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Building Inspection Commission reviews draft response to civil grand jury, sets Sept. 16 deadline
Summary
The commission reviewed a draft joint response to the civil grand jury—s report, heard a presentation from former grand jury members, and was told a finalized letter must be filed with the presiding judge by Sept. 16. The city attorney advised the commission would need a formal vote to adopt the response as the commission—s position.
The Building Inspection Commission on Aug. 21 reviewed a draft joint response from the Department of Building Inspection (DBI) to the civil grand jury—s report "Building a Better Future at the Department of Building Inspection." Bill Straughn, DBI Legislative and Public Affairs, told commissioners the department is still finalizing its response and that a completed letter must be filed with the presiding judge of the superior court by Sept. 16.
The grand jury—s forewoman and committee members presented the report and its key findings, highlighting recurring themes of "transparency, consistency, equitable treatment, efficiency, and leadership," and pointing to unresolved notice‑of‑violation backlogs and millions of dollars in uncollected fees. "It must be clear to this commission ... to get stable, professional, independent leadership in place at the helm," the grand jury presentation said.
John Almond of the City Attorney's Office advised commissioners that if the response is to represent the Building Inspection Commission—s position rather than only the department—s, the commission must take a formal vote with at least four members agreeing. Straughn added that DBI will submit a draft and that commissioners may send suggested edits to staff; the department will finalize and file the response by the court deadline.
Commissioners debated how public perception was used in the grand jury report and whether that perception should be supported with newer survey data. Straughn noted an earlier public perception study from 2008 will be appended and that a new perception study is budgeted.
Public commenters, including former grand jury members and partners in DBI—s outreach programs, urged the commission to consider both the grand jury—s recommendations and the role of community‑based enforcement partners. DBI staff told the commission they would provide a revised draft that incorporates commissioners' input and identify any changes in a bullet list to facilitate fast review.
What happens next: DBI and the commission must finalize any joint response and submit it to the presiding judge by Sept. 16. Commissioners were advised they will need to vote if they want the letter to carry the commission—s official endorsement.
