A San Francisco plumbing inspector points to a non-compliant 1.6 GPF toilet label during a water conservation inspection, with new 1.8 GPM fixtures on the counter and the Golden Gate Bridge visible through the window.

Urgent Update: New San Francisco Water Conservation Requirements for Sellers

San Francisco is turning up the dial on regulations once again. If you are planning to sell your home or complete a major remodel, you need to be aware of the upcoming changes to the local water conservation rules.

The San Francisco Association of Realtors (SFAR) recently sent out an urgent notice regarding stricter plumbing fixture requirements. To ensure you have the exact details straight from the source, we are sharing their update directly below.

According to the recent SFAR alert:

Starting on May 15, the San Francisco Department of Building Inspection (DBI) will implement new, stricter water conservation requirements under Section 12A.10 of the San Francisco Building Code. These changes may significantly impact residential transactions and create added costs for property owners.

WHO IS IMPACTED

  • Sellers of residential properties in San Francisco
  • Buyers and agents involved in transactions requiring water conservation inspections
  • Homeowners who previously upgraded fixtures to meet earlier standards

These requirements apply during mandatory water conservation inspections prior to transfer of title or sale.

WHAT IS CHANGING

Showerheads and faucets

  • Must have a maximum flow rate of 1.8 gallons per minute
  • Previously allowed 2.2–2.5 GPM fixtures will no longer be compliant

Toilets

  • New maximum flush volume: of 1.28 gallons per flush
  • Previously compliant 1.6 GPF toilets must now be replaced

Exemptions

Sellers may apply for an exemption from replacing a toilet, only if a replacement would impact the historical integrity of the building. Exemptions may also be filed regarding showerheads needed for medical reasons.

ACTION REQUIRED

Plan ahead for potential upgrades prior to listing a property and evaluate existing fixtures for compliance early in the transaction process.

WHY THIS MATTERS

  • These changes may result in unexpected costs for sellers
  • Homeowners who recently upgraded to prior standards may now face additional replacement requirements
  • Disposal of functioning fixtures also raises environmental concerns

NEXT STEPS

SFAR is actively advocating at City Hall and with DBI to delay implementation, pushing for more practical, cost-effective alternatives, and raising concerns about financial and environmental impacts. We will continue to keep members informed on advocacy progress and opportunities to engage.

Throwing away perfectly functioning fixtures after recently upgrading to the one point six gallon standard borders on the absurd. Doing so also brings up obvious environmental concerns. We knew this rule needed a serious reality check.

The good news? Our collective voices were heard. Due to the advocacy and efforts of SFAR, REALTORS®, and homeowners like you, the Department of Building Inspection agreed to extend a temporary exemption. They will accept existing one point six gallon-per-flush toilets as fully compliant with current water conservation rules!

According to the updated guidance:

Until DBI’s official documentation is formally updated, please use the following interim workaround on your active inspection forms:

1. Locate the Exemption Section: Use your existing inspection forms.
2. Check the Box: Mark the exemption checkbox currently assigned to ‘Historical Building.’
3. Manually Annotate: Write ‘(1.6 GPF Toilet)’ clearly by hand next to the checked box to clarify the true nature of the exemption for our administrative staff.

This procedural variance (temporary exemption) is effective immediately and will remain in place until further notice. Thank you for all your advocacy and service to San Francisco!

Until then, you must plan ahead. Evaluate your existing fixtures early in the transaction process so you are not caught off guard by last-minute replacement costs. Reach out to us if you want to connect with a trusted energy and water inspector.

A smiling man sits on brick steps, wearing a black jacket over a blue shirt, with his hands clasped together.


Alexander Clark
theFrontSteps Real Estate
Top 1% SF Agents
Founder theFrontSteps
DRE# 01339386
@theFrontSteps
415-254-5351
[email protected]


“Alex is, simply put, the best real estate agent in San Francisco. In a span of a few years, Alex has helped us buy two homes, and sell another two. Most of those deals presented unusual, and daunting challenges–financing problems…” Continue Reading

Leave a Reply