Each May, organizations around the world recognize Building Safety Month, a campaign led by the International Code Council to highlight the importance of safe, sustainable, and resilient buildings. This year’s theme, Built to Last, underscores how building codes, building safety professionals, and thoughtful design come together to protect our communities every day.
At UCSF, building safety is a shared responsibility — one that depends on close collaboration across Real Estate, Facilities Services, and campus stakeholders.
This effort is led by Afsaneh Ahmadi, UCSF Designated Campus Building Official, and the UCSF Real Estate Building Permit Services (BPS) team. In her role as Building Official, Afsaneh serves as UCSF’s authority on building code compliance and permitting, functioning much like a city building official within the University.
“Building safety reflects our commitment to professionalism, integrity, and respect for our community — ensuring every space we create supports safe, inclusive, and high-quality environments for those who rely on UCSF every day,” said Afsaneh.
Through plan review, permitting, and inspections, Afsaneh and her team help to ensure that construction and renovation projects meet applicable codes and standards. Their work ensures that UCSF facilities are structurally sound, accessible, and safe for everyone. In simple terms, BPS ensures that buildings are safe, legal, and built correctly.
This responsibility extends across most campus buildings. Inpatient healthcare facilities are regulated by the state Department of Health Care Access and Information (HCAI).
Building Safety is a Cross-Department Effort
Building safety at UCSF is not the work of just one team. BPS partners work closely with Lead Designated Campus Fire Marshal Tim Brey, who focuses on fire and life safety, and the Real Estate Planning and Real Estate Services team, led by Alicia Murasaki, Assistant Vice Chancellor of Campus Planning and Real Estate Services and Campus Architect.
“My role is to ensure fire and life safety systems are built to last and are designed, installed, and maintained to protect people,” said Tim. “And that’s not just on day one, but for the life of the building.”
Alicia added, “Building safety is a team sport. The Campus Planning team begins every project with long-range thinking to contribute to a built environment that is safe, adaptable, and built to last. The Real Estate Services team is ensuring we lease and acquire only space that meets the UC seismic safety policy and is accessible to all. Everyone has a responsibility to building safety, not just one person or team.”
The Planning team ensures that projects align with campus design standards and long-term planning goals. The team also collaborates with Ben Perez, Senior Program Manager for ADA on the Real Estate Campus Design & Construction team, who helps embed accessibility into planning, design, and construction.
“Accessibility requires more than ramps and wide doorways. It means keeping our hallways open and clear, providing and maintaining slip-resistant walking surfaces, and eliminating tripping hazards," Ben said. "From a building safety standpoint, if we assure that people with all manner of functional limitations are considered and designed for, we assure safe spaces for everyone, and everyone benefits.”
Together with project teams and Real Estate staff, these partners integrate safety requirements early and carry them through every phase of a project — from planning and design to construction and occupancy.
Weekly Themes
The 2026 campaign “Built to Last” includes these special weekly themes.
- Week 1: Safe Homes, Strong Communities (May 1–10) focuses on simple actions homeowners can take to improve safety at home.
- Week 2: Voices of the Built Environment (May 11–17) spotlights building safety professionals and the roles they play in keeping communities safe.
- Week 3: Prepared to Protect (May 18–24) encourages community preparedness and highlights how disaster-resilient building codes protect people and property.
- Week 4: Communities Without Limits (May 25–31) showcases the importance of accessibility in building construction and design.
Learn About Building Safety Month
Visit the ICC website to learn more about Building Safety Month and for additional resources to support safe building practices at home and at UCSF.