October 2026 Update:
Planning Beyond Concrete Building Screening
San Francisco’s recently published report, Policy and Financial Feasibility Study for the Concrete Building Safety Program, recommends a phased approach to mandatory seismic evaluations and retrofits, along with public disclosure of building and retrofit status. These recommendations could make seismic condition a more visible consideration for buyers, tenants, and building owners.
The report also recommends financial incentives and streamlined permitting to encourage voluntary seismic upgrades ahead of future mandatory requirements.
The study is intended to inform future policy, but it does not itself establish new retrofit requirements, deadlines, or incentive programs. The current screening deadline for buildings subject to San Francisco’s Concrete Building Screening Program is June 9, 2027.
For owners, this is an opportunity to connect seismic planning with upcoming renovations, lease transitions, and long-term capital investments. Forell | Elsesser can help complete screening, evaluate seismic vulnerabilities, and develop retrofit concepts with cost-estimating and construction partners to understand potential costs and disruption.
Contact nonductile@forell.com to discuss your building and next steps.
Safeguard Your Building with Expert Seismic Retrofit Services
Forell | Elsesser specializes in assisting building owners to proactively address seismic compliance for non-ductile concrete structures. Our services include:
- Early Evaluations: Assessing your building to determine if it falls under upcoming seismic ordinances.
- Tailored Retrofit Strategies: Developing cost-effective solutions to enhance structural resilience.
- Regulatory Guidance: Navigating the complexities of local compliance requirements.
- Collaborative Planning: Working alongside cost estimators, architects, and contractors to streamline the retrofit process.
For a comprehensive overview of our approach and technical expertise, please visit our page on Non-Ductile Concrete Structures.
Our goal is to help you mitigate risks, protect your investment, and ensure the safety of occupants.
Contact Us for a Free Consultation
Take the first step toward protecting your building and your budget. Forell | Elsesser can help confirm your building’s structural characteristics, determine how current screening requirements apply, and prepare the required information for DBI review. Screening may establish that a building qualifies for an exemption, subject to DBI confirmation. Criteria for any future mandatory retrofit program remain to be determined.