Wednesday, June 10th 2026

Greetings,

The Department of Building Inspection (DBI) has begun using OpenGov, a software for the processing of online permits, etc. I had the opportunity to do a beta test on online permits for doors, window, and siding and for fire alarms.

This is a prelude to eventually having all permits issued online.

Please share this newsletter with your friends and colleagues.

Check out my website, past newsletters, etc. by clicking the button below:

HIGHLIGHTS:

• Opinion Piece Re OpenGov
• State Legislation Update
• Housing Code for Ceiling Height

Opinion Piece

For more than 50 years, I have worked within San Francisco’s permitting system as a licensed general, plumbing, and electrical contractor and as a building code consultant professional. Based on decades of firsthand experience, I am concerned that the City’s proposal to eliminate over-the-counter permitting in favor of a fully online process will reduce efficiency, increase delays, and create new barriers for property owners, contractors, and design professionals.

While technology can improve access for simple permit applications, the data and practical experience with the new OpenGov platform suggest that many permits now take significantly longer to process. Before making this permanent transition, San Francisco should carefully evaluate the impact on customer service, permit transparency, and the City’s ability to support timely construction and economic activity.

Please read the Op Ed on this piece that was sent out to the Mayor, Board of Supervisors, and the press and feel free to share:

State Legislation Update

Several state legislative proposals are advancing that will significantly change how local jurisdictions process permits and inspections, beginning as early as July 1, 2027. These measures are intended to streamline permitting, increase the use of technology, and accelerate housing and energy-related projects. The following is a summary of several key bills and examples of how they may affect property owners, contractors, and local building departments. To see a full version of all the bills, please click on the button below.

AB 1738 – Remote Inspections

Requires local jurisdictions to offer remote inspections for certain residential permits by July 1, 2027, including water heaters, HVAC systems, solar installations, re-roofs, and many ADU projects. The goal is to reduce inspection delays and increase convenience for homeowners and contractors.

SB 222 – Heat Pump Permitting Reform

Requires streamlined online permitting and remote inspections for residential heat pump water heaters and HVAC systems, while capping permit fees. Certain plug-in heat pump systems may be exempt from permit and inspection requirements altogether.

SB 1272 – Extended Compliance Period for Undisclosed Violations

Provides owner-occupants who unknowingly purchase homes with undisclosed code violations up to six months to correct the violations, provided there is no immediate health or safety risk. The bill is intended to protect homeowners from enforcement actions resulting from prior owners' unpermitted work.

AB 1621 – Streamlined Housing Permit Reviews

Limits housing-related projects to two formal plan review cycles, restricts inspectors from imposing requirements that differ from approved plans, and establishes shorter timelines for permit appeals. The legislation is intended to reduce permitting delays and improve predictability for housing development.

Amending the San Francisco Housing Code for Ceiling Heights

The Housing Subcommittee met last week to discuss a proposed amendment to the San Francisco Housing Code that would align local ceiling height requirements with those of the California Residential Building Code.

Currently, San Francisco requires a minimum ceiling height of 7 feet in kitchens and bathrooms and 7 feet 6 inches in bedrooms and other habitable rooms. The proposed amendment would allow a minimum ceiling height of 7 feet in all habitable spaces within certain existing residential buildings.

This change is particularly important as more Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) are being developed at ground-floor levels, where existing ceiling heights are often limited to 7 feet. Allowing a 7-foot minimum ceiling height would eliminate the need for costly and disruptive excavation or structural modifications to achieve the current 7-foot-6-inch requirement.

The proposed amendment would apply only to existing R-3 occupancies (one- and two-family dwellings) and would not apply to R-2 occupancies (buildings containing three or more dwelling units). In addition, the construction of a single ADU within an existing one- or two-family dwelling would not change the building's R-3 occupancy classification.

For additional details, please review Ordinance File No. 260623 by clicking the button below.