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Winter 2012
BOMA Members Seeing DBI Improvements In 2009, the San Francisco Grand Jury criticized the city’s Department of Building Inspection’s efficiency and suggested various reforms, such as a one-stop permit center and urged expediting permits by having various departments at City Hall simultaneously review building applications, reducing permitting delays. Several BOMA members who regularly work with DBI see some results and hope for even more improvements. “While the process at DBI is not perfect, it is greatly improved over what it was just a few years ago. Old ways die hard, and with the turnover of staff due to retirements, the new staff will more easily embrace change because they have not been exposed to the old ways. As for the statement that it would be nice to have one point of contact to find out permit status, no one would disagree with that,” says architect Skip Soskin. Henry Karnilowicz, vice chair of BOMA’s Codes & Regulations Committee, adds, “The process of permit issuance at DBI is relatively seamless with the staff at the information counter providing information on permits and routing of applications. The fifth floor houses all the stations necessary for most permits, including those for tenant improvements, which are usually approved the same day. Unfortunately, projects that require
neighborhood notifications can take many months to gain Planning Department approvals as they may involve several hearings and/or appeals.” Explains Ken Cochrane, BCCI Construction Company’s director of permit services, “As daily customers of SF DBI, we have seen a marked improvement in the TI process. The process has continued to improve over the last three years or so. The new space set up for over-the-counter permits on the fifth floor is great. San Francisco’s over-the-counter permit center should be a model for all Bay Area jurisdictions.” Cochran adds, “Projects that must be submitted into the system still suffer from long backlogs. As staff is increased, this should ease up. A lot of the long wait times are caused by the City Planning Department. Over the short term, I do not see any way to speed up this process.” Ken Cleaveland, BOMA San Francisco, who routinely monitors actions taken by the city building department, said, “The best thing about San Francisco’s building department is their willingness to listen to their customers, the real estate and construction industry, and to hold regular Public Advisory Committee meetings that are open to the public to take input from the private sector on ways to improve their services. That openness to constructive suggestions is very much appreciated.”
What’s Inside Views...
Q&A with BOMA President • Page 2 City Hall Status Report • Page 3 Members on the Move • Page 5 Meet BOMA Members • Page 6 State & National Issues • Page 9
Holiday Party Scenes • Page 7