Monday, September 1st 2025

Greetings,

The Department of Building Inspection (DBI) now falls under the jurisdiction of the Permit Center, which is responsible for overseeing the operations of all related departments. To improve the permitting process, Mayor Daniel Lurie has established a committee called PermitSF, which meets quarterly to develop a more user-friendly and efficient system.

Below is the latest update on changes taking place at the Permit Center.

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

HIGHLIGHTS:

• Appointment of Deputy Director of Permit Services
• Recent Legislation
• Fenestration Ordinance
• Reforming the Slope Protection Act
• 2025 Updated DBI Forms

Appointment of Deputy Director of Permit Services

We congratulate structural engineer David Kane on his appointment as Deputy Director of Permit Services. In addition to his extensive engineering experience, David has also managed the permitting process for projects firsthand, giving him a strong understanding of what it takes to have permits issued.

In this role, he will oversee plan check, permit services, compliance programs, and code updates.

David is widely recognized for his expertise in seismic retrofitting and has applied his knowledge over the past two decades on hundreds of apartment buildings and retrofit projects throughout San Francisco. His professional contributions include consulting with the California State Board of Engineers on the development of the California Civil Seismic Principles Exam and chairing the Professional Practice Committee for the Structural Engineers Association of Northern California.

His combined experience in seismic design, private practice, and familiarity with both San Francisco’s building codes and the permit process will strengthen the department’s efforts to improve efficiency and customer service.

On his first day, he personally introduced himself to the plan checkers, second-floor staff, and even the regular customers. We are delighted to welcome a Deputy Director of Permit Services who is committed to making San Francisco’s permit process the gold standard.

Recent Legislation

The San Francisco Ordinance (File No. 250191) granting amnesty for properties from an audit in May 2021, apparently came into effect on 7/29/2025.

Overview

This ordinance establishes a five-year, time-limited amnesty program for properties flagged in the audit that received a Notice of Violation (NOV). It applies to about 5,445 properties flagged in the DBI audit.

• Many affected owners purchased properties without knowing about past unauthorized work and face significant unexpected costs to resolve violations.
• The amnesty program is intended to provide relief and a path to legalization for these owners.
• Eligibility: Properties that received a Notice of Violation (NOV) from the audit.
• Benefits: Waives select Planning Code violations and related fees, and may refund costs for owners who previously sought permits to correct issues.
• Process: Owners apply for a certification of existing conditions, followed by a streamlined permit review.

For more information, please contact tate.hanna@sfgov.org. For the ordinance, please click on the button below:

Fenestration Ordinance

San Francisco Ordinance: Window Replacement Standards (File No. 241021)



This ordinance amends the Planning Code to prohibit the Planning Department from restricting the materials used in window replacement projects, except in designated historic buildings. While owners must still obtain permits and comply with building, fire, and safety standards, the change reduces design restrictions for most properties and streamlines the window replacement process.

Planning will now allow new or replacement windows to be any material the permit applicant wishes to use. However, this would apply in buildings that are rated C and possibly B.

In some situations, windows in A rated buildings that are not visible on the street may not be restricted to replace windows with those that were original.

For the ordinance, please click on the button below:

Reforming the Slope Protection Act

The reforming of the Slope Protection Act was introduced on July 29, 2025.

The San Francisco Slope Protection Act is legislation requiring additional review for certain hillside projects within the city to ensure public safety, particularly concerning structural integrity and slope stability. It mandates geotechnical reports for projects in mapped hazard areas or with significant slopes and may require a peer review by independent experts. The act aims to mitigate risks associated with developing on steep terrain by requiring detailed assessments of instability and implementing appropriate mitigation strategies.

It was not uncommon with certain lots where there was just a sliver of a property, and was required to comply with the Slope Protection Act. It was considered unreasonable that in such situations, the Slope Protection Act was applied.

Reform the Slope and Seismic Hazard Zone Protection Act

• This legislation would remove a requirement that automatically mandates a detailed geotechnical study even if only a small a portion of a property is on a slope.
• State building code already provides a process for evaluating proposed construction on a slope to ensure the project can be built safely.

The reform process will require approval by the Building Inspection Commission, Board of Supervisors, and the mayor. We anticipate it's passage probably by the end of 2025.

Select the file below to read about the Slope Protection Act as it is currently in effect:

2025 Updated DBI Forms

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