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Commission backs Small Business Month fee-waiver for awnings and pedestrian lighting
Summary
The Building Inspection Commission voted unanimously to support proposed ordinance (File 120,188) to waive DBI permit fees in May for small businesses (100 or fewer employees) replacing awnings or installing pedestrian-level lighting, with outreach and evaluation planned.
The commission unanimously voted to support legislation introduced by Supervisor Carmen Chu to waive Department of Building Inspection fees during May for qualifying small businesses that replace awnings or install pedestrian-level exterior lighting. The substitute legislation applies to small businesses as defined by the U.S. Small Business Administration (100 or fewer employees) and includes structural components and planning-related signage fees when applicable.
Katie Tang, an aide to Supervisor Chu, said the waiver is intended to spur facade improvements on commercial corridors and that the Office of Economic and Workforce Development and the Office of Small Business are helping with outreach and translated materials. DBI staff offered a rough budget context and said typical permit revenues for May historically average modest amounts; the department expects limited fiscal impact and will monitor the program.
Commissioners expressed support for outreach and recommended evaluating the pilot after May. Deputy Director Tom Huey and DBI staff said the department would coordinate with planning, OEWD and the small-business commission on implementation and online notices. The commission’s vote to support the ordinance was recorded as unanimous.
