San Francisco Fire Department urged to expedite solar installation plan reviews

San Francisco residents are facing a critical deadline as federal tax credits for solar and energy storage systems are set to expire at the end of this year. This change is expected to trigger a surge in demand for installations, potentially overwhelming the San Francisco Fire Department's (SFFD) plan review process, which currently has a four-week wait time. In response, stakeholders are urging the SFFD to allocate additional resources to expedite the review of photovoltaic (PV) and energy storage system (ESS) plans to prevent a bottleneck as the deadline approaches.

During a recent government meeting, a representative highlighted ongoing discussions with the Fire Marshall aimed at addressing these concerns. The representative expressed appreciation for the open dialogue and the proactive steps being taken to manage the anticipated influx of installation requests.

However, challenges remain regarding the interpretation of code standards by the SFFD. The representative pointed out that while the SFFD has the authority to clarify existing codes, it cannot impose new requirements that conflict with established regulations. Instances of plan check comments introducing new standards that lack support from the California Fire Code were noted, which could hinder the design and installation of solar and battery systems.

The representative emphasized the importance of adhering to the proper legislative process when establishing new requirements, advocating for a review of plans and inspections based on existing California codes. They clarified that their request is not for a relaxation of safety standards but for a thoughtful application of those standards with input from relevant stakeholders.

As public comment concluded, the meeting moved on to the approval of minutes from the previous session, with no additional comments or concerns raised. The urgency surrounding solar installations and the need for clear regulatory guidance remains a pressing issue for the San Francisco community as the year-end deadline looms.