SF Fire Code § 308 - OPEN FLAMES.
SECTION 308. - OPEN FLAMES.
The following San Francisco Fire Code section replaces the corresponding International Fire Code section:
GENERAL PRECAUTIONS AGAINST FIRE.
SF-FIRE ch. 3
in effectSF Fire Code § 308.1.3 For SF Torches for Removing Paint.
308.1.3. [For SF] Torches for Removing Paint.
The use of torches or other flame-producing devices to remove paint is prohibited.
The following San Francisco Fire Code section replaces the corresponding International Fire Code section:
SF Fire Code § 308.1.6.2 For SF Portable Fueled Open-Flame Devices.
308.1.6.2. [For SF] Portable Fueled Open-Flame Devices.
Portable open-flame devices fueled by flammable or combustible gases or liquids shall be enclosed or installed in such a manner as to prevent the flame from contacting combustible material.
Exceptions:
1. LP-gas-fueled devices used for sweating pipe joints in accordance with Chapter 61.
2. Hot work and cutting and welding operations in accordance with Chapter 35.
3. Candles and open-flame decorative devices in accordance with Section 308.3.
SF Fire Code § 308.2 Permit Required.
308.2. Permit Required.
Section 308.2 of the International Fire Code is deleted.
SF Fire Code § 316.7 Barbed or Razor Wire.
316.7. Barbed or Razor Wire.
Barbed or razor wire shall not be on or attached to any fire escape, dry standpipe or other fire extinguishing facility, fence, parapet, roof surface, or any other place on a building or structure where it might hinder or obstruct firefighters in performing their duties. Where barbed or razor wire is on or attached to any location, structure or surface specified in this section, it shall be removed.
Exception: Barbed or razor wire may be installed on fences provided it does not obstruct or hinder egress, rescue operations, or access to hazardous areas, as determined by the fire code official, in the event of fire or other emergency.
SF Fire Code § 316.8 Signage for Buildings with Certain Types of Construction.
316.8. Signage for Buildings with Certain Types of Construction.
If a building has roofs or floors of composite wood joist or truss construction, the owner shall post a sign specifying this type of construction. The sign shall be located adjacent to the main entrance door or in a location(s) as required by the fire code official. The sign shall comply with San Francisco Fire Department Administrative Bulletin 5.05.
SF Fire Code § 324.1 General.
324.1. General.
Mobile food vendor carts that are equipped with appliances that produce heat to prepare or warm food with the use of charcoal, LP-Gas, butane, or any other flammable liquid, solid, or gas, shall comply with this section.
SF Fire Code § 324.2 Permit Required.
324.2. Permit Required.
Permits shall be required as set forth in Section 105.5.
SF Fire Code § 324.3 Fire Extinguisher.
324.3. Fire Extinguisher.
Portable fire extinguishers shall be provided in accordance with Section 906.
SF Fire Code § 324.4 Appliance Connection to Fuel Supply.
324.4. Appliance Connection to Fuel Supply.
Gas cooking appliances shall be secured in place when connected to a fuel supply. The appliance installed shall be configured in accordance with the manufacturer’s installation instructions. Movement of cooking appliances shall be limited by restraining devices.
SF Fire Code § 324.5 LP-Gas Systems.
324.5. LP-Gas Systems.
Where LP-Gas provides fuel for cooking appliances, such systems shall comply with Chapter 61 and Sections 324.5.1 through 324.5.4.
SF Fire Code § 324.5.1 Maximum Aggregate volume of LP-Gas.
324.5.1. Maximum Aggregate volume of LP-Gas.
The maximum aggregate capacity of LP-Gas containers, both transported on the food preparation cart and used to fuel the cooking appliances, shall not exceed 20 pounds.
SF Fire Code § 324.5.2 Protection of Containers.
324.5.2. Protection of Containers.
LP-Gas containers installed on the exterior or the interior of the cart shall be securely mounted and restrained to prevent movement.
