Over the past few months, DBI staff have been working hard to ensure building code compliance and ensuring building safety standards are met. This is important as more new buildings are constructed, as owners remodel units and expand allowable uses of their properties. In reviewing this past fiscal year's numbers,  DBI exceeded the total number of permits issued and inspections conducted in previous years. This past fiscal year, DBI issued over 70,000 permits, with over 2,000 more permits issued than last fiscal year. These consisted mainly of building permits followed by plumbing permits. We saw the same increase for total inspections conducted, with over 158,000 inspections; 2,000 more inspections compared to last year.  These permits had a cost valuation of $4.5 billion dollars, down by $500 million dollars from the previous year. 

At the same time, we saw an increase in the number of complaints we received regarding building, plumbing and electrical issues: we investigated 89 percent of these within 3-business days upon receipt. We saw a slight decline in the number of housing complaints we had received, but we investigated 98% of life and heat complaints within one day. Lastly, we maintained a 7-business day issuance of over 7,000 3R reports. We continue to have steady construction activity in the City, even though signs of a softening economy are beginning to appear.

We've increased our staffing levels to respond to these increases in our core services activities. We continue to hire more staff to meet continued service demands for building services, especially as related to increasing the production of more housing for residents, while protecting building and life safety for everyone who lives, works and visits in San Francisco. 

New Chiefs 

Lastly, we have a couple of staff announcements I wanted to share. I want to congratulate Kenneth Burke in his new role as  our Chief of Electrical Inspection.  Also, we've recently created a Chief of Building Inspector for Code Enforcement to deal with increasing code enforcement activities for our various programs - including Mandatory Soft Story, Accessible Business Entrance, Vacant Residential and Storefront properties, and an upcoming Facade Inspection program. Please join me in Congratulating and Welcoming Building Inspector Mauricio Hernandez into this new leadership role.

 

Sincerely,

 

Tom C. Hui, S.E., C.B.O.

 

On August 30, 2018, Mayor London N. Breed visited our office to learn first-hand about DBI's important role in the Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADUs) permit issuance process, along with separate ADU reviews by our partners at Planning, the Fire Department, Public Works and SFPUC.   

Mayor Breed announced an Executive Directive (ED), with specific timeline requirements confirming DBI's and other City agencies' commitments to fast-tracking ADU permit approvals, as well, as helping to increase the construction of housing throughout the City. DBI is  committed to fast-tracking and streamlining the permit issuance and inspection process for all housing and ADU projects. Thus, we are taking additional steps to ensure the review and approval process allows greater flexibility and predictability without sacrificing safety or livability. DBI has been coordinating with its various City partners to ensure we are tracking to meet the Mayor's ED and have created a special team within DBI to help ensure our success.  For more information, view the Mayor's Executive Directive here . 

Keep Your Family Safe Throughout the Holiday Season

Kenneth Burke Chief Electrical Inspector Electrical Inspection Division

Mauricio Hernandez Chief Building Inspector Code Enforcement Section