DBI reopens permit center and enhances electronic plan review services in San Francisco

In a pivotal meeting held at San Francisco City Hall, the Department of Building Inspection (DBI) announced a significant milestone: the full reopening of its permit center, marking a return to pre-COVID operations after a challenging year and four months. The atmosphere was one of relief and optimism as DBI officials shared updates on initiatives aimed at streamlining permit processing, a critical aspect for the city’s ongoing recovery.

Interim Director Patrick O'Riordan highlighted the transition from an appointment-based system to a walk-in service, a change that many residents had eagerly anticipated. "We are thrilled to report that we are phasing out the appointment system," O'Riordan stated, emphasizing the department's commitment to improving customer service. The numbers reflected this positive shift, with over-the-counter permit issuance steadily increasing, nearing pre-pandemic levels.

A key innovation discussed was the expansion of the Electronic Plan Review (EPR) process to all in-house review projects. This move not only reduces the need for physical paperwork but also allows for simultaneous reviews by various departments, ultimately saving applicants time and resources. "EPR is popular with many of our customers because it saves them the cost of printing multiple sets of paper plans," O'Riordan explained.

The meeting also showcased the DBI's efforts to enhance communication and efficiency within its operations. For instance, the building inspection division has improved its appointment notifications, providing customers with specific time windows for inspections. Additionally, the records management division has transitioned to electronic processes, producing around 16,000 records each month without relying on paper.

Public comments during the meeting underscored the community's desire for increased transparency, particularly in light of past corruption issues linked to document access. One caller urged for all records to be made electronic and accessible to the public, highlighting the importance of oversight in the permit process.

Commissioners expressed their gratitude for the DBI staff's resilience during the pandemic, with several noting the positive trajectory of the department's operations. "You guys are coming out better," remarked Commissioner Tam, reflecting a shared sentiment among the board.

As the meeting concluded, the DBI team was encouraged to maintain momentum and continue improving services for San Francisco residents. With plans for customer training sessions on the new electronic systems and ongoing recruitment efforts to bolster staff capacity, the department is poised to enhance its service delivery further in the months ahead. The future looks bright for San Francisco's building inspection processes, as the city emerges from the shadows of the pandemic.