Department of Building Inspection

Elite '08

546

369

kevo m.

San Francisco, CA

First off, I am by no means an expert on DBI. I avoid them like the plague.

From my limited contact, I give you a few hints on making your life easier should you too have to deal with them.

- Go early. The lines are shorter and there probably hasn't been a lot of people that have pissed them off yet.

- Make sure all your documents are in order. Do you have at minimum 2 original copies? Both plan sets wet stamped? Scope of work complete on the permit app?

- Use the info conceierge.

- Take a number!

- Don't use the metered parking on Mission, you WILL be there longer than an hour.

- Expediters are your friends.

- 'over the counter' your 'fix and repair' permit if you can

- Anything new or major that requires plan review will take 8+ months. I know a couple that moved out and started renting, expecting to start construction in a few months. I think they are still waiting for their permit a year later.

- Building Inspectors are people too. Be nice to them and courtesy call them for inspections if you dare begin construction while you're still in plan review.

- Hire a good Architect and/or Contractor that will deal with DBI for you!

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15

15

Carlos F.

Boston, MA

I am starting to think that these guys are the definition of pure evil....it would be one thing if they were really nasty and always wore a frown on their face - no not them...they come off as being really friendly and nice but man they can really wreak havoc on your life.

In short - my advise - if you want to do work on your home in San Francisco - move to Novato ;)

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0

1

carol l.

San Francisco, CA

I have a different view than the previous two commenters.  
I actually like SF DBI and it is one of the easiest to work with after working with DBI out of SF.  
I have gone through my plan with the city with minimal problem and definitely "go early" so you won't need to wait for too long.
My business has a licensed contractor and a licensed civil engineer graduates from Berkeley also.  If you need help to get your plan approve by the SF DBI, contact me at sunhawaii at gmail dot com.

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