DBI Completes Audit of 5445 Properties Following Santos and Curran Corruption Case

In a recent government meeting, San Francisco's Department of Building Inspection (DBI) presented significant findings from an internal quality control audit that stemmed from a corruption scandal involving former officials. The meeting highlighted the department's ongoing efforts to address past irregularities and improve oversight within the building inspection process.

The discussion was led by DBI representatives, who acknowledged the contributions of various city departments and officials in addressing the issues that arose from the misconduct of Rodrigo Santos, a former licensed engineer, and Bernard Curran, a former senior building inspector. Both were implicated in a scheme involving fraudulent activities and were subsequently convicted of wire fraud.

The audit, which reviewed 5,445 properties associated with Santos and Curran, aimed to identify any work that exceeded permit scopes, unpermitted work, and other violations. The findings revealed that while there were no immediate life safety hazards, approximately 2% of the properties reviewed were found to have building code violations. This statistic underscores the importance of the reforms implemented by DBI in response to the scandal.

Since the discovery of the irregularities in 2018, DBI has taken substantial steps to enhance its internal controls and reporting mechanisms. These reforms include the establishment of an expanded compliance control program, anonymous reporting tools for staff, and a 48-hour lock on inspection records to ensure transparency and accountability.

The meeting served as a platform for DBI to communicate its commitment to restoring public trust and ensuring that building inspections are conducted with integrity. As the department continues to navigate the aftermath of the scandal, the focus remains on maintaining rigorous oversight and preventing future misconduct.

Looking ahead, DBI's ongoing efforts to monitor and improve its processes will be crucial in addressing the concerns raised by the audit and in safeguarding the safety and compliance of San Francisco's building landscape.