Building Permit Issuance

Construction permits are issued once the project application has been reviewed and signed off by all the required review disciplines. All projects will be automatically placed into a permit issuance queue for staff to conduct pre-permit issuance reviews. During pre-permit issuance, the applicant will receive an email if additional documents are required. Customers are encouraged to schedule a Virtual Appointment to expedite permit issuance. 

Issuance Requirements

Visit the Development Services Department (DSD) online permitting portal and log in to your account to submit the required issuance documents requested by permit issuance staff. Review the User Guide for detailed instructions on submitting documents electronically.

Required Documents

1. Project Contact Information (DS-345) 
   Required for all projects.
2. Owner-Builder Verification (DS-3042) (Required if the permit will be issued to the owner-builder.)
   The form must be notarized if the property owner is not present to provide proof of identity. 
3. San Diego Regional Hazardous Materials Questionnaire (HM-9171). 
   Required for all non-residential projects, all residential multi-family buildings with four or more dwelling units per building and all residential projects where the property contains more than one detached residential building (excluding garages and small outbuildings not used as dwelling units).
4. Waste Management Form (ES-008) 
   If applicable, the Waste Management Form must be submitted to the Environmental Services Department PRIOR to permit issuance.
5. Proof of Water and Sewer Payment
   Review Information Bulletin 501 for applicability.
6. Proof of School Fee Payment
   Review Information Bulletin 146 for applicability.

Fees 

1. Outstanding Plan Check Fees
   Any outstanding plan check fees must be paid prior to uploading the requested Issuance Checklist Items shown on the attachment for permit issuance.
2. Inspection Fees
   Inspection fees will be invoiced at the time of permit issuance and must be paid before construction starts.
3. Water & Sewer Fees
   If applicable, proof of water and sewer payment will be required before permit issuance. See Information Bulletin 501 for more information.
4. School Fees
   Please contact the applicable school district(s) directly to pay a school fee and obtain a Certificate of Compliance. See Information Bulletin 146 for more information.
5. Development Impact Fees (DIF)  
   These fees are part of land development within the City of San Diego and are paid at building permit issuance. Learn more.

For any additional inspection fees, refer to Information Bulletin 501.

Fee Reminders

1. Water and Sewer Invoices
   Water and sewer invoices must be paid in person with a scheduled Payments appointment. The water and sewer invoice must reflect the same date as the appointment. Invoices without the correct date will require staff to generate a new invoice, which may exceed the 15-minute appointment time. When this occurs, customers will be required to wait in the lobby until a new invoice is generated and the corresponding payment is processed. 
2. DIF Fees 
   DIF payments must be made in person with a check, money order, or cashier's check made out to the “City Treasurer.”    

Payment Methods

1. Online Payments: 
   Customers are encouraged to make online payments by e-check or credit card. Bank and processing fees apply. There are no minimum or maximum credit card transaction amounts when making payments online.
2. Onsite Payments: 
   • Customers can request a Payments appointment to make credit card or check payments in person at the Mission Valley location. 
   • With in-person payments, the minimum credit card transaction amount is $10, and the maximum is $99,999.99.
   • Payments with an "SAP Invoice Number" are not accepted here. Instead, these invoices can be paid with the City Treasurer. Learn more.

Previous Versions

This section contains previous versions of this Information Bulletin by the last day they were effective.

• 2026-04-30 | IB-153