Residents in more than 120 condominium buildings in San Francisco have received some unwelcome news.

They city is now requiring them to add fire sprinklers to their units – a job with a massive price tag that will likely force those living in the homes to move out for weeks or potentially months.

"I think people have the erroneous impression that everyone who lives in San Francisco in certain areas or certain types of buildings can afford to just write a check for any amount for anything," condo owner Ellen Shapiro said. "That's not the case. People are on fixed incomes."

The new mandate was passed by the board of supervisors in 2023. It will affect 124 buildings built before 1975 that are 12 floors or higher and don't have two fire wall protected fire escapes.

Lt. Mariano Alias, a spo

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