Greetings from Director Tom Hui 
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As 2015 draws to a close, I want to take the time to wish all of San Francisco happy, safe, and warm holidays!
During this festive season, we find ourselves spending more time indoors with our family and friends staying warm and dry from the cold and wet weather.
I would like to remind everyone to be mindful of any fire hazards in your homes and apartments from holiday lights, fireplaces, and portable heaters. As we know, there are severe storms predicted to strike California early next year and we will most likely be spending even more time indoors. Consider taking the time now to prevent flooding by inspecting your roofs and making sure that your gutters and drains are clear!
On behalf of all our staff at the Department of Building Inspection, we extend our warmest greetings for the holiday season and wish you a happy and prosperous new year!
Sincerely,
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Deck the Halls Safely
This time of the year when it gets cold out and the sky gets dark
earlier
, many San Francisco neighborhoods are
all aglow
with beautiful holiday lights. These shining decorations are a staple of holiday tradition and cheer. However, as with any electrical devices, they should be treated with caution. When decorating the exterior of your home, make sure the lights and extension cords are indicated for outdoor use so they are weather-resistant. Do not use outdoor lights for your interior, as they
may
be too hot and unsafe for indoor use. Regardless of indoor or outdoor use, all lights should be identified as lab tested for safety. As you deck the halls this winter, make sure you do so safely.
Read more fire safety tips.
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Don't Get Caught in the Rain
Have you started preparing for El Nino? The effects of El Niño are expected to bring to California severe storm conditions during the months of January and February. If you live or work in San Francisco, you should be taking the necessary steps to prepare yourself and your property. If you are a resident, ensure that your roof is free of leaks and that your gutters and downspouts are clear. Secure or remove patio furniture that can be blown away. If you are a contractor, be sure to prepare job sites as soon as possible for heavy storms. This includes filling trenches and covering up building openings, as well as securing scaffolding and any other tools, debris, or building materials. Take time out today to get ready for heavy storms and possible flooding!
Read more about storm preparedness
.
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DBI Is Accepting Electrical Solar Plans by Email
San Francisco has always been celebrated as one of the greenest cities in America with our successful efforts in Z
ero Waste and Energy Efficiency. DBI is proud to announce that we are accepting electrical solar plans by email!
AB-2188 which passed in California in 2014, requires that all cities and counties in the State streamline their process for permitting solar energy systems. San Francisco has always had such a process in place, but is in the midst of formalizing it for the ordinance. As always, we are looking for ways to improve our services and have found that electronic submittal will be more convenient for customers. Read more about Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Systems.
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If you haven't heard, Super Bowl 50 will be held in the Bay Area on February 7, 2016! Although the game is at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, there will be many exciting events happening in San Francisco the days before. Plan ahead today and get your schedules ready!
Read more from SFMTA.
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We Want to Hear From You!
If you have an article idea relating t
o our services
and functions that you'd like for us to highlig
ht, please send your suggestions to
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DBI is the regulatory building safety agency responsible for overseeing the effective, efficient, fair and safe enforcement of building codes for the City and County of San Francisco's more than 200,000 commercial and residential buildings.
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Codes Corner
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Read up on our most recent code updates here.
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Events
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| Legislative Watch |
Stay up to date on the most recent proposed and passed legislation affecting DBI. Here are some listed below:
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File No. 151080 - Pending Committee Action:
Proposed ordinance to establish the Mayor's Nuisance Abatement Revolving Loan Fund to assist property owners in making improvements needed to abate violations.
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File No. 151081 -
Pending Committee Action:
Supervisor Weiner proposes amendment to the Building Code to authorize to stop all work on a construction project where known violations may be occurring.
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It has certainly been a busy year over here at DBI. We've been working hard and hiring more staff to ensure we are providing the highest levels of effective and efficient service.
Please give a big welcome to our newest hire:
Sandra Funes
Secretary II
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