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Commission approves ordinance waiving certain awning and facade fees for Small Business Month
Summary
The Building Inspection Commission unanimously approved an ordinance to waive permit fees for select awning, sign and pedestrian‑level lighting replacements during May (Small Business Month); staff will distribute outreach materials and supervisors will assist outreach to increase takeup.
The Building Inspection Commission voted unanimously on April 17 to approve an ordinance to waive permit fees during May for certain façade work, including awning replacements and pedestrian‑level lighting, in recognition of Small Business Month.
Deanna Kizon, speaking on behalf of Supervisor Katie Tang, told the commission the ordinance is a reintroduction of a measure implemented last year and is intended to support small businesses in neighborhood commercial corridors. She said staff prepared outreach materials — including a one‑page summary for small business owners — and that those materials will be translated into English, Spanish and Chinese. Kizon said last year’s fee waiver produced about 10 permit applications and the supervisor’s office hopes broader outreach and coordination with the Office of Small Business, the Mayor’s Office and supervisors’ offices will increase participation this year.
Bill Strawn of Legislative and Public Affairs noted other related actions: mandatory soft‑story retrofit legislation has passed the Board and will be signed by the mayor, starting a 60‑day notification clock for owners of affected buildings; Chief Housing Inspector Bosque prepared notification materials for SRO grab‑bar installations with a 60‑day fee waiver window for early applicants.
During the discussion, Commissioner Maher asked that supervisors publicize the program across districts to boost participation; Kizon agreed and said the office would coordinate outreach. Commissioner Lee moved to approve the ordinance; Commissioner Marr seconded. A roll call vote recorded unanimous approval.
According to the presentation, fee waivers will apply to applications submitted within the designated period in May; applications filed after that period will be subject to regular DBI fees. The ordinance was presented as time‑sensitive because Small Business Month is in May; staff said more detailed materials and outreach plans will follow.
