Department of Building Inspection (DBI)

www.sfgov.org/dbi

The San Francisco Department of Building Inspection (DBI) reviews over 27,500 building permit applications and plans yearly. It has a budget of approximately $37 million annually over 25 plan checking positions for structural, mechanical and civil engineers. These engineers are responsible for plan review of complex buildings such as high rises, residential, commercial and industrial building. The department has over 285 employees total.

Annually the engineers review most of the permit applications that require plans. They are the experts with which the public makes contract in the permit process. They also are involved in code development and compliance requirements for the City and State regulations.

The engineers check for code compliance in the areas of structural, architectural, mechanical and energy and accessibility requirements. They also serve as expert investigators in response to disasters such as earthquakes, fires, landslides, etc. The nature of this work requires broad technical knowledge and the ability to work with the public.

The Department of Building Inspection was created in 1994-95 by voter mandate continues to expand its services. In the fall of 2001, it started providing online issuance of simple building, plumbing and electrical permits. The Department continues to use technological innovations to provide efficient and effective permit review.