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DBI reports about 1,500 open complaints; commissioners ask for case‑level breakdowns
Summary
DBI staff told the Building Inspection Commission there are roughly 1,597 open complaints and about 87% processed to orders of abatement; commissioners requested more granular tracking on why cases await director's hearings and follow‑up on abated cases.
DBI staff presented an update Nov. 18 on the department’s code‑enforcement workload and process, describing complaint volumes, processing stages and the department’s approach to orders of abatement.
Sonia, a DBI staff presenter, said the department receives an average of about 700 complaints per month and that, as of the slides shown, there were about 1,597 open complaints since February. She told commissioners that 87% of those cases had been processed to orders of abatement and that others were awaiting director’s hearings or listed as vacant buildings.
Staff explained the typical workflow: complaints are received through multiple channels, cases move to notice of violation when warranted, and unresolved matters go to director’s hearings or are referred to DBI’s litigation committee and the City Attorney when needed. Sonia said processing is dynamic and numbers change daily.
Commissioners pressed for more detailed breakouts: how many cases are truly backlog versus cases in active processing, why 106 cases are awaiting director’s hearings, and whether the department tracks post‑abatement compliance. Commissioner Lee asked staff to return with reasons behind hearings waiting and post‑abatement follow‑up data; Deputy Director Dan Lowry and staff agreed to provide more detailed reports at a future meeting.
Commissioners and public commenters also discussed interdepartmental delays, particularly how Planning can be used to delay compliance, and urged better cross‑department coordination for long‑running cases.
DBI said it would return with more granular reporting to help the Commission exercise oversight.
