Devoted to Corporate Attorneys, Corporate Lawyers, and Corporate Counsel

The following is not meant to be legal advice.

The San Francisco Public Library may be the place to go to obtain copies of the San Francisco and California Building Codes.  They are available at the Government Information Center.  Online copies are available by American Legal Publishers, but they are not current to 2007.

For instance, the Plumbing Code found online is known as the 2001 San Francisco Plumbing Code.  Though the document may still be useful in determining if a permit is needed for changes in pipes, and what types of pipes are allowed in San Francisco.  Section 103.1.1 states that it is unlawful for any person to install, repair, construct, alter, move, remove, or replace any plumbing system without first obtaining a plumbing permit.  Thus, though tempting, a homeowner should not hire a contractor who is not licensed, to replace old galvanized pipes with new pipes.  Further, it may be difficult to understand the proper replacement pipes from a contractor.  A contractor may replace pipes with materials that are easy to install versus proper under the Plumbing Code.  This makes the need for an inspection by the city even more vital.  How else would a homeowner know not to use copper tubing for urinal drainage.  The average owner may request copper because it is considered to be the best, not knowing that brass, PVC, or iron may be used.