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AB-2089 would extend the welfare exemption indefinitely and extend the benefits to properties that have had a change in control, change in ownership, removal/resignation/replacement of a nonprofit managing partner, in lieu of providing evidence that facilities are undergoing construction.

AB-2252 notes the intent to enact legislation to allow housing with 4 or more stories to have a single stair entry and exit.

AB-2626 This bill notes the intent to introduce legislation to help assist affordable housing developments that are financially at risk.

AB-2295 would allow local governments to work with other governments to have new housing development projects count toward each other's requirements for the production of regional housing, if certain conditions are met.

AB-2581 notes the intent to introduce legislation that would expand access to affordable homeownership, similar to the downpayment assistance for first-time homebuyer programs.

AB-1559 would require property insurers to notify owners that aerial images may be taken of the property unless they are related to a pending claim or used to evaluate the claim.

SB-878 would require insurers to pay actual cash value or replacement costs for open fire insurance policies for the primary structure and other structures within 30 calendar days from the date of loss. Disputed amounts would also require payment within 30 calendar days of the event.

California bill AB 1738 would require cities and counties to offer homeowners the option to request remote/virtual inspections for certain permitted work. This proposed bill, which would act as a way to free up inspector capacity, is being reviewed by the Committee on Local Government.⁠

As part of Mayor Lurie’s ongoing PermitSF efforts, a new series of permits can now be applied for and approved online. Fire Alarm and Fire Sprinkler Permits are two of the most recent additions, along with instant permits to replace doors, siding, and windows when replacing in-kind.

At the bottom of each violation email, you will now see “what changed” with a status update.

After last year’s building code change, fire sprinkler requirements were tightened. Now, even small projects must use the highest-level system. As of 2026, this applies to all projects (even those already submitted). The result? Hidden costs stack up, adding $35K+ to small projects.

California may be saying goodbye to on-site resident managers.⁠ A new bill, AB 1771, would remove the long-standing rule requiring buildings with 16+ units to have a live-in manager (something unique to the state).⁠

Now, not only will you see the total number of violations, but you’ll see the number of violations for each category.

Spring in San Francisco is one of the best times of year to own or manage property here, and a little proactive effort now means a smooth, stress-free summer ahead. From irrigation startups to HVAC tune-ups, SF and Oakland properties each have their own seasonal rhythms. We break down what to prioritize and when.

A dry winter doesn't mean your property is in the clear, it could just mean the damage hasn't shown itself yet. Roof issues, drainage problems, and pest pressure can all be quietly building, waiting for next season to make themselves known.

We sat down with Aaron Blatter, co-founder of Banner Pest Services, and came away seriously impressed. From 18-month bed bug standoffs to picking up the phone in 4 seconds flat, Banner is quietly redefining what great commercial pest control looks like in the Bay Area.

San Francisco's permitting process has been a nightmare for decades. Mayor Lurie's PermitSF initiative is one year in, and a lot has actually changed.

SF just loosened zoning rules in North Beach, Nob Hill, and Jackson Square with Ordinance 250682. It’s a move aimed at filling vacant storefronts and bringing more life back to these key commercial areas.

We all know housing projects that stall before they even start: upfront costs are a big part of the story.⁠ SF’s latest fee tweaks are aimed at reducing early cash pain (deferrals) while still protecting affordability goals (tradeoffs like rent control).⁠

With recently approved Ordinances 251100 and 251101, SF is putting two tiny Mission Dolores pockets, Chula-Abbey and Alert Alley, into a preservation bubble. If you own or manage property nearby, expect more historic review and more “ask Planning first” for street-visible work.

No one ever calls a plumber on a good day. That’s why we’re excited to feature R&L Plumbing as part of our Property Atlas vendor network - it’s a team built for when things go sideways. Fast response, straight answers, and pricing that doesn’t come with surprises.

Water damage is stressful. Insurance claims don’t have to make it worse. We put together a quick guide on how insurance actually works with water damage and mold: why pricing changes, why documentation matters, and why fast mitigation makes such a difference (especially in older Bay Area buildings).

We’re excited to feature Dryfast Property Restoration as one of our handpicked recommended vendors. They’re the Bay Area team that handles water mitigation, mold remediation, smoke cleanup, and all the messy surprises that come with sudden water damage.

Plumbing emergencies rarely come out of nowhere, and planning smart updates can help head them off. We put together a short piece on why Bay Area buildings are hitting a plumbing tipping point, why issues feel sudden when they finally surface, and what proactive planning actually looks like (without ripping everything out all at once).