Plan for enhanced ventilation in your building

Submit an Enhanced Ventilation Plan to comply with Article 38 if your new building is in an area with high pollution.

What to do

1. Check if the requirements apply to your building

Check the Planning Department's Property Information Map to see if your project is in the Air Pollutant Exposure Zone:

  • Search for your address
  • Select the "Environmental Information" link on the left side of the page
  • Check the appropriate "Air Pollutant Exposure Zone" boxes on the right side of the page
    • If you filed your DBI Site Permit Application on or before March 9, 2020, select “Air Pollutant Exposure Zone (2014)”
    • If you filed your DBI Site Permit Application on or after March 10, 2020, select “Air Pollutant Exposure Zone (2020)”

If your parcel is highlighted, your project is in the Air Pollutant Exposure Zone.

2. Fill out an application

You'll need to submit an application before you continue with the environmental review process with SF Planning or the Department of Building Inspection (DBI) for Mechanical Permit approval.

Download the application.

3. Submit your application

Write a Ventilation Plan including:

  • Project location (address and parcel number)
  • Map of project including all surrounding streets within 500 feet
  • Name of assigned planner to the project from the Planning Department

For more information on the Ventilation Plan requirements, review Guidance for Project Sponsors. Learn more about examples of enhanced ventilation.

4. Submit your ventilation plan

  • Signed and stamped mechanical engineer’s letters
  • Ventilation system mechanical plan set

Email your materials to:

5. Pay the fee

Check fee schedule for the application fee. Write a check or money order to "SF Department of Public Health" and mail it to:

Department of Public Health

Environmental Health Branch
49 S Van Ness, Ste 600
San Francisco, CA 94103

Get help

Phone

Environmental Health

Ask for the Article 38 Program

Last updated October 24, 2024