Building Inspection Commission approves AB084 and AB107, continues AB32 for further review

Commissioners debated proposed revisions to three administrative bulletins Nov. 20. Kirk Means (Technical Services) described AB32 revisions to add flexibility in issuing site permits and a formalized routing of architectural addenda to the planning department for certain projects. Commissioners expressed concern about planning turnaround times and whether DBI can reasonably rely on planning staff to meet tight deadlines. John Malmo of the City Attorney’s office reminded the commission that administrative bulletins are advisory to the director and that legal issues could arise if changes intersect with privacy or other laws.

After discussion the commission voted to continue AB32 to the call of the chair so staff can work with planning and address turnaround and authority questions. The motion to continue passed unanimously on a roll-call vote with all commissioners voting Yes.

The commission then considered AB084, guidelines for the structural review of continuous tie‑down systems used to resist overturning of light‑frame wood shear walls. Commissioners had no objections to the technical guidance and voted to approve AB084; the motion carried unanimously.

Later in the agenda DBI staff presented AB107, which sets engineering criteria for the soft‑story retrofit program and incorporates FEMA P‑807 guidance into building‑code language and limits first‑floor retrofit strength to 1.3 times that of the second floor. Staff reported outreach metrics for the soft‑story program (6,000 screening forms mailed, 341 returned, 219 enrolled, 122 exempt, 59 needing more information, six permits issued). Commissioners approved AB107 unanimously.

Actions taken: AB32 was continued for further work; AB084 and AB107 were approved and will be implemented per DBI procedures. Commissioners were clear they want planning to commit to time frames where routing occurs before final DBI approvals.