DBI updates permit-tracking, code enforcement and seismic retrofit rollout

At the Jan. 15 meeting, DBI briefed commissioners on system modernization, code enforcement activity and seismic-retrofit program progress.

IAS Project Director Hema Nikanti said user-acceptance testing for the upgraded permit and project tracking system will start next week and run about four weeks. The test will include interfaces with payment and IVR systems, mobile inspection tools and web permitting; stakeholders will be invited later in the testing phase to exercise the web permitting features.

DBI reported progress on digitization of microfilm records under contract with BMI, and said the department continues to work on system interfaces and rolling out mobile inspection functionality.

On code enforcement, DBI provided monthly statistics: 4,515 building inspections performed last month; 233 complaints received with 200 responded to within 24–72 hours; 68 first notices of violation; 95 complaints abated without notice of violation; 26 cases sent to director’s hearing; 11 orders of abatement issued; and 106 cases abated. For housing inspections, DBI reported 884 inspections, 392 complaints received and 360 responses within 24–72 hours.

Bill Strachan updated commissioners on seismic retrofitting outreach: DBI has accepted roughly 509 screening forms, released 181 as not subject to mandatory retrofit, rejected 61 for errors, and has 18 filed permits and 8 jobs with retrofit work underway; three retrofit jobs were reported completed. DBI will host a Jan. 28 trade-fair event at the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium and is exploring additional language-specific workshops.

Commissioners asked clarifying questions about outreach grants, work-order allocations and the track for integrating other departments into the permit system. DBI said planning and stakeholder coordination will continue and that further updates will follow as testing and procurement milestones are reached.