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Commission backs May fee waiver for awnings and pedestrian lighting to help small businesses
Summary
The Building Inspection Commission unanimously supported a proposal to continue (and make permanent) a May fee waiver for awning and pedestrian‑level lighting permits aimed at small businesses; motion carried in roll‑call vote.
Ashley Summers, representing Supervisor Katie Tang’s office, presented a proposal to waive building plan‑review fees for awning replacements and pedestrian‑level lighting during Small Business Month in May. Summers said the program saved roughly $20,000 for small merchants in prior years and that translated to average permit savings of about $1,500–$2,000 per applicant.
Commissioner Walker moved that the commission support the measure; another commissioner seconded. The chair conducted a roll‑call vote. The motion carried unanimously.
Why it matters: the ordinance aims to encourage façade improvements that support commercial corridors and small businesses while aligning with Building Safety Awareness Month. Summers said outreach will include translations and merchant walks in several neighborhoods and that Planning has recommended making the waiver permanent so annual legislation would not be required.
Vote at a glance: motion to support the small‑business month fee waiver — approved (unanimous roll call). The commission asked staff to coordinate outreach with Planning and small‑business offices and to report back on implementation details if the permanent waiver proceeds.
