DBI budget review proposes phased fee increases, $3M tech reserve; community groups warn of steep cuts

The Building Inspection Commission on Jan. 15 reviewed the Department of Building Inspection—(DBI) proposed budget for fiscal years 2025—6 and 2026—7, a presentation that included planned stepped fee increases, a proposed technology reserve, and the effect of a mayoral directive to reduce general‑fund support by 15%.

DBI Deputy Director for Administration Alex Koskinen said the department is proposing two additional years of stepped fee increases intended to reach full cost recovery by FY 2027. "The third and fourth fee increase—... will get us to cost recovery unless something crazy happens in the economy," Koskinen said. He also said DBI plans to reestablish a technology reserve and deposit $3,000,000 in the first year to begin replacing the department—s aging permit tracking and other legacy systems. "We are reestablishing this technology reserve, which will likely be approximately a 3% surcharge on fees," Koskinen said.

Why this matters: DBI is a predominantly fee‑funded department. Commissioners were presented with an analysis showing current…