In a recent meeting of the San Francisco City Commission, significant updates were provided regarding new and upcoming legislation affecting the Department of Building Inspection (DBI). Legislative Affairs Manager Carl Necita outlined several ordinances that have been passed by the Board of Supervisors, which will soon take effect, as well as those currently in the legislative process.

One of the key ordinances recently signed by Mayor London Breed allows for a permit fee waiver during May 2023 for small businesses installing or replacing awnings. This ordinance, signed on June 2, is retroactive, providing financial relief to businesses that made improvements during that month. Another important ordinance mandates facade inspection reports for buildings constructed after 1998 that are 15 stories or taller, which was signed on May 26.

Additionally, a task force aimed at prioritizing permit reviews was proposed, although the mayor returned this ordinance unsigned. However, it will still become law, as it was not vetoed. The mayor indicated that her executive directive would guide these departments to reduce permitting times by at least 50% by early next year.

Several other ordinances are progressing through the legislative process. One ordinance seeks to amend planning and building codes to facilitate the residential adaptive reuse of non-residential buildings, which passed its first reading on June 13 and is set for a second reading on June 27. Another ordinance proposes a temporary amnesty program for unpermitted awnings, streamlining the compliance process, and is also scheduled for its first reading on June 27.

The commission also discussed a proposed amendment to the building code that would outline the site permit application process, which is expected to be reviewed by the land use committee on July 10. Lastly, a proposed increase in building fees by 15% is under consideration.

On the state level, AB 1114, a bill by Assemblymember Matt Haney, aims to make post-entitlement permits ministerial. This legislation is currently under review by the state senate governance and finance committee and the housing committee.

These legislative updates reflect ongoing efforts to streamline processes and support local businesses in San Francisco, highlighting the city's commitment to improving its regulatory framework while addressing the needs of its community. The commission's discussions set the stage for further developments in the coming weeks, as these ordinances move through the legislative process.