DBI reports improved permitting times and inspection responsiveness, but budget pressures remain

Department of Building Inspection officials told the commission they are seeing measurable improvements in permitting operations while continuing to manage budget uncertainties.

DBI deputy director for administration Alex Koskinen summarized department finances, saying revenue for the fiscal year is expected to end at roughly $54 million and noting the city restored about $4.8 million in ongoing transfers tied to community‑based organization grants. Koskinen cautioned the department’s fund balance has been used to smooth revenue shortfalls created by the pandemic and by the timing of large projects that drive fee revenue.

On operations, principal data analyst Megan Malshewie and chief building inspector Mark Walls said assignment times for new plans have fallen from seven weeks in January to four weeks in May, and time from arrival to comments/approval fell from nine to five weeks over the same period. DBI reported over‑the‑counter permit issuance within two business days at 57% for the year and said priority projects (100% affordable housing and ADUs) are meeting first‑review targets much more often (about 70%). Housing issuance days decreased from a 2022 median of 476 to 413 year‑to‑date in 2023.

Inspection services reported 10,594 building/electrical/plumbing inspections in June with 95% completed within two business days, and housing inspection services reported 899 inspections, with non‑life hazard complaints handled within three business days 91% of the time and life‑hazard/heat complaints handled within one business day at 88%.

Commissioners asked for more disaggregated outcome data (for example, what fraction of complaints lead to notices of violation or director’s hearings). Staff said they could provide follow‑up metrics, and that a new PTS‑101 tracking process will help separate city processing time from applicant response time in future reports.

Public commenters asked about the controller’s budget letter and whether funds are adequate to sustain permit system improvements. Staff said a full close of the books and additional reporting will come in the next cycle and that the fee study and budget process will be discussed publicly later in the fall.

Next steps: DBI staff will return with additional financial detail when the fiscal year is closed, will share fee‑study results when available and will provide requested data on complaint outcomes and electronic plan‑review usage.