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DBI outlines Business Process Reengineering, automation and plans for a consolidated permit center
Summary
Director Isam Hasson updated the commission on the department's BPR work, staffing changes, plans for automation to improve notices, and early site‑selection work for a potential consolidated permit center near City Hall.
Department of Building Inspection Director Isam Hasson briefed the commission on the department's Business Process Reengineering (BPR), ongoing automation (MIS) evaluation, and early planning to configure a consolidated permit center.
Hasson described two automation options under consideration: enhancements to the existing system or issuing an RFP for a new automated tracking system. He tied the automation decision to the timing of the BPR final report and said staff would return within the next month or so with recommendations.
On BPR staffing, Hasson introduced new and returning executive team members (Vivian Day, Ray Louis, Jeremy, and Sean McNulty) and described responsibilities for permit services, plan review, inter‑agency coordination and inspections. He said the department is monitoring vacancies to hold down expenditures while assembling an implementation plan for the BPR recommendations.
Hasson also described initial work to identify buildings suitable for a consolidated permit center (preferably two floors near City Hall) with dedicated customer parking; he estimated a 12–18 month timeline if a move proceeded.
Commissioners requested a designated small‑business liaison to help entrepreneurs navigate permitting; Hasson said creating a liaison is a goal of his BPR implementation and the assistant to the director will coordinate that role.
The director acknowledged current automation limits that impede proactive expiration notices and said improved automated notifications are a priority for the department's next automation procurement.
