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Public commenters press commission on Department of Building Inspection, demolition calculations and neighborhood livability
Summary
Multiple members of the public told the Planning Commission that the Department of Building Inspection has not implemented key Comptroller recommendations and that demo calculations and permit practices are harming livable housing in neighborhoods such as Noe Valley and Potrero Hill.
Speakers during general public comment urged the San Francisco Planning Commission to consider systemic issues at the Department of Building Inspection (DBI) and raised neighborhood concerns about demolition calculations and housing livability.
Jerry Drantler said the City Comptroller’s August 2024 public‑integrity update incorrectly reported that eight recommendations from a 2021 DBI review had been implemented. Drantler told the commission two critical recommendations remain unimplemented "3 and a half years after the report was issued," and that DBI lacks management control reports to monitor inspector activities. He said DBI is "considering fee increases 3 and a half years later. This is totally unacceptable." Drantler called attention to a task force considering a merger of departments and urged commissioners to be aware of "systemic corruption" at DBI.
Other speakers described how demolition‑calculation practices and permitting decisions affect neighborhood housing. Georgia Shutish and other residents addressed cases in Noe Valley and Potrero Hill, saying properties that appeared livable were later presented as demolition or altered in ways that enabled large‑scale remodeling and resale. Shutish cited sale prices and expressed concern that demo calcs remain unchanged in priority equity geographies. Neighbors also urged more transparency and enforcement during construction, citing debris, safety and sight‑line problems.
Commissioners acknowledged the concerns raised and noted ongoing continuances of some agenda items tied to these issues. The commission did not take formal action on DBI oversight at this hearing; oversight and enforcement remain under DBI and the Board of Supervisors’ purview.
