Monday January 13th, 2025

Greetings,


DBI has been working diligently to improve the processing of building permits. The following highlights the latest information, showcasing the improvements DBI has made over the past year.


I am still working on including a resource page on my website, stay tuned.

2025 Updated DBI Forms

Enclosed are updated forms for 2025, please click button below for access.

2025 DBI Forms

DBI Public Advisory Forum

Have your voice heard!


On Wednesday, January 22, the San Francisco Department of Building Inspection will host its next Public Advisory Forum to provide updates and gather feedback on ways in which they can improve the permitting process, as well as other services.


At the online forum, topics such as the new online plumbing inspection scheduling process, pre-approved accessory dwelling unit (ADU) plans, new permit issuance report, and more will be discussed.


JOIN THE FORUM


When: Wednesday January 22, 2025

Time: 3:30pm-5:30pm


MORE INFORMATION


Be sure to register for the meeting, review the agenda, and visit sfdbi.org/publicadvisoryforum for additional information.

AGENDA
REGISTER FOR MEETING

Open Positions on the Board of Examiners

The Building Inspection Commission is currently looking for four qualified professionals to join the Department of Building Inspection’s Board of Examiners. This 13-member panel, appointed by the Commission, plays a vital role in ensuring that new building materials, construction methods, and practices comply with San Francisco’s rigorous safety standards.


The following voluntary positions are open:


Licensed Electrical Engineer

Seismic Improvement Expert, Tenant & Architect, Civil Engineer or Structural Engineer

Licensed General Contractor

Licensed Mechanical Engineer


All potential candidates, please send a letter of interest and CV or resume to Sonya Harris dbi.commission@sfgov.org by January 31, 2025.


For more information, click here:

Board of Examiners Open Positions

DBI 2024 ACHIEVEMENTS & 2025 GOALS

DBI continues to focus on improving and streamlining its systems to enhance overall efficiency.


Some of the most significant changes that DBI and partners made to the permitting process in 2024 include:

  • Requiring Planning Department approval before filing for a building permit.
  • Reimagining pre-plan check to include a “completeness check” in tandem with the other permitting departments.
  • Mandating electronic plan review for all In-House Review projects.
  • Enabling simultaneous plan review by all City departments.
  • Creating a single comprehensive webpage detailing all potential documents and information needed to obtain a building permit.
  • Establishing legally-mandated permit review timelines.

Additional changes were made as the year went on:

  • Reorganized DBI's Permit Services Division.
  • Hired new permit services supervisors.
  • Created a new issuance stamp.
  • Started two social media video series.
  • Clarified guidelines for commercial-to-residential building conversions.
  • Hired a new deputy director for inspections.
  • Launched the permit review roundtable for ADUs.
  • Expanded online scheduling for plumbing and mechanical inspections.


Projected plans for 2025 to continue reorganizing and revamping DBI's processes include:

  • New building permit issuance report, which will allow for project scope, contacts, plan review comments, payment receipts, ect. to all be in one place.
  • Creating a more user-friendly addressing process.
  • Expanding online inspection scheduling for building and electrical permits.
  • Hire additional inspectors when the citywide hiring freeze ends.


For further updates on DBI's 2024 achievements & 2025 goals, click this button!

DBI's 2024 Achievements & 2025 Goals

Henry Karnilowicz


OCCIDENTAL EXPRESS

Consulting Design Construction Management

CSL #319153

1019 Howard Street

San Francisco, CA 94103-2806

415.420.8113 cell

415.621.7583 fax

www.occidentalexpress.net


President Emeritus

San Francisco Council of District Merchants Associations


Co-chair

SFPD x Small Business Advisory Forum