Building Inspection Commission hears praise for Director Isam Hassanen, moves to closed session and votes to withhold disclosure

SAN FRANCISCO — The Building Inspection Commission met in a special session Thursday evening after Director Isam Hassanen indicated he plans to leave the Department of Building Inspection, hearing public praise for his reforms before moving into a closed session on personnel and voting not to disclose the discussion.

Commission President opened the meeting and completed roll call; commissioners present included Lee, Vice President Murphy, Commissioner Hetchanova, Commissioner Levitt, Commissioner Romero, Commissioner Satori and Commissioner Walker. The meeting’s third agenda item covered discussion and possible action to convene a closed session on public-employee appointments, with a public-comment period scheduled beforehand.

Why it matters: Hassanen’s tenure was repeatedly credited by industry, contractors and department employees with streamlining permit processes and launching a business-process-reform (BPR) effort the city’s building and construction community supported. The commission’s handling of an imminent leadership transition affects permitting timelines and department continuity for projects across the city.

A commissioner who introduced the item said Hassanen’s move to the private sector was a surprise and described steps taken to plan a transition. The commissioner said he asked Hassanen to review options — including when to separate and whether to use accrued leave — and to propose candidates or suggestions so the commission could debate a succession plan before making any appointment.

Members of the public spoke at length. "There was the slash and burn tactics that he used," said Henry Kornilowicz, while immediately praising recent improvements implemented under the current director and saying he would miss Hassanen. John O'Connor of RBA and several industry representatives urged the commission to keep the BPR reforms moving and to consider internal candidates for interim leadership. Rachel Pollard of Mercury Engineering said, "Eason has done a great job, implementing some new systems and it makes it a lot easier to get permits," and urged continuity in leadership. Business owner John Pollard said the city needs an interim director already familiar with DBI to avoid disrupting projects that depend on timely permits.

After public comment, the commission formally moved and seconded to convene a closed session to discuss public-employee appointments. The body recessed; upon reconvening in open session, a commissioner moved "that we not disclose, our discussions in closed session." The motion was seconded and the clerk recorded an affirmative vote from all commissioners in attendance. The chair announced the commission would continue the matter at a follow-up special meeting next Wednesday, pending room availability.

The meeting ended with a motion to adjourn after the commission agreed to continue consideration of the personnel matter at the next scheduled special session.

Notes on names and transcript variants: Transcript participants used several variant spellings for the director’s name (including "Esom," "Esam," "Ehsanen," and other forms). This article uses the spelling "Isam Hassanen," which appears in a public comment and was used repeatedly by speakers during the session; the transcript shows inconsistent renderings.

What’s next: The commission set a target for a Wednesday evening special meeting next week to continue discussion of the personnel appointment; room availability is pending.