October 15, 2009
PUBLIC ADVISORY COMMITTEE
MEETING NOTES
Thursday, October 15, 2009
2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
1660 Mission Street
Room 2001
1. WELCOME AND INTRODUCTIONS
Vivian Day welcomed attendees to the meeting and introductions were made.
2. DISCUSSION OF PLAN CHECK PROCESS
Laurence Kornfield reported that the majority of permits are being processed as over-the-counter. His program is not substantially backlogged.
There was a question about whether addenda could be issued over-the-counter on the 4th floor. The issue is that addenda are not over-the-counter permits; they are a part of submitted permits. Also, the first addendum triggers fees that have to be calculated and collected. This is where DBI receives 75 percent of its plan check fee and the permit inspection fee.
It was suggested that staff either print their name or use a stamp when signing off so it is legible on permit documents.
There was an issue of having additional comments once initial comments have been sent out. It has been a longstanding policy of DBI not to do this. Laurence Kornfield has instructed all plan checkers in meetings and in writing that this is not to happen. If there are additional comments that they believe are significant, they must go through their supervisor.
A copy of San Jose’s submittal plan check requirements was distributed for review. DBI will look into creating a similar document for San Francisco. Laurence Kornfield will set up a meeting to create a draft. Henry Karnilowicz and Patrick Otellini volunteered to assist.
Laurence Kornfield spoke on DBI staffing problems. DBI is subject to citywide bumping of our staff, and they are being replaced with other agency staff that have no knowledge of DBI’s processes. Director Day asked that customers bear with us as we transition in new staff.
Laurence Kornfield spoke on the upcoming 5th floor operations. His goal is to issue all permits, except submitted permits on the 5th floor. It was asked if the public could have a space/table to get their plans and forms together. It was suggested to also provide supplies: heavy duty stapler, etc. for customer use.
There was an issue brought up of doing OTC over multiple days on the 4th floor. Laurence Kornfield will meet with Simon Tam. Director Day commented that there will be more reorganization once the 5th floor is operational. Neil Friedman will serve as the 5th floor manager. Tom Hui will supervise the plan check section.
There was an inquiry to see if DBI could revisit the issue of pulling out a project once it has been submitted and converting it to OTC. Director Day and Laurence Kornfield will meet internally to discuss this further.
Laurence Kornfield commented on the new DBI computer system upgrades and integration, and spoke on electronic submittal programs that were demonstrated at a recent meeting he attended.
3. ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSION
Director Day commented that DBI is looking into technology to speed up permit routing. She hopes to have this implemented within six months.
There was an issue with intake and the amount it takes to get things through. It was said that on any particular day it could take up to two hours to get through intake.
There was a question as to why the Planning Department does not participate in this forum. It was asked to invite Planning Department, Fire, and other agency staff to the next meeting.
There was an item brought up about expired permits letters being sent to owners when a project has already been signed off and completed. DBI should clean up the information on the system and letters should be more customer friendly.
4. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
Invite Planning to discuss soft story.
5. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business the meeting was adjourned at 3:29 p.m.