SF Fire Code § 324.5.3 LP-Gas Container Construction.
324.5.3. LP-Gas Container Construction.
LP-Gas containers shall be manufactured in compliance with the requirements of NFPA 58.
SF Fire Code § 324.5.4 LP-Gas shutoffs.
324.5.4. LP-Gas shutoffs.
LP-Gas appliances shall have the manufacturers’ appliance control knobs in place per the installation instructions.
SF Fire Code § 324.6 Butane Fuel Canister Systems.
324.6. Butane Fuel Canister Systems.
Where butane gas provides fuel for cooking appliances, such systems shall comply with Sections 324.6.1 through 324.6.4.
SF Fire Code § 324.6.1 Maximum Aggregate Volume of Butane Fuel.
324.6.1. Maximum Aggregate Volume of Butane Fuel.
The maximum aggregate capacity of butane canisters on each food preparation cart, including those canisters stored and those used to fuel the cooking appliance, shall not exceed one (1) pound or two (2) canisters.
SF Fire Code § 324.6.2 Protection of Butane Fuel Canisters.
324.6.2. Protection of Butane Fuel Canisters.
Butane canisters installed on the interior of the vendor cart shall be mounted in a manner to prevent the overheating of each canister and the associated appliance.
SF Fire Code § 324.6.3 Butane Fuel Canister for Appliance.
324.6.3. Butane Fuel Canister for Appliance.
Each butane fuel canister shall be listed for use with the cooking appliance of the same manufacturer.
SF Fire Code § 324.6.4 Butane Fuel Appliance Shutoffs.
324.6.4. Butane Fuel Appliance Shutoffs.
Butane fuel appliances shall have the manufacturers’ appliance control knobs installed and easily accessible to immediately shut off the fuel per the manufacturer’s instructions.
SF Fire Code § 325.1 Definitions.
325.1. Definitions.
For purposes of this Section 325, the following definitions apply:
“Powered Mobility Device” means a conveyance with the primary purpose of carrying people and is capable of transporting one or more persons powered by a lithium-ion battery; which includes, but is not limited to, a motorized or powered scooter, an electric bicycle, an electric skateboard, an electric hoverboard, or light electric vehicle (LEV). Notwithstanding the previous sentence, Powered Mobility Device does not include wheelchairs or other mobility devices designed for use by persons with disabilities, or any vehicle capable of being registered with the California Department of Motor Vehicles.
“Battery Cabinet” means a cabinet that is designed for the purpose of storage and/or charging of lithium-ion battery packs or other removable lithium-ion storage batteries that has demonstrated the ability to prevent thermal propagation from a battery pack or a removable storage battery to other adjacent battery packs or removable storage batteries, and has passed testing by an accredited laboratory, or has otherwise been approved by the Fire Department.
“Safety-Certified Powered Mobility Device” means a Powered Mobility Device for which the Powered Mobility Device, or its electrical system, has been certified for compliance with:
(1) Underwriters Laboratories (UL) standards UL 2849 or UL 2272;
(2) European (EN) standards EN 15194 or EN 17128; or
(3) Other safety standards of an accredited laboratory, approved by the Fire Department.
SF Fire Code § 325.2 General Requirement.
325.2. General Requirement.
The use, sale, transfer, charging, and storage of lithium-ion batteries used in Powered Mobility Devices shall comply with Section 325.
SF Fire Code § 325.3 Powered Mobility Devices.
325.3. Powered Mobility Devices.
Powered Mobility Devices using a storage, charging, or repair facility, including any storage or charging area in a Group B, R-1, R-2, R-3, F, S, or M occupancy, that is designed, installed, operated, and maintained in accordance with the Building and Electrical Codes, shall comply with Sections 325.4 through 325.7.
Exceptions:
(a) Storage and charging in a Group R-3 occupancy where each Powered Mobility Device is a Safety-Certified Powered Mobility Device.
