DBI director announces seismic safety plan and awning legalization workshop in San Francisco

The City of San Francisco's Department of Building Inspection (DBI) held a meeting on July 4, 2025, focusing on various updates and initiatives aimed at improving building safety and permit processes. The meeting began with a public comment praising the DBI's Permit Tracking System (PTS), which was described as the best in the Bay Area for its comprehensive information on plan checkers and associated contacts.

Director Patrick O'Rearton presented a significant report detailing efforts to enhance seismic safety for the city's concrete buildings. This report prompted a directive from the mayor for DBI and the Office of Resilience and Capital Planning to create an evaluation program and legislative measures for building owners to assess their structures' conditions.

In response to previous anonymous complaints regarding unpermitted awnings, O'Rearton announced the establishment of a streamlined process to legalize these structures. A temporary amnesty program was also introduced, waiving permit inspection and penalty fees, allowing property owners to pay only modest state fees and local surcharges. To date, approximately 45 awnings have been legalized under this initiative. DBI has also partnered with local organizations to conduct workshops aimed at assisting business and property owners in completing the streamlined permit applications, with seven applications successfully processed during a recent workshop.

Additionally, O'Rearton introduced Mary Wilkinson Church, the new premise services manager, who will work alongside the deputy director of permit services to enhance customer service and improve permit operations. Church, an architect with experience running Milwaukee's permit center, is expected to bring valuable insights to the department.

The meeting concluded with an update on major projects, highlighting the volume and diversity of significant developments valued at $5 million or more that have been filed, issued, or completed in the past month. This ongoing focus on building safety and streamlined processes reflects the city's commitment to improving infrastructure and supporting community development.