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DBI reports budget squeeze and outlines $1.1M Fourth/Fifth floor reconfiguration
Summary
DBI staff told the commission the department faces a projected revenue shortfall while continuing work on a citywide permitting MIS; staff presented plans to reconfigure DBI's fourth and fifth floors (estimated $1.1 million) to consolidate over‑the‑counter permitting and improve customer flow.
DBI acting director Vivian Day and staff updated the commission on operations, including the status of a citywide permitting MIS and a proposed reconfiguration of DBI's fourth and fifth floors to consolidate over‑the‑counter permitting.
On the MIS, Day said DBI has circulated several drafts of an MOU with Planning to purchase a citywide permitting system and will develop an RFP once the MOU is signed. "We have just put in our fourth or fifth draft of the MOU with planning to address the joint purchase of a computer system… and we are working hard to get that signed this week," Day said.
Finance staff reported a projected shortfall driven by a drop in permit volume that the recent fee increases have not fully offset. Neil Taniguchi warned that with only the first month of fee‑adjustment data, the department is "exercising a lot of caution" and may need hiring freezes or other cuts if workloads continue to decline.
DBI presented draft plans to reconfigure the Fifth Floor as the primary over‑the‑counter permitting area, with stations for electrical, plumbing and express windows and an integrated planning presence; the Fourth Floor would be used for behind‑the‑scenes plan checking and staff work. Staff estimated a preliminary cost of about $1.1 million for both floors combined and said the Department of Real Estate and DPW are managing the work; the department is seeking scope reductions and credits for infrastructure work to lower net cost.
Commissioners sought details on station counts, ADA accommodations, electrical and server security, and whether the work would be competitively bid. Staff said the project is managed through DPW and real estate and is not open‑bid under current city policy; they stressed that rent is being paid on the vacant floor and that planned upgrades could improve efficiency and customer service once combined with a new permitting system.
The commission asked staff to bring a fuller budget and implementation timeline to a future meeting; staff suggested the earliest opening would be March (if work started immediately) but said the project could be phased to reduce disruption.
