DBI outlines permit‑processing changes; Fire Department to accept 'fire‑only' permits at 49 South Van Ness

DBI Assistant Director Christine Gasparek updated the commission on permit processing during shelter‑in‑place and the relocation of operations to 49 South Van Ness. She said DBI issued about 110 permits per day pre‑COVID, dropped to roughly 50 per day during electronic‑only operations, and is now averaging about 80 permits per day plus roughly 130 automated trade permits.

Gasparek described changes to in‑person services (separate time slots and Eventbrite appointments for over‑the‑counter and fire‑only permit drop‑offs), expansion of no‑review automated permits (re‑roofing to be added mid‑October), recruitment of permit technicians and administrative hires, and process improvements including proposed weekend “Permit Day” events.

Assistant Fire Marshal Rich Brown explained the Fire Department’s plan to take intake and issuance of fire‑only permits (sprinklers, fire alarms and other scopes that do not require review by other agencies) starting Sept. 28. Brown said this will be an internal workflow change at 49 South Van Ness and should be seamless to applicants; the goal is to expedite issuance and reduce DBI backlog. Commissioners asked about customer expectations and timing; Brown said over‑the‑counter fire‑only permits could be processed the same day if complete, and a 72‑hour target for notifications is reasonable during COVID operations.

Interim Director Patrick O’Reardon and staff asked stakeholders to forward any specific timing complaints so DBI/DPH/Fire can reassign caseloads and address delays.