(b) Storage and charging, or within a single dwelling unit, garage, or storage area in a Group R-2 occupancy, of not more than four Powered Mobility Devices, provided that such Powered Mobility Devices are for the personal use of a person occupying the unit, and where each Powered Mobility Device is a Safety-Certified Powered Mobility Device.
SF Fire Code § 325.4 Battery Chargers.
325.4. Battery Chargers.
Powered Mobility Devices shall be charged in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and the applicable listing standard using the original equipment, manufacturer-supplied charging equipment, or other charging equipment suitable for the purpose, that is designed in accordance with applicable federal, state, and any other applicable laws, rules, and regulations, and listed:
(a) Pursuant to either UL 1564, UL1310, UL1012, or other approved listing from an accredited laboratory, approved by the Fire Department; or
(b) For use with the Powered Mobility Device in accordance with UL 2271, UL 2272, UL 2849, or other approved listing from an accredited laboratory, approved by the Fire Department.
SF Fire Code § 325.5 Battery Inspection; Damaged Batteries.
325.5. Battery Inspection; Damaged Batteries.
A lithium-ion battery used in a Powered Mobility Device shall be inspected for cracks, punctures, leaking contents, or other damage prior to charging or re-charging if the battery was dropped, involved in a collision, or otherwise subjected to a potential mechanism of damage. Damaged lithium-ion batteries shall not be used in Powered Mobility Devices. Damaged lithium-ion batteries and lithium-ion batteries at the end of their useable life shall be promptly and lawfully disposed of.
SF Fire Code § 325.6 Battery Charging Areas.
325.6. Battery Charging Areas.
Powered Mobility Devices and lithium-ion batteries used in such devices shall be charged in a suitable indoor room or area, or outdoor location, that, in either location:
(a) Has sufficient natural or mechanical ventilation in accordance with the Mechanical Code to prevent the accumulation of any flammable or other gases that may be discharged during normal charging operations;
(b) For the charging of Powered Mobility Devices with attached or enclosed batteries, has an adequate electrical supply and a sufficient number of electrical receptacles to allow each device to be directly connected to an electrical receptacle. Extension cords and power strips shall not be used. A minimum of 3 feet (914 mm) shall be maintained between each Powered Mobility Device during charging operations. Subject to the approval of the Fire Department, the minimum 3 feet (914 mm) separation distance while charging multiple Powered Mobility Devices may be reduced to a minimum of 6 inches (152 mm) if the Powered Mobility Device is UL 2272 listed, contains a UL 2271 listed battery tested and certified by an accredited laboratory, and such battery is contained in a completely enclosed non-combustible compartment within the Powered Mobility Device that has been tested and certified by an accredited laboratory;
(c) For the charging of detached battery packs or other removable storage batteries, has an adequate electrical supply and a sufficient number of electrical receptacles to allow the charging equipment for battery packs and other removable storage batteries to be directly connected to an electrical receptacle. Extension cords and power strips shall not be used. Battery packs and other removable storage batteries shall not be stacked or charged in an enclosed cabinet unless the cabinet is a Battery Cabinet approved by the Fire Department. Except as otherwise approved by the Fire Department, a minimum distance of 2 feet (610 mm) shall be maintained between each battery pack or other removable storage battery during charging operations, provided that the aggregate energy capacity of battery packs or other removable storage batteries that can be simultaneously charged in a single Fire Area does not exceed 20 kWh. A minimum distance of 3 feet (914 mm) shall be maintained between each battery pack or other removable storage battery during charging operations if the aggregate energy capacity exceeds 20 kWh. The aggregate energy capacity of battery packs or other removable batteries that can be simultaneously charged in a single fire area shall not exceed 50 kWh. The minimum separation distance requirements of this subsection (c) shall not apply to battery packs or other removable storage batteries during storage or charging within a Battery Cabinet. Each approved Battery Cabinet shall be considered a single Fire Area with an aggregate energy capacity not exceeding 50kWh;
(d) Is not used for the storage of flammable or combustible liquids, combustible waste, or hazardous materials;
(e) Is separated by:
(1) A fire barrier with a minimum one-hour fire-resistance rating, or enclosure within Battery Cabinet, from areas in which repairs or other servicing are conducted on the battery or other electrical components of the Powered Mobility Device in a Group B, R-1, R-2, F, or S occupancy; or
(2) In an M occupancy, a minimum distance of at least 10 feet (3048 mm) from areas where Powered Mobility Devices are displayed for retail sale, stored, or where repairs or other servicing are conducted on the battery or other electrical components of the Powered Mobility Device, and where each Powered Mobility Device for sale is a Safety-Certified Powered Mobility Device.
