DBI to assign inspectors as small-business ambassadors; staff tout recent career fair and public forums

The Department of Building Inspection told the commission May 18 it will launch a small-business inspectors ambassador program to help new businesses resolve last-mile permitting issues that can delay temporary or final certificates of occupancy.

"We are creating a small business inspectors ambassador program to help small businesses with the last mile issues that occasionally come up just before the issuance of a temporary certificate of occupancy or the certificate of occupancy itself," Director O'Riordan said. He said two building inspectors will be assigned as ambassadors in addition to their current duties, and they will not conduct inspections outside of their districts or supplant district inspectors.

Staff said ambassadors will troubleshoot internal coordination issues, communicate directly with applicants, and report to the chief building inspector and deputy director for inspection services. An email address and office phone lines will be provided for the ambassadors.

DBI also reported outreach and recruitment work: staff participated in an April 26 career fair that used a QR code linking to job postings and reportedly drew strong interest; Director O'Riordan said the mayor attended. In late April a public advisory forum attended by about 60 people included presentations by Katie Tang, director of the Office of Small Business, and an SFPUC update on a nonpotable-water ordinance; staff said the next advisory forum will be held in August.

The department said the new ambassador role is intended to reduce stress for new business owners juggling rent, debt and staffing while resolving permit conditions and to improve internal customer service.