City Seal The City of San Diego
HomeContact the City
City Seal
City Seal Business City Hall Community Departments Information Leisure Services A-Z Visiting
San Diego Development Services Department
Develoment Services Department HomeConstruction Industry ProfessionalsSmall Business OwnersHome OwnersNews and UpdatesContact Us
Development Process: Step by Step  
Development Process Home1. Define Project2. Site Information3. Discretionary Review4. Plan Review5. Permits & Approvals6. Inspection7. Occupancy

Residential FAQs

What is Homeowners Saturday Service?
The City of San Diego has special hours just for homeowners, Saturday, from 8 to 11 a.m. Appointments are available for homeowners doing construction projects on their own residencies.

How do I obtain a permit to build a residential addition?
There are many minimum requirements for obtaining a permit for single-story room additions and accessory structures for single-dwelling unit or duplex residents. Read more (PDF: 138K).

What are the requirements to get a permit for residential garage conversions?
There are several requirements for obtaining a permit to convert a garage of a single-dwelling unit or duplex to habitable, or no parking, area. Read more (PDF: 117K).

How do I get a permit to install or remove a swimming pool or spa?
A permit is required for any swimming pool or spa to a one or two residential dwelling unit unless certain criteria are met. Read more (PDF: 80K).

What are the specifications for patio covers?
Patio covers are one-story structures not more than 12 feet above grade and used only for recreational, outdoor living purposes, and not as carports, garages, storage rooms or habitable rooms. Read more (PDF: 160K).

What are the strapping requirements for water heaters?
The State of California requires that all water heaters in our area be anchored or strapped to resist movement during an earthquake. Read more (PDF: 30K).

How do I obtain a permit for residential decks?
A building permit is required for any residential deck more than 30 inches above grade. Read more (PDF: 141K).

What are the minimum requirements for a retaining wall or level backfill?
Construction of retaining walls, except those less than three feet high and not supporting surcharge, requires a permit and is regulated by City of San Diego building codes. Read more (PDF: 120K).

What are the specifications for wood and masonry fences?
Construction of wood or masonry fences six feet or less in height and not supporting surcharge does not require a permit from the City of San Diego Development Services Department. Read more (PDF: 117K).

Can I build a second living unit?
To find out make an appointment with Development and Permit Information (DPI) at the Development Services Center, 1222 First Avenue, 3rd Floor. Walk-ins are welcome, but priority is given to those with appointments. Phone (619) 446-5300 to schedule your appointment.

Can I build a fence?
Refer to Specifications for Wood and Masonry Fences Information Bulletin 223 (PDF: 117K) then call (619) 446-5300 to set up an appointment with Development and Permit Information (DPI) counter at the Development Services Center, 1222 First Avenue, 3rd Floor. Walk-ins are welcome, but priority is given to those with appointments.


| Development Services Department Home | Development Process Home | 1. Define Project | 2. Site Information |
| 3. Discretionary Review | 4. Plan Review | 5. Permits & Approvals | 6. Inspection | 7. Occupancy |
Site Map Privacy Notice Disclaimers