Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Agency Operations topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
DBI reports on new queueing app, major permits and improved inspection performance
Summary
DBI Director and division chiefs updated the commission on a new QLESS queueing app for in‑person plan review, several high‑value permits filed and issued in June (including an affordable senior housing and Central Subway work), inspection response metrics that met targets, and improved fiscal results for FY24‑25.
At the July 16 Building Inspection Commission meeting, Department of Building Inspection leadership provided routine operational updates covering customer‑service improvements, major permit activity, inspection performance and finances.
QLESS queueing app: Director Patrick O'Riordan reported the Permit Center launched a QLESS phone app that allows customers to join over‑the‑counter plan review queues remotely by scanning a QR code and receive real‑time queue updates. The app covers many busy plan‑review stations (building, mechanical, electrical, planning, fire, public works, PUC and commercial permit support). Staff said early feedback has been positive and customers may still register in person at the second‑floor help desk.
Major projects and permit values: DBI staff said that in June 2025 ten permit applications with estimated construction value of $5 million or more were filed. Notable filings included a 115‑unit, 100% affordable senior housing project at 880 McAllister Street (estimated $70,000,000) and a $40,000,000 core and shell renovation of the Crocker Galleria. DBI also issued several high‑value permits, including a 102‑unit affordable portion of a 22‑story residential building at 1123 Sutter Street (valued at about $44.6 million) and the Huntington Hotel renovation (about $28.2 million). DBI finalized two high‑value permits including Central Subway transit station work (about $38.3 million) and a $5 million renovation at 200 Rhode Island Street.
Inspection services: Chief Building Inspector Kevin Birmingham reported that in June the building, electrical and plumbing divisions conducted 10,317 inspections and met the target of conducting 92 percent within two business days of the request. Housing inspection services completed 741 inspections; DBI responded to 99 percent of 423 building/electrical/plumbing complaints within three business days and reported 355 abatements for housing notices of violation. Staff said life‑hazard complaints response rates were lower (79% within one business day) and that the division continues to prioritize life‑hazard response.
Finances and staffing: Deputy Director for Administration Alex Koskinen reported the Board added back $3,000,000 of ongoing general fund support for the SRO program and that fee legislation recommended by the commission was proceeding through the board. FY24‑25 revenues exceeded projections (about $9.2 million more than budgeted) and permit valuation remained higher than last year despite overall permit counts similar to the prior year. Staff said final closeout figures will be available after year‑end accounting is complete.
Ending: DBI staff closed by inviting commissioners to propose future agenda items and noting the next regular meeting is August 20, 2025.
