Permit manager received loan after condo OKd, papers show

SF Gate has more coverage on the SF Department of Building Inspection (DBI) manager's criminal case.

It was tough enough to get projects through when all was legal and disclosed. Now I can only imagine the scrutiny each and every permit will end up receiving, and the delays that will result.

One of the common issues I run into as a real estate agent is concerning work done without permits (both with home sellers and with home buyers). When delays at the DBI cause people to skip the permitting process, it hurts everyone involved. It potentially decreases the value of the property, it could result in fines and considerable investigative work by a building inspector, and could be a hazard (fire or otherwise) if the work was not done by a licensed tradesman. Not to mention the loss of revenue to the city when permit fees don't get paid.

Imagine the positive domino effect... If we hire a few more GOOD employees at DBI (including a new Planning director), their salaries could be paid by all of the permits that get submitted when the department proves it can do its job correctly and on time!

I recently did a remodel on my home and had a very smooth experience with the DBI. Although one item needed to be changed that required additional structural engineering, ultimately it was for the long term structural integrity of the home (making up for prior work done without a permit by a previous owner) and did not result in a huge cost. Sometimes the permitting process works out fine and does not prohibitively impede a project...