By Henry Karnilowicz
There was a PAC (Public Advisory Committee) meeting on February 18, 2010. The agenda included a discussion on the code rewrite in 2007 and 2008. January 2011 the California Building Code (CBC) will be in effect and it will take about six months for local amendments. The state also will be adopting the IRC (International Residential Code). There will be the California Green Code update at the next PAC meeting.
On the pending voluntary soft story incentives include a reduction in fees and expedited permitting. There is a working group in place discussing mandatory soft story legislation. The issue was raised about the triggering of ADA compliance as it will be more difficult to get a hardship exemption. Director Day said that the Certified Access Specialist Program (CASP) is in effect and those so certified will be making site visits fro a fee,, at the request of the owners, and will make determinations on what is acceptable for the Americans with Disability Act (ADA) compliance.
On plan checking a check list has been created but fire and the Department of Public Works (DPW) are still in the process of preparing check lists for plan review. Initial Plan Review (IPR) is to be on the first floor. Records management, administration, DPW and Public Utilities Commission (PUC -back operations) and CED (Code Enforcement Division) will be on the fourth floor at 1660 Mission. Management Information Services (MIS) will stay at 1650 Mission.
Regarding release of plans by records management there will be a hold for up to 30 days, allowing for a response from the producer of the plans, and then the Director will make the determination if plans can be released. Records Management staff is looking into the process in other jurisdictions and will then determine the process to be implemented at the Department of Building Inspection (DBI).
On the item regarding Site Permits: DBI is concerned that Site Permits are being released without payment of any fees. A fee of 25% to 75% is being considered before the first addendum is accepted. Deputy Director Laurence Kornfield provided a handout of a check list for Site Permit acceptance.
Director Day said that the “Queuematic” automatic scheduling system will be in place shortly allowing appointments to be made at any time.
On a planning matter. The DR (Discretionary Review) reform is moving along. The latest being an amendment to the proposed legislation from Supervisor Eric Mar. Please read the attached document. This item will again apparently be before the Land Use Committee on Monday, March 8, 2010.
Great artical Henry. This is a great place for keeping tabs on what’s going on at city hall.
The voluntary soft story retrofit by the mayor is moving right along.
More posts on this important program affecting many building owners San Francisco to follow.