DBI reports permit improvements, major projects and preliminary budget shortfall; community groups urge keeping CBO funding

At the Jan. 17 Building Inspection Commission meeting, DBI Director Patrick O’Riordan summarized operational improvements completed in 2023, including a new online solar permit portal using SolarAPP Plus (supported by a $100,000 state grant) and internal workflow changes that reduced plan‑review and permit‑assignment times.

DBI highlighted several high‑value permits filed or issued recently, including SFPUC distribution division facilities (collectively valued in the presentation at $149,000,000) and a 13‑story, 179‑unit mixed‑use project valued by staff at $40,000,000. Acting deputy director Matthew Green reported inspection volumes and response metrics for December 2023 (for example, electrical/plumbing divisions conducted 9,377 inspections with a 90% completion‑within‑two‑business‑days rate).

Deputy Director for Administration Alex Koskinen presented an early budget outlook showing a projected revenue shortfall of roughly $2.83 million for the year and described options to close the gap — staged permit‑fee increases, expenditure savings, or use of fund balance. Koskinen said DBI is planning a multi‑year permit‑tracking‑system (PTS) replacement and has identified project carryforwards to seed that capital project; staff cited past failed attempts and consultant estimates that a new PTS could cost many millions of dollars.

Community commenters and representatives from local tenant and housing‑rights groups urged the commission to avoid cutting Community‑Based Organization (CBO) funding historically supported by permit fees and to use fee increases to preserve those services rather than reduce them. Commissioners asked clarifying questions about fee timing, general‑fund subsidy possibilities and the scope and costs of the PTS project. No budget action was taken — the item was informational and will return at a special budget meeting.