San Francisco, CA — Mayor London N. Breed and the Building Inspection Commission (BIC) today announced the appointment of Chief Building Inspector Patrick O’Riordan to serve as the Interim Director of the Department of Building Inspections (DBI), effective immediately.

O’Riordan brings nearly 35 years of relevant experience to the job, having started in construction in 1985. He has hands-on field experience from working as a carpenter and foreman, and eventually started his own small business as a general contractor from 1992 to 2000. He currently serves as the Chief Building Inspector at DBI.

“The Department of Building Inspections is critical for the residents, businesses, and property owners who rely on their services every day and I want to thank Patrick O’Riordan for stepping up to serve during this time of transition,” said Mayor Breed. “It is important that everything possible be done to restore public trust, and I am confident that the process underway between the City Attorney and the Controller will result in significant reforms to ensure that this happens.”

“I accept the responsibilities the Commission is giving me today with sincere humility and appreciation of your confidence in my building and construction experience and expertise,” said Interim Director O’Riordan. “I will do everything I can to fulfill your expectations, and to provide the Department with the leadership needed during these times of public health challenges.”

The Department of Building Inspection oversees the enforcement of the City and County of San Francisco’s building, housing, plumbing, electrical, mechanical, and disability access codes for San Francisco’s more than 200,000 buildings.

“On behalf of the Commission, we congratulate Interim Director O’Riordan and look forward to working closely with him—and with all DBI staff—as we move forward to continue to ensure that DBI’s talented and dedicated professional staff provide the outstanding public services required to keep the City’s buildings structurally safe,” said Angus McCarthy, President of the BIC.

“The Commission also conveys its gratitude to Deputy Director for Finance and Administration, Taras Madison, who has been serving as Acting Director, for her invaluable leadership during this extraordinary period when the San Francisco Public Health Director and the Mayor have issued a Public Health Order that attempts to reduce the numbers of COVID-19 virus infections by minimizing social contact. Taras has done an excellent job, and we are most appreciative for her leadership during these very challenging times,” Commission President McCarthy added.

Mayor Breed sent a letter on March 10^th to President McCarthy calling for the previous DBI Director, Tom Hui, to be removed from his position following a report from the City Attorney documenting a number of legal and ethical violations that had been committed. Hui submitted a letter of retirement on March 11^th. The City Attorney and the Controller are undergoing an independent investigation and will recommend reforms to the Department once their process is completed.

The BIC also announced it is commencing a nation-wide search, effective today, for the Department’s permanent Director. The search is expected to take several months, with the Commission providing periodic updates as details are available.

###