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List of Reviewing Disciplines for Ministerial Plan Reviews

Combination Review

Reviews building plans for conformance with applicable building codes for building, electrical, mechanical/plumbing permits; representing various disciplines such as zoning, water, sewer, planning, and some structural items (if conventionally framed).

Drainage and Grades

The lead reviewer for all grading and public improvement plans submitted for engineering permits. The Drainage and Grades section ensures conformance with standards and regulations, the City of San Diego & Regional Standard Drawings, the Municipal Code, and the Land Development Manual-Storm Water Standards (PDF), Drainage Design Manual. In addition to grading and improvement plans, this discipline reviews estimates, agreements, drainage studies, storm water quality reports, etc. and ensures all associated discipline sign-offs and requests final document preparation for review and delivery to the Deputy City Engineer for final signature.

Electrical

Review of your building’s electrical systems, starting at the utility company’s (SDG&E) meter and ends at the point of use, including other related systems such as the indoor and outdoor lighting systems. The focus of the electrical plan review is compliance with codes and regulations, such as Municipal Code, as related to electrical and lighting systems; the California Electrical Code; and State of California Title 24 Energy Efficiency Standards

Engineering Building Review

Reviews building plans for building permits to determine if grading or right-of-way permits are required.

Environmental

Reviews maps, grading, and improvement plans to determine conformance with CEQA, and with the MMRP conditions of approval in previously approved discretionary actions.

Facilities Financing

Reviews maps to identify any fees due in conformance with the approved public facilities financing plan of the subject community.

Fire

Reviews building and improvement plans regarding hazardous materials storage, fire sprinkler systems, alarms, fire hydrant locations, access, smoke control regulations, and for compliance with the California Fire Code.

Geology

Reviews building, grading, and improvement plans and mapping projects for compliance with the geologic and geotechnical regulations and standards of the California Building Code, the Land Development Code, and the State of California. This discipline reviews any required geotechnical reports.

Historic Resources

Historical Resources Board staff determines whether the proposed building modifications to designated or potentially historical sites are in compliance with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards.

Landscape Plan Review

Reviews building, grading, and public improvement plans for compliance with the Land Development Manual: Landscape Standards, the Land Development Code: Landscape Regulations and with any conditions of approval in previously approved discretionary land use permits and/or tentative maps. Reviewers review mapping actions which include mapped brush management zones and landscape easements.

Map Check

Lead reviewers for mapping actions (parcel maps, final maps, dedication drawings, easement grants, etc.) to ensure conformance with City and State regulations and with any conditions of approval in previously approved land use permits, tentative maps, public right-of-way vacations, and easement abandonments. They also check public improvement plans for new monuments.

Mechanical

Reviews the mechanical systems of buildings, including heating ventilation and air conditioning, plumbing and other related systems, to ensure compliance with codes and regulations such as City of San Diego Municipal Code, as related to mechanical and plumbing systems; the California Mechanical Code; the California Plumbing Code and State of California Title 24 Energy Efficiency Standards.

Multiple Species Conservation Program (MSCP)

Reviewers check maps, grading and public improvement plans for projects located within a designated MSCP area to ensure compliance with the program.

Noise

Reviews building plans for compliance with Appendix Chapter 1208A of the California Building Code (Title 24), and local Airport Environs Overlay Zones (AEOZ) (PDF) to ensure the project meets the Title 24 noise transmission control requirements.

Park & Recreation

Reviews all maps, grading and public improvement plans impacting open space and/or parks to ensure conformance with City and State regulations and with any conditions of approval in previously approved land use permits or tentative maps, such as open space dedications.

Planning Review

This discipline reviews building and public improvement plans, and maps for conformance with the underlying zone regarding use, building set backs, floor area ratios, lot size, etc., as well as any conditions of approval in previously approved discretionary land use permits.

Real Estate Assets Acquisitions

Reviews maps to determine any monies due the City for vacated or abandoned public rights-of-way and easements.

Solid Waste Local Enforcement

Reviews revision to an existing landfill, a new or expanded transfer facility, or a new composting operation and development projects impacted by an existing solid waste facility.

Structural

Review building and retaining wall plans for compliance with the Municipal Code and the 2001 California Building Code, and other related codes and standards. They check means of egress, disabled accessibility, occupancy classification, type of construction, allowable areas, fire resistive construction, structural systems and design regulations, including any required structural calculations.

Traffic Safety

Reviews all public improvement plans for work within the public right-of-way to ensure conformance with City, State and Federal regulations regarding traffic flow, pedestrian access, street lights, and traffic signals. This section also administers and issues traffic control plan/permit (Form Filler).

Treasurer-Special Assessments

Reviews maps to identify any outstanding fees due in accordance with approved assessment districts.

Wastewater Review

Reviews sewer studies, grading and public improvement plans for conformance to current standards and practices regarding both public and private sewer systems and with any conditions of approval in previously approved discretionary actions on the subject site.

Water Review

Reviews all water studies, grading and public improvement plans for conformance to current standards and practices regarding public water systems and with any conditions of approval in previously approved discretionary actions on the site.