Public Works: Accelerating Development with IDP
This program will provide an overview of the Bureau of Infrastructure & Development Permitting (IDP) and its critical role in advancing housing production, public infrastructure, and major development projects throughout San Francisco. As the City's technical hub for Development Agreement projects and key housing initiatives, IDP helps streamline permitting, coordinate agency reviews, and accelerate project delivery in support of San Francisco's goal of creating 82,000 new homes over the next eight years.
The presentation will explore how IDP manages the coordination, permitting, delivery, and acceptance of public infrastructure associated with major development projects, while facilitating collaboration among City agencies, developers, consultants, and other stakeholders. Attendees will gain insight into IDP's role in resolving interagency challenges, expediting project approvals, and overseeing developer-funded public improvements that impact the public right-of-way.
Following the presentation, IDP leadership and staff will participate in a moderated discussion and Q&A session focused on permitting coordination, infrastructure delivery, development review processes, and common challenges faced by architects, planners, and project teams. The session is designed to provide practitioners with a deeper understanding of how IDP supports citywide development efforts while creating an opportunity for direct dialogue and feedback between industry professionals and City staff.
Amanda Johnson, Strategic Programs Manager, City and County of San Francisco — Presentation / portal walkthrough
Annie Yalon, Deputy Director of Policy and Communications, San Francisco Public Works — Discussion participant / DPW coordination
DPW Permit Managers — Q&A / discussion participants
Howard Blecher, AIA, NCARB, AIASF Small Firms KC Chair — Host / opening and closing remarks
9:00am: Doors Open
9:30am: Welcome/Opening Remarks
9:40am-10:10am: Public Works Permits Portal presentation / demo
10:10am-10:30am: Discussion and Q&A with DPW permit managers
10:30am-10:35am: Closing remarks
1 LU - Approved
After attending this program, participants will be able to:
- Describe the permit types and applicant processes currently included in Phase 1 of the San Francisco Public Works Permits Portal.
- Identify key changes to the over-the-counter permitting workflow, including account setup, fee payment, queueing, and print center steps.
- Explain how the revised portal and related DPW permitting processes affect project coordination and day-to-day permitting practice for architects and related practitioners.
- Summarize common practitioner questions and process issues that may inform future portal development and broader permitting improvements.
Thanks to PPAC's Gold Sponsor
Support PPAC's Efforts
Help PPAC strengthen the constituency for progressive design action in the Bay Area through direct engagement with neighborhood, advocacy, political, regulatory, and legislative bodies, and to advocate for architecture as a force for positive change.