(f) Where five or more Powered Mobility Devices, detached battery packs, or other removable storage batteries are being charged at a single indoor location, separated by a fire barrier that encloses the entire space with a minimum one-hour fire-resistance rating; is separated within the enclosure of a Battery Cabinet; or in an M occupancy, is separated by a minimum distance of 10 feet (3048 mm) from areas where Powered Mobility Devices are displayed for sale. The building or occupancy shall be equipped with a fire sprinkler system complying with Section 903.3.1.1 of the Fire Code, an automatic fire detection and alarm system complying with Section 907 of the Fire Code and have one or more smoke detectors. If the ambient temperature of the room during battery charging operations exceeds the limitations set forth in the manufacturer’s instructions or the equipment listing, the room or area shall be temperature controlled to prevent over-heating or other unsafe battery condition; and
(g) It is provided with a portable fire extinguisher complying with the requirements of Section 906 of the Fire Code and having a minimum 4-A:20-B:C rating.
SF Fire Code § 325.7 Storage Areas.
325.7. Storage Areas.
Indoor storage rooms and areas, or outdoor enclosures used for the storage, but not for the charging or repair, of Powered Mobility Devices shall comply with the requirements of Section 325.6(d), (e), and (g).
SF Fire Code § 325.8 Reassembled or Reconditioned Lithium-Ion Batteries.
325.8. Reassembled or Reconditioned Lithium-Ion Batteries.
Except as part of a City-authorized recycling program with required permits, and subject to obtaining safety certification from an accredited laboratory and the Fire Department’s approval of such certification, it shall be unlawful to:
(a) Assemble or recondition a lithium-ion battery for use in a Powered Mobility Device using cells removed from used lithium-ion batteries; or
(b) Sell, offer for sale, give, or transfer a lithium-ion battery for use in a Powered Mobility Device that uses cells removed from used lithium-ion batteries.
SF Fire Code § 325.9 Informational Campaign.
325.9. Informational Campaign.
(a) The Fire Department, in consultation with the Department of the Environment, shall develop an informational campaign to educate the public on the fire risks posed by Powered Mobility Devices and lithium-ion batteries and safety measures that mitigate such risks. Such campaign shall include, but not be limited to, the use of print, online, and social media advertisements, public service announcements, and public forums. Such campaign shall address both commercial and personal use of Powered Mobility Devices and lithium-ion batteries, including, but not limited to, guidance on:
(1) Powered Mobility Devices and battery equipment that meet established fire safety standards, including Safety-Certified Powered Mobility Devices;
(2) Maintenance and care information for Powered Mobility Devices and lithium-ion batteries;
(3) Storage and charging precautions for Powered Mobility Devices and lithium-ion batteries;
(4) Prohibitions on the assembly and sale of second-use lithium-ion batteries as described in Fire Code Section 325.81
(5) Proper disposal of, and recycling solutions for, lithium-ion batteries at the end of their life; and
(6) Information about available programs and rebates for consumers to obtain Safety-Certified Powered Mobility Devices.
