San Francisco Ordinance Creates Amnesty Program for 130 Properties Affected by Fraud Cases

In a recent San Francisco County government meeting, officials discussed a significant ordinance aimed at providing relief to property owners affected by past fraudulent activities in the building inspection process. The proposed legislation seeks to establish a time-limited amnesty program for properties identified as having non-compliant structures due to the actions of former building inspector Bernie Curran and construction engineer Rodrigo Santos, both of whom were convicted of fraud and misconduct.

The ordinance, introduced by President Mendelmann, aims to waive fees and penalties associated with planning code violations for approximately 130 properties that underwent an internal audit by the Department of Building Inspection (DBI). This audit, initiated in May 2021, uncovered unauthorized work that had been done without proper permits, impacting homeowners who were unaware of these violations when they purchased their properties.

Mendelmann highlighted the financial burden faced by these homeowners, with some reporting costs exceeding $50,000 to rectify issues stemming from the previous illegal work. The proposed amnesty program would not only waive future fees but also allow for refunds of fees already paid by property owners seeking to comply with the law.

The urgency of passing this ordinance was emphasized, as changes in state budget regulations could complicate local amendments to building codes. Officials are pushing for a swift vote to ensure the ordinance takes effect before the upcoming budget restrictions come into play.

The meeting also included a reminder for public comment, encouraging community members to engage in the legislative process by submitting their thoughts either in person or via email. This initiative reflects the county's commitment to transparency and community involvement in addressing local issues.

As the city moves forward with this ordinance, it aims to alleviate the burdens on affected homeowners while reinforcing the integrity of the building inspection process in San Francisco.