Do I need a Section 604 affidavit? Free San Francisco lookup
If your building is in San Francisco, probably yes. Section 604 of the San Francisco Housing Code requires an inspection of balconies, exterior stairs, fire escapes and the rest of the exterior exit path every 6 years, with an affidavit filed with the Department of Building Inspection. The owner or HOA is responsible. Send me the address and I check the city record for your due date, free.
The facts
| Applies to | Buildings in San Francisco with balconies, exterior stairs, fire escapes and other exterior exit elements |
| What is inspected | Emergency egress: the exterior path people use to get out, wood or steel |
| How often | Every 6 years |
| Paperwork | An affidavit filed with the Department of Building Inspection |
| Who must act | The owner or the HOA |
| Your due date | Shown on your building's city record |
Free lookup
Most owners do not know their date until a letter arrives. Give me the address and I check the city's Section 604 record for your building. I reply within one business day with your status and what is due. I only contact you to answer that question.
One visit for both
Section 604 is separate from the state laws. An apartment building in San Francisco usually needs Section 604 and SB 721. A condo building needs Section 604 and SB 326. I do both in one visit, write the reports, and file the Section 604 affidavit with the city for you.
What you get
- The inspection, done by me. No technician.
- A report stamped by a California Professional Engineer.
- The Section 604 affidavit prepared and filed with the Department of Building Inspection.
- A call from me right away if I find something unsafe.
What a San Francisco client says
It has been an absolute pleasure to work with Vincenzo at Deck Check. He recently handled both the SB 326 and SF Section 604 inspections for my clients for a 5 unit residential building in San Francisco and his level of service was outstanding. Vincenzo was timely, highly accessible, and incredibly patient throughout the entire process. What really set him apart was his ability to walk the clients through the reports and next steps in a manner that allowed everyone to make informed decisions. He was also extremely helpful in connecting us with reputable vendors to handle the necessary work. His calm demeanor and thoughtful approach to addressing difficult issues were invaluable, especially for clients who were actively preparing to sell their property. I highly recommend Vincenzo and Deck Check for anyone needing thorough, reliable structural inspections!
Section 604 questions
Do I need a Section 604 affidavit?
If your building is in San Francisco and has balconies, decks, exterior stairs, fire escapes or other parts of the exterior exit path, probably yes. Send me the address and I check the city record for free.
How often is the Section 604 inspection due?
Every 6 years. Your building's due date is on its city record. I look it up for you, free.
Who files the affidavit?
The owner or the HOA is responsible. When I do the inspection, I prepare the affidavit and file it with the Department of Building Inspection.
Is Section 604 the same as SB 721 or SB 326?
No. It is a separate San Francisco rule with its own cycle and its own enforcement. Many San Francisco buildings need Section 604 and one of the state laws. I can do both in one visit.
Does it cover steel too?
Yes. Section 604 covers the exterior exit path, including steel fire escapes. SB 721 and SB 326 only cover elements that rely on wood.