What is the crisis facing San Francisco’s building inspection department?

A: The crisis facing San Francisco's Department of Building Inspection is multi-faceted and encompasses issues of corruption, inefficiency, and excessive wait times for building permits. The department has been plagued by corruption scandals, including instances of bribery and favoritism, which have eroded public trust and hindered the effectiveness of inspections.

The department has also struggled with significant delays in processing building permits. Wait times have stretched from weeks into years, hampering construction projects and exacerbating the housing crisis in the city. This backlog has been attributed to a combination of understaffing, outdated technology, and a cumbersome bureaucratic process. These inefficiencies have resulted in frustration among developers, residents, and businesses, further straining the already tense housing situation in the city.

Addressing the crisis facing the building inspection department will require comprehensive reforms, including increased transparency, stricter oversight to combat corruption, and investments in modernizing technology and streamlining processes. These measures are crucial to restore public confidence, expedite permit approvals, and facilitate the growth and affordability of housing in San Francisco.

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Original article published in the San Francisco Chronicle on May 21, 2023.