DBI reports internal audit of permits linked to former staff; 119 tier‑1 addresses reviewed with 56 flagged for follow‑up

DBI told the Building Inspection Commission on April 20 that it has launched an internal quality‑control audit of permits and inspections tied to addresses associated with former staff and specific same‑day inspection practices. The audit uses a standardized checklist and a web application to record findings and prioritize follow‑up.

Scope and findings: Deputy Director Joe Duffy said audits were grouped into three tiers. Tier 1 (addresses associated with the named individuals and same‑day inspections in slope‑protection areas) included 119 addresses; DBI completed reviews and flagged 56 addresses for further follow‑up. Tier 2 (158 addresses associated with the individuals or same‑day inspections outside slope‑protection areas) is about 65% reviewed with 44 addresses flagged. DBI said some flagged items are administrative fixes while others require site inspections and complaint referrals.

Process and next steps: DBI built a web app to guide auditors through a checklist, is developing an inspection code to track audit work hours, and plans to reassign experienced inspectors into the audit program after hiring and training 31 additional building inspectors. The department said it is also coordinating with plan review staff to check whether slope‑protection and other technical reviews were sufficient at issuance.

Public comment and oversight: A public commenter who previously filed whistleblower materials asked DBI to run data queries to detect missing documents and to examine plan‑checking decisions in addition to inspections. DBI acknowledged public concerns and stated the audit is ongoing and that flagged cases are in follow‑up.