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Committee forwards broad code-enforcement package, tightening timetables and expanding enforcement tools
Summary
Supervisors unanimously forwarded two companion ordinances to the full Board that create a unified code-enforcement process across DBI, DPH, Fire and Planning, set timelines for notices/hearings, authorize permit suspensions for serial violators, and establish a revolving loan fund to help property owners make repairs.
Supervisor Scott Wiener introduced a comprehensive package of amendments to the building, fire, health, housing, planning and administrative codes intended to streamline code enforcement and reduce the time cases linger across departments.
Wiener described a unified process that would require a notice of violation (NOV) to be served within 15 days when an inspector determines a condition renders a property unsafe, provide for an administrative hearing to be scheduled within 60 days of the NOV deadline if compliance has not occurred, and allow the hearing officer to issue a written order with a work scope and a completion timeline that shall not exceed 180 days. Wiener said the package also clarifies that the City Attorney's Office may file suit against serial violators and may consolidate violations from multiple departments into a single lawsuit.
Wiener said the Department of Building Inspection (DBI) director would have explicit authority to suspend open permits on projects with a history of repeated violations; the ordinance also creates a code-enforcement revolving loan fund, which Wiener said will be taken up in the city budget committee.
Fire Department representatives said they support the legislation but asked for one change: for non-priority fire complaints the code should retain discretion to issue Notices of Correction (NOC) before escalating to NOVs (i.e., use "may" rather than "shall" for standard complaints) so the department can continue partnership-based compliance where appropriate. Wiener acknowledged the concern but pointed to a special provision giving the Fire Department 180 days before scheduling an administrative hearing for lesser complaints.
Public commenters included Janann New of the San Francisco Apartment Association (who asked that the inspector and hearing officer not be the same individual and sought clearer DBI system interoperability), Deborah Walker (tenant representative on DBI commission), the Coalition for Better Housing, and multiple residents who described persistent hoarding, debris and slow enforcement in their neighborhoods. On the record DBI and Planning representatives expressed readiness to implement the changes.
Following public comment Wiener offered the technical and oral amendments discussed on the record (including language ensuring the inspector who issues an NOV will not serve as the hearing officer and minor typographical fixes). The committee accepted the amendments and forwarded Items 2 and 3, as amended, to the full Board of Supervisors with a positive recommendation; the motion passed unanimously "without objection."
What's next: The ordinances will be considered by the full Board of Supervisors; implementation will require cross-department coordination (DBI, DPH, Fire, Planning, City Attorney) and follow-up reporting as described in the ordinance.
