The Tesla showroom on Van Ness Avenue in San Francisco is operating without permits, according to the Department of Building Inspection’s online database. The San Francisco Chronicle reviewed the database and found DBI never gave Tesla the final sign-off on a host of renovations made in late 2015 and early 2016. In an emailed statement, DBI spokesperson Patrick Hannan called the issue an oversight failure. “This was an oversight and we are issuing a notice of violation today for the property to renew the building permit and pass the final inspection,” Hannan said. DBI has an online permit tracking system that allows the public to review buildings and their permit status with the city. However, this system is old and city officials say it needs to be updated. “We are in a very reactive stance right now and I think we as a city need to work to be more proactive,” said Supervisor Stephen Sherrill, who represents the district containing the showroom. “They don’t provide us to think long term about how databases, data sharing, SaaS platforms can actually help us deliver fantastic services for residents.”According to the SF Chronicle, records show DBI officials inspected the building’s plumbing, electrical and heating systems before Tesla opened in 2016. Hannan said those inspections confirmed the building’s ceilings and framing were code compliant. However, a DBI official was unable to conduct a final inspection, and the permit tracking system says inspectors never returned to finish the job. Those permits now show up as “expired” on the permit tracking system. DBI says the system is so old, there is no way to automatically check if a permit is close to expiring. “Unfortunately, the current Permit Tracking System is not able to auto-expire permits or permit applications,” Hannan said. “As a result, the only way to expire outdated permits is to manually review and expire each one.” Supervisor Sherrill says the city needs to look at getting new software for departments like DBI. He says they should look for room in the budget. “I understand why the system didn’t have these flags because it was installed years ago. Before, it was technically impossible,” he said. “But it has been technically possible for a while now. We need to continue to invest in technology and integrating it.”Tesla did not immediately respond to a request for comment. See more coverage of top California stories here | Download our app | Subscribe to our morning newsletter | Find us on YouTube here and subscribe to our channel
SAN FRANCISCO —
The Tesla showroom on Van Ness Avenue in San Francisco is operating without permits, according to the Department of Building Inspection’s online database.
The San Francisco Chronicle reviewed the database and found DBI never gave Tesla the final sign-off on a host of renovations made in late 2015 and early 2016.
In an emailed statement, DBI spokesperson Patrick Hannan called the issue an oversight failure.
“This was an oversight and we are issuing a notice of violation today for the property to renew the building permit and pass the final inspection,” Hannan said.
DBI has an online permit tracking system that allows the public to review buildings and their permit status with the city. However, this system is old and city officials say it needs to be updated.
“We are in a very reactive stance right now and I think we as a city need to work to be more proactive,” said Supervisor Stephen Sherrill, who represents the district containing the showroom. “They don’t provide us to think long term about how databases, data sharing, SaaS platforms can actually help us deliver fantastic services for residents.”
According to the SF Chronicle, records show DBI officials inspected the building’s plumbing, electrical and heating systems before Tesla opened in 2016. Hannan said those inspections confirmed the building’s ceilings and framing were code compliant. However, a DBI official was unable to conduct a final inspection, and the permit tracking system says inspectors never returned to finish the job.
Those permits now show up as “expired” on the permit tracking system. DBI says the system is so old, there is no way to automatically check if a permit is close to expiring.
“Unfortunately, the current Permit Tracking System is not able to auto-expire permits or permit applications,” Hannan said. “As a result, the only way to expire outdated permits is to manually review and expire each one.”
Supervisor Sherrill says the city needs to look at getting new software for departments like DBI. He says they should look for room in the budget.
“I understand why the system didn’t have these flags because it was installed years ago. Before, it was technically impossible,” he said. “But it has been technically possible for a while now. We need to continue to invest in technology and integrating it.”
Tesla did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
See more coverage of top California stories here | Download our app | Subscribe to our morning newsletter | Find us on YouTube here and subscribe to our channel
