DBI outlines AB 1114 rollout and reform steps to speed permits, strengthen compliance

DBI staff briefed the Building Inspection Commission on two linked priorities: implementing AB 1114, a state law that takes effect Jan. 1, 2024, and internal reform work to improve oversight of inspections and permit review.

On AB 1114, DBI said the law requires clear online application submittal guidelines, a digital application form, and deadline‑driven completeness and code‑compliance reviews. Staff summarized deadlines that will apply: 15 business days for an application completeness determination; 30 business days for code‑compliance review for projects with 25 units or fewer; and 60 business days for projects with 26 or more units. The law also provides applicants two appeal opportunities — for completeness determinations and for plan‑check compliance — and allows appeals to the permit issuing agency (the Building Inspection Commission or, by ordinance, other bodies). If an applicant appeals, the commission must issue a final determination within 60 business days.

DBI described technical work to meet those deadlines: digital forms being built by the city’s digital services team, use of an OnBase workflow solution to track timers and generate notices, and a plan to replace existing electronic plan review tools in the future. Staff noted exceptions for projects with objective public‑health and safety impacts or when review requires outside governmental entities.

On internal reforms, Compliance Manager Chris Vergara presented a beta inspection tracker to flag same‑day and out‑of‑district inspections and unapproved expedited plan reviews. The tracker pulls scheduling data to identify potential anomalies (e.g., same‑day request and appointment date or inspectors assigned outside their district) and will surface items for monthly manager review; staff said the tracker will be refined with division leads to reduce false positives. Vergara also described checks and controls for expedited plan reviews (administrative bulletin 4) and premium plan review fees, and proposed expanded training, annual certifications, and potential Form 700 audits to detect conflicts of interest. DBI plans to make external complaints anonymous by default to encourage reporting.

Commissioners asked about practical operations (how the tracker will work in the field, coordination with permit services, and mechanisms to approve same‑day or out‑of‑district inspections). Staff said approvals must be documented by senior supervisors and that the tracker will flag records that lack documented approvals for follow up. Staff expects to roll out the tracker to building, electrical and plumbing divisions in early 2024 and to begin audits and monthly oversight checks.

DBI officials requested to return to the commission with rollout and implementation updates as AB 1114 goes into effect and the compliance systems mature.