Department of Building Inspection

Public Advisory Committee

PUBLIC ADVISORY COMMITTEE
MEETING NOTES

Monday, July 16, 2009
2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

1660 Mission Street
Room 2001

1.         WELCOME AND INTRODUCTIONS

Laurence Kornfield welcomed attendees to the meeting and introductions were made.

2.         NEW HOURS FOR PERMIT ISSUANCE

Laurence reported that the Central Permit Bureau will close to customers at 4pm beginning the 1^st week in August. Hours of the 4^th floor may be adjusted as well.  Staff will keep customers informed of this change once it has been decided. It was suggested to post the information on the DBI website.

Laurence Kornfield reported that DBI is moving forward with the Permit Tracking System project. A vendor has been selected, and staff is currently continuing meetings to go over the details. It was asked if a list of the new computer system’s features could be shared with the public.  It was suggested to have MIS representatives attend the next PAC meeting to provide an update and explain the new systems.

3.         CLARIFICATION FOR OWNER/BUILDER FORM

            The PAC suggested that there needs to be continued discussion with Director Day on the enforcement of the owner/builder form. No other jurisdiction is enforcing this like San Francisco, even though it is a State law. It was also suggested that Director Day discuss the concerns previously brought to her attention with those who wrote the legislation.

            Laurence Kornfield suggested that the PAC look at the form and suggest any changes that should be made.

4.         DISCUSSION OF 4^TH FLOOR PROCESSING

Laurence Kornfield reported that staff is issuing all OTC permits on the 4^th floor.

It was said that there seemed to be an improvement with staff. They are more willing to assist customers through their project.        

            5.          ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSION

Laurence Kornfield reported on Building Code Amendments going into effect on August 1^st.

There will also be substantial changes with Disability Access. DBI will hold public trainings on this.

It was reported that customers have experienced a lag time and session expirations with the online permits. Laurence stated it appears to be on the City’s end, not with the DBI system.

Laurence reported there will be a Site Permit meeting on Friday, July 17 from 10-11:30am.

Laurence stated he would forward information pertaining to the new energy changes.

It was asked if there was an update to having an onsite project folder. Laurence stated he is currently working with Planning on the details. He intends to bring a mockup at the next PAC meeting.

           6.      FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

There was a concern with regard to obtaining permits on properties that have an active complaint, yet no formal NOV has been issued. Customers are experiencing problems with inconsistency from staff.

Invite MIS to discuss the computer systems.

            7.     ADJOURNMENT

           There being no further business the meeting was adjourned at 3:02 p.m.