San Francisco Sun

The Department of Building Inspection (DBI) is reaching out to its customers for feedback as part of an effort to enhance service and operations. Customers are invited to participate in an anonymous Customer Satisfaction Survey, which aims to gather insights into the department's performance. The survey, which takes less than ten minutes to complete, will be open until December 27.

In addition to the survey, DBI has announced a new initiative regarding Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). The department is now pre-approving plans for detached ADUs. Building designers can submit these plans for a basic review at a fee. Once approved, images of the completed ADUs will be added to the DBI website. Property owners can then choose a layout, hire designers for site-specific plans, and apply for permits.

DBI has also addressed the prioritization of building permits in San Francisco. Laws have been enacted over the years by state and local legislators, governors, and mayors that prioritize certain types of projects such as new housing, small business renovations, and electric vehicle charging stations. Currently, San Francisco prioritizes permit reviews for 23 different project types with deadlines ranging from five to sixty days.

To manage these priorities effectively, DBI is implementing a new internal assignment system. This system aims to ensure that qualifying projects are prioritized correctly and assigned promptly to plan reviewers. For further information or inquiries, DBI encourages contact via dbi.communications@sfgov.org.