March 18, 2010
PUBLIC ADVISORY COMMITTEE
MEETING NOTES
Thursday, March 18, 2010
2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
1660 Mission Street
Room 2001
1. WELCOME AND INTRODUCTIONS
Director Day welcomed attendees to the meeting and introductions were made.
2. REVIEW OF DBI ORGANIZATIONAL CHARTS
A draft of DBI’s organizational chart was distributed. Director Day clarified an error as to the Help Desk/Technical Services Division (TSD). Help Desk remains a function of TSD. The Information Counter reports to CPB. Willy Yau will continue to supervise the Help Desk/TSD.
There was a question if DBI was planning on hiring the Code Compliance position listed on the organizational chart. Director Day responded DBI has not advertised for the position and is not hiring at this time, as it is in the process of layoffs. The idea of consolidation is continuing to move forward. Staff is working on code enforcement procedures. Reorganization is on hold dependant upon staffing levels and the possible reduction in work hours.
3. REVIEW OF BPR FLOW CHARTS
Director Day suggested moving this item to the April Public Advisory Committee meeting. The main item for review is the Plan Review flow chart for the 5th floor.
4. DISCUSSION OF CERTIFIED ACCESS SPECIALIST PROGRAM
There was a discussion at the California Building Official (CALBO) meeting regarding this item. The way the law is written, DBI is to provide a person that can review plans to see if they meet the Certified Access Specialist Program (CASP) if requested by industry, not on a mandatory basis. It is also not to provide in 2010 outside inspections by DBI. Outside CASP inspectors can be hired by individuals or businesses to inspect premises, but that is not DBI’s role in doing the physical inspections for the CASP program at this point.
It was asked if DBI would accept the decision of the outside inspector. Director Day stated outside inspectors are going to be reviewing existing facilities. DBI staff will be reviewing plan changes. The building inspector is going to inspect towards the plans that were approved, but they are not providing a CASP certification in the field. The CASP inspection is voluntary for businesses. Currently, the City is not required to keep a copy of the certification.
DBI has CASP certified staff on board now. It was asked how one could become CASP certified. There are no pre-qualifications. One would need to take the State exam. The cost is expensive.
5. ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSION
Director Day discussed items related to the Contractor State License Board (CSLB). They will start going after unlicensed contractors. CSLB issued a bulletin to contractors. They also had an agreement with building officials that they have certain obligations as building departments to alert the CSLB of shoddy work. They have also published informational guides which DBI will order and have available for customers.
Laurence Kornfield announced that May is National Building Safety month. DBI will possibly having a mini summit.
No comments were received on AB-037: Exits in existing buildings. Mr. Kornfield will be preparing a final draft to take to the Building Inspection Commission.
Mr. Kornfield provided an update on seismic safety items. The Board of Supervisors passed the Mayor’s Voluntary Seismic Safety Incentive Program. This waives the plan check fee for any voluntary seismic upgrade for a soft story building. It also waives Planning and FIRE plan review fees. It requires all agencies to expedite permitting. An administrative bulletin has been created to address enforcement of this program. It was asked to send a copy to the PAC once the bulletin has been finalized. Staff stated it will be made available at the counters, etc.
Laurence Kornfield reported that the destination elevator bulletin was passed by the Commission and a final version is being prepared for Director Day’s signature.
It was reported that 5th floor clerical staff continues to sign housing in the Redevelopment Agency’s line on the permit application.
A member thanked DBI for the good work of the 5th Floor OTC operations as well as its collaborative efforts involving the public in its procedural changes.
It was asked if there was an update on DBI’s microfilm policy. Director Day stated the declaration/affidavit have been reviewed by the City Attorney. Staff is currently reviewing it to include with DBI procedures. This item will also be reviewed by the Executive Management Team.
It was reported that on April 22, the new lead certification law goes into effect which requires every worker on a residential improvement that disturbs more than five square feet of lead containing material has to be certified. If they are not certified, there is a $37,000 fine for the first offense. Director Day stated the EPA will be providing DBI with booklets to give to contractors and homeowners at permit issuance to inform them of this requirement. DBI will not be verifying that certifications are in place.
Director Day reported the RFQ for the electronic document and E-plan review are being reviewed by all City agencies for pilot implementation before the end of June. Other technology projects in the pipeline for next year: Q-matic, emergency preparedness monitors, cash management system, inspection scheduling improvements.
6. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
It was asked to add an item related to business license collection, especially for smaller trades. Director Day asked this item not be agendized for the next meeting as she is still in discussion with the Tax Collector.
7. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business the meeting was adjourned at 3:28pm.
