Building Inspection Commission adopts formal appeals rules and forms under Admin Code Chapter 77

The San Francisco Building Inspection Commission voted unanimously June 12 to adopt rules and updated forms to govern appeals heard under Administrative Code Chapter 77.

Deputy City Attorney Rob Caplet explained the rules are based on Chapter 77 of the administrative code and on the procedures used by the Abatement Appeals Board, and that the commission has the authority to hear certain types of appeals, including challenges to departmental determinations. “There is this ability beyond the abatement appeals board where you sit in a possibly adjudicatory fashion … and make a decision yes or no on a determination of the department,” Caplet said.

Commissioners asked staff clarifying questions about whether the form is new or revised, how to complete fields such as dwelling units/guest rooms for commercial properties, and which identification numbers to provide (building permit, application, complaint, Notice of Violation). Caplet said the forms update existing templates and applicants should provide whichever case or permit numbers are applicable.

Commissioner Summer moved to approve the rules and the forms; Vice President Shattuck seconded. The commission conducted a roll-call vote; all present commissioners voted yes and the motion carried.

What this does and why it matters: the adopted rules formalize how the BIC will process appeals (including certain quasi‑adjudicatory matters), clarify filing requirements for appellants and create a consistent process staff and members can follow as appeals resume in coming months.

Next steps: staff will use the approved forms for incoming appeals and may propose future amendments based on operational experience.