Rules Committee advances Building Inspection Commission charter changes, continues item for more review

Supervisor Melgar told the Rules Committee she introduced a charter amendment to change the appointment and confirmation process for the Building Inspection Commission to mirror other charter commissions, increase public vetting of commissioners and emphasize tenant-safety representation. “This charter amendment seeks to undo” conflicts that leave regulators beholden to the regulated, Melgar said.

The sponsor said the measure would require Board confirmation of mayoral appointments to align oversight with the public interest and address longstanding operational and corruption problems at DBI. Chair Peskin reviewed historical context, saying the 1994 charter created an independent DBI with little oversight and contributed to dysfunction; he cited prior appointments that had prompted federal indictments.

Public commenters spoke in favor of reform. Jerry Dretler, who served on a civil grand jury that criticized DBI, said a commission controlled by industry interests “has been an impediment” to needed reforms. Tenant advocates emphasized inspections, habitability and the need for prompt enforcement of violations.

The committee adopted sponsor clarifying amendments and voted to continue the measure for additional work and the circulation of revised language ahead of the Jan. 31 Rules Committee meeting.