ABS and PVC Drain, Waste and Vent Piping

The purpose of this technical bulletin is to establish the requirements for the installation of acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) or polyvinyl-chloride (PVC) piping used for drain, waste and vent (DWV) systems in residential buildings classified as Residential Group R-2 and R-3 occupancies, such as single-family residences, duplexes, high rise buildings and townhouses. 

Revised December 2023

Approval of Building Product Listing and Evaluation Agencies

The purpose of this technical bulletin is to outline the criteria for acceptance of products, materials, assemblies, and equipment specified for construction of buildings, as well as to outline criteria for recognizing listing agencies.

Revised January 2019

Change of Occupancy from Commercial to Residential

The purpose of this technical bulletin is to provide a road map from the building code perspective when proposing a change of occupancy from a commercial, Group B occupancy to a residential, Group R-2 occupancy.

Revised April 2024

Combustible Water-Resistive Barriers in Exterior Walls of Type III Construction

This Technical Bulletin establishes acceptable water-resistive barrier (WRB) materials to be used in exterior walls for buildings of Type III construction with heights greater than 40 feet above grade plane.

Revised November 2023

Design and Testing Requirements for Smoke Control Systems

The purpose of this Technical Bulletin is to provide the smoke control guidelines and requirements to the building permit applicant. This bulletin also describes the minimum requirements for smoke control design and special inspection.

Revised March 2014

Design of Sprinkler Systems in Shell Buildings

The purpose of this Technical Bulletin is to provide the design criteria and requirements to the applicant for providing sprinkler systems in shell buildings without a specific tenant and/or use.

Revised January 2020

Determination of Building Height in the Coastal Height Limitation Overlay Zone

The purpose of this Technical Bulletin is to illustrate how building height is determined for buildings and structures located in the Coastal Height Limitation Overlay Zone (also referred to as Proposition). Costal height limitation overlay zone shall be referred to a costal zone herein after.

Revised August 2013

Duties of Registered Special Inspector

This bulletin establishes the duties and responsibilities of registered special inspectors and approved material testing laboratories and special inspection agencies.

Revised August 2019

Emergency Responder Radio Coverage Systems

As of June 1, 2023, DSD Technical Bulletin FIRE-5-1 has been retired. The SDFD is now performing plan reviews and acceptance testing for Emergency Responder Radio Coverage Systems. Please see the new SDFD Guidelines at the following link: https://www.sandiego.gov/sites/default/files/sdfderrcsguide.pdf

Revised June 2023

Exhaust System for Residential Occupancies of Non-Rated Construction

The purpose of this technical bulletin is to clarify the installation requirements of environmental air ducts in residential occupancies.

Revised December 2023