(b) All forms of public notice provided pursuant to this Section 325.9 shall comply with the requirements of the Language Access Ordinance, Chapter 91 of the Administrative Code, to provide vital information about the Department’s programs in the languages spoken by a Substantial Number of Limited English Speaking Persons, as defined in Chapter 91.
CODIFICATION NOTE
1. So in Ord. 39-26.
SF Fire Code § 326.1 Definitions.
SEC. 326.1. Definitions.
For the purposes of this Section 326, the following definitions apply:
“Certified Lithium-Ion Battery” means a Lithium-Ion Battery (a) used in a Powered Mobility Device or which is a Replacement Battery, and (b) which has been certified for compliance with:
(1) Underwriters Laboratories (UL) standards UL 2849, UL 2272, or UL 2271; or
(2) EN 15194;
(3) The safety standard of an accredited laboratory approved by the Fire Department by rulemaking under Section 326.4.
“Lithium-Ion Battery” means a rechargeable battery or battery pack employing lithium-ion chemistry, whether removable from or integral to a device.
“Powered Mobility Device” means a Powered Mobility Device as defined in Section 325.1.
“Replacement Battery” means any Lithium-Ion Battery intended for use in a Powered Mobility Device.
(Added by Ord. 122-26, File No. 260359, App. 6/26/2026, Eff. 7/27/2026)
SF Fire Code § 326.2 Prohibition on Sales.
SEC. 326.2. Prohibition on Sales.
No person or business shall sell, offer for sale, or deliver any Powered Mobility Device or Replacement Battery to any person or any address located within the City and County of San Francisco unless such Powered Mobility Device utilizes a Certified Lithium-Ion Battery or is a Certified Lithium-Ion Replacement Battery, and such certification or the logo, or wordmark, is displayed on (i) packaging or documentation provided at the time of sale, or (ii) directly on the Powered Mobility Device or Replacement Battery.
(Added by Ord. 122-26, File No. 260359, App. 6/26/2026, Eff. 7/27/2026)
SF Fire Code § 326.3 Enforcement and Penalities.
SEC. 326.3. Enforcement and Penalities.
(a) Each prohibited sale, offer for sale, or delivery constitutes a separate violation of Section 326. The Fire Chief or their designee shall have enforcement authority under this Section, and the City Attorney may at any time institute civil proceedings for injunctive and monetary relief in the amounts identical to administrative penalties specified in this Section 326.3, against any person or business who violates Section 326. Administrative penalties for prohibited sales shall be $500 for the first violation and $1,000 for each subsequent violation committed within one year of the last violation.
(b) The City Attorney may undertake such action for injunctive or monetary relief without regard to whether the Fire Chief or their designee has issued a notice of violation, instituted abatement proceedings, scheduled or held a hearing on a notice of violation, or issued a final decision.
(c) At any time, the Fire Chief or their designee may refer a case to the City Attorney’s Office for civil enforcement, but a referral is not required for the City Attorney to bring a civil action under Section 326.
(d) The City Attorney shall recover reasonable attorneys’ fees if the City is the prevailing party in any court case or in any civil proceeding to enforce this Section 326 and if the City Attorney elects, at the initiation of the action, to seek recovery of attorneys’ fees and provides notice of such intention to the adverse party or parties.
(Added by Ord. 122-26, File No. 260359, App. 6/26/2026, Eff. 7/27/2026)
SF Fire Code § 326.4 Implementation.
SEC. 326.4. Implementation.
The Fire Chief or their designee may promulgate rules, forms, and guidance necessary or appropriate to carry out the purpose and requirements of this Section 326.
(Added by Ord. 122-26, File No. 260359, App. 6/26/2026, Eff. 7/27/2026)
Source: City and County of San Francisco, Charter and Municipal Codes (American Legal Publishing, codelibrary.amlegal.com)URL: https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/san_francisco/latest/sf_fire/0-0-0-48081Fetched: 11/1/2026