FBI Probing S.F. Building Inspectors

San Francisco Building Inspectors are the subject of an F.B.I. investigationfor alleged encouragement and taking of bribes and other illegal activity. Thebureau never offers affirmation or denial of investigations, but several S.F.residents report meeting with federal agents regarding problems they'veexperienced with inspectors who've demanded money for permit approval andfalsely represented a project as a repair job when it was actually athree-story addition. The Building Inspection Department categorically deniesany misdoings in general and the F.B.I. investigation specifically. Theinvestigation started when an inspector allegedly demanded money from a couplefor a building permit and asked it be a check made out to cash. After thecouple questioned the department, the check was returned uncashed.