DBI reports strong revenues, inspection backlogs and Accela assessment as major projects rise

Department of Building Inspection officials briefed the Commission on finances, inspections and the Accela permit-tracking assessment on April 20. Deputy Director Tyrus Madison said DBI had collected about $64,000,000 year-to-date—approximately $3,000,000 more than the fiscal year-to-date budget—with the primary revenue drivers identified as building permits, plan review fees and premium plan checks. Madison said the proposed DBI budget will proceed through the mayor's phase and DBI hearings in May. DBI Director Tom Huey and Deputy Director Dan Lawrie reported operational pressures: major projects rose slightly month-to-month and some planning timelines (environmental review) were uneven; Dan Lawrie provided March inspection statistics (building inspections performed: 5,570; housing inspections: 1,143) and described district-specific backlogs caused in part by recent retirements and long-term medical leave among inspectors. Commissioners pressed staff on inspection turnaround, rotation/qualification practices and hiring timelines; staff said they are working with Human Resources to accelerate hiring lists and may add inspectors but cannot fill positions until they are vacated. Henry Bartley (Department of Technology) reported that the Accela/Exela assessment (IV&V) was in its final week of assessment, findings and recommendations work had begun, and a preliminary review with DT was expected in mid-May before DBI determines a schedule for a beta or launch.