THE DEPARTMENT IS RESPONSIBLE FOR EXAMINING AND APPROVING PLANS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OR ALTERATION OF BUILDINGS WITHIN THE CITY LIMITS. THIS REPORT RELATES TO ABUSES IN THE DISCHARGE OF THAT RESPONSIBILITY WHICH LED TO A WIDESPREAD SYSTEM OF GRAFT IN THE DEPARTMENT'S OPERATION. THE INVESTIGATION WAS CONDUCTED BY A SPECIAL STAFF OVER A 10-MONTH PERIOD DURING 1960. FIFTY-ONE WITNESSES WERE EXAMINED ON THE RECORD, AND EXTENSIVE INFORMATION FROM THE DEPARTMENT WAS EVALUATED. THE PATTERN OF CORRUPTION WAS BASED ON THE PREMISE THAT FAIR SERVICE AND TREATMENT WOULD BE RENDERED FOR THOSE WHO PAID; APPLICANTS WHO DID NOT PAY WERE SUBJECTED TO DELAYS, 'LOST' FILES, OR HIGHLY TECHNICAL OBJECTIONS. CLERKS, PLAN EXAMINERS, MULTIPLE DWELLING EXAMINERS, AND PLUMBING INSPECTORS WERE INCLUDED AMONG THE MANY RECIPIENTS OF SUCH PAYMENTS. TESTIMONY REVEALED THAT THE PRACTICE OF ACCEPTING BRIBES WAS GENERALLY UNIFORM. INVESTIGATORS CONCLUDED THAT THE PLAN EXAMINING DIVISION WAS CORRUPT AT VIRTUALLY EVERY STAGE OF ITS OPERATIONS. FOUR MAJOR AREAS WERE IDENTIFIED IN WHICH ACTION SHOULD BE TAKEN TO ELIMINATE THESE ABUSES. AN ADEQUATE SUPPLY OF EXPERIENCED PERSONNEL IS ESSENTIAL. IN ADDITION, CHANGES SHOULD BE MADE IN PROCESSING PROCEDURES TO ELIMINATE UNNECESSARY DELAYS AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR ABUSE. A NEW APPROACH TO INTERPRETING THE BUILDING CODE AND UPDATING ITS PROVISIONS IS IMPORTANT. FINALLY, MORE EFFECTIVE POLICING SHOULD BE CONDUCTED BY RESPONSIBLE INVESTIGATING AGENCIES. TWO EXHIBITS ARE PROVIDED.