are safe, accessible, and structurally sound. With a 6-year inspection cycle and a mandatory affidavit, staying compliant protects residents, lowers liability, and avoids city violations. Working with the right team makes the process straightforward, from inspection to SFDBI submission.

This article originally appeared on the Great Escapes Service and Inspection website.