Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the D B I Operations topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
DBI reports revenue gains, launches permit-tracking RFP and QMatic kiosks; outlines emergency roles
Summary
DBI told the commission revenues are up about 13% (15% net of refunds) driven by larger projects and impact-fee deferrals; the department plans an RFP for a permit-tracking system, will install a QMatic queuing system in October, and is coordinating emergency-response roles with other city agencies.
At the Sept. 29 Building Inspection Commission meeting, Director Vivian Day said DBI's revenues are up 13% from the same period last year and 15% net of refunds, citing large projects (including 299 Valencia and 1150 Ocean Avenue, where a Whole Foods is planned) and increased plan checking for port-related work as contributors.
Day said DBI's expenditures are down about 3% because of a hiring freeze but that several budgeted positions will be requested for hire in October and potentially filled by the end of the year. She added that DBI is reserving additional revenue to cover refunds and will reallocate funds at a December midyear budget adjustment if they are not needed for refunds.
On technology, Day said DBI will send a permit-tracking RFP to the city attorney and Human Rights Commission by Oct. 15, with steering-committee review planned by Nov. 1 and public advertisement in November for bids due Jan. 1. The department is also installing the QMatic customer-queuing system, with the first kiosk and TV monitors on the First Floor expected Oct. 15 and staff and customer training to follow. QMatic will route customers across floors based on wait times and service type, with voice annunciation and large monitors for accessibility.
Day described DBI's role in emergency response: the department is meeting with Public Works, the Department of Emergency Management, HSA and the mayor's housing office to clarify reporting lines and priorities for building inspections during emergencies, including responsibilities for state-owned and private buildings. Commissioners raised public-safety questions about gas-line auto-shutoff valves in the wake of the San Bruno explosion and urged DBI to coordinate with utility companies and public outreach about shutting off gas at the meter.
Commissioners and industry representatives praised the Fifth Floor over-the-counter permitting improvements but urged better coordination between planning and DBI to avoid repeated rework and delays. DBI acknowledged several interdepartmental IT integration projects are still underway.
