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DBI reports progress on soft‑story retrofit outreach; Tier 3 permit deadline Sept. 15
Summary
DBI told the commission it has received permits for roughly 3,085 of about 4,941 buildings subject to the soft‑story retrofit program and urged property owners in Tier 3 to submit by the Sept. 15 deadline; staff described inspection prioritization and quality‑control measures.
Department of Building Inspection staff updated the Building Inspection Commission on Aug. 16 about the mandatory soft‑story retrofit program and outreach ahead of the Tier 3 deadline.
Assistant Director Ron Tom and Director Tom Hui said the four‑tier program covers about 4,941 buildings citywide. As of the presentation, DBI reported 3,085 buildings have submitted permits across the program (about 28% of the total). Tier 3 submittals are due Sept. 15, 2017; staff urged owners to submit the required application, plans and calculations to avoid notices of violation.
DBI described the typical retrofit scope for these wood‑frame buildings: plywood shear walls, anchor bolts and hold‑downs, cantilever columns, collectors, diaphragm strengthening and foundation work where required. Staff said the majority of these retrofits occur at the ground floor and most Tier 3 permits can be processed over‑the‑counter; more complicated submissions will be routed for in‑depth review.
To improve quality control, DBI said it is reminding inspectors to be vigilant, conducting senior inspector spot checks, and emphasizing oversight by the engineer of record. Staff described an aggressive outreach campaign — including public fairs, outreach interviews, and workshops — to educate owners on selecting contractors and design professionals.
Commissioners asked procedural questions about what constitutes a timely submission (over‑the‑counter submittals that include application, plans and calculations will be given a permanent application number and count as meeting the deadline; incomplete over‑the‑counter submissions may not), review timeframes (staff said prioritized review should produce comments within two weeks and typical 30‑ to 60‑day review targets apply), and the program's completion deadlines (permit completion is expected within two years from the Tier trigger).
