​​This Information Bulletin (IB) describes the optional service of a Public Project Assessment (PPA) offered by the Development Services Department (DSD). The goal is to give the data needed to make informed decisions regarding the feasibility of a project and/or how to proceed with a formal submittal. This service helps public project applicants with a variety of services, namely:​ 
 

PPA Process

Do not submit a PPA application if you already know you need a development permit/approval or a substantial conformance review (SCR) for a previously-approved development permit/approval. application. Instead, complete and submit the appropriate online application identified in the Project Submittal Manual. Please visit the Public Projects Program website for additional information or email DSDPublicProjects@SanDiego.gov with any questions not addressed in this bulletin. 

After the PPA application package is submitted for completeness review and deemed complete, a Development Project Manager (DPM) from the DSD Project Management Division will be assigned to the project.  The application will be distributed to the appropriate reviewing disciplines. When the review is completed, the DPM will coordinate written responses to the project-specific issues and forward them to the contact person identified on the application. As appropriate to the request, the response will generally include a Project Issues Report, confirmation whether a development permit/approval is required and may provide an environmental determination.

PPA Options

The PPA process can assist with evaluating project feasibility by determining whether a development permit/approval is required, establishing consistency with final environmental documents or providing a stand-alone environmental determination.

1. Option A: When a development permit/approval is required, the written response will describe how to complete a separate formal application for a development permit/approval and preparation of the associated environmental document. PPAs falling within Categories one or two in the table above would pursue Option A.
2. Option B: When a public project does not require a City development permit/approval, it can still be subject to environmental review pursuant to SDMC §128.0202. This review will include the requirements for the next submittal and any additional information or studies needed to prepare a required environmental document. PPAs falling within Categories three or four in the table above would pursue Option B. 

Submittal Requirements 

All forms, documents and applications must be submitted online. Visit the Development Services Department Discretionary Permit webpage to create an account and begin the submittal process. A detailed User Guide is also available.  

Provide the following information with your submittal: 

1. Public Project Memo
   • Location (APN, street address or hundred block, or general description).
   • Background (existing uses, council district, community plan area, overlay zones, etc.).
   • Prior Approvals (if any).
   • Scope of Work (Access, staging, methods, grading quantities).
   • Potential Impacts to Environmentally Sensitive Lands (ESL).
   • Issues with Funding, Grants, NEPA, deadlines to be considered.
   • Real estate actions (Easements or Public Right-of-Way vacations).
2. Development Permit Exhibit (conceptual only).
3. Photographic Survey w/Key Map 

Each document will be uploaded individually; do not combine documents. The applicant should email DSDPublicProjects@SanDiego.gov confirming all documents have been submitted and the portal closed for uploading. DSD staff will review the uploaded documents to see if they meet the minimum submittal requirements and are ready for distribution to the specified discipline reviews.  

Fees

Before the PPA application is distributed for review, the applicant must ensure a deposit account, an Internal Order (SAP), or WBS account number and fund number is opened to Development Services (1611), Planning (1619), Water (2000) and Wastewater (2000). 

A Deposit Account/Financially Responsible Party form, DS-3242, will be required to open a deposit account with an initial deposit of $5,000.00. Additional administrative fees or deposits may be required for the environmental review when an environmental determination is made, and an environmental document is prepared. These fees are described in IB-503 .

CEQA Environmental Document Filing Fees for CDFW and SD County Filing Fees are due when a Notice of Determination is filed with the County Clerk’s office (local lead agency) or with the State Clearinghouse (state lead agency). 

Information Resources

Previous Versions of this Information Bulletin

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

• 2025-05-02 | IB-510