CONNECT with the CityTechnical Bulletins
Technical Bulletins (TB) clarify the application and interpretation of code requirements, policies or procedures.
Updates to TBs
DSD continuously updates its publications to align with the latest building codes, construction practices, safety standards, design guidelines and regulatory changes. Here is a summary of the most recently updated TBs:
- October 7, 2025 | TB-BLDG-17-5 Approval of Building Product Listing and Evaluation Agencies
- October 7, 2025| TB-BLDG-17-6 Testing and Inspections for Proof of Compliance
- October 2, 2025| TB-BLDG-17-2 Duties of Special Inspector, Approved Material Testing Laboratory, and Special Inspection Agency
- September 18, 2025|TB-RESD-3-4 Sprinkler Requirements for Accessory Dwelling Units
- May 1, 2025|TB-RESD-5-1-Water Heaters
Technical Bulletin Search
Off-Site Fabrication of Building Components
This Information bulletin is to outline the procedures for acceptance of fabrication of building components where such fabrication is performed on the premises of a fabricator’s shop.
Revised
Occupancy Classification of a Building with Assembly Use
The purpose of this Technical Bulletin is to clarify the occupancy classifications of a building or portion thereof that has spaces used for assembly purposes.
Revised
Fire Sprinkler Requirements for Additions to Existing, Non-Sprinklered Dwellings
The purpose of this Technical Bulletin is to establish the City of San Diego’s interpretation for requiring fire sprinkler systems in additions and alterations to existing one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses that do not have an existing fire sprinkler system installed.
Revised
Impact Protection for Fire-Resistant Columns
The purpose of this Technical Bulletin is to describe acceptable methods of protecting the fire-resistive covering of columns that are subject to impact.
Revised
Requirements for Fire Alarm Control Panels
The purpose of this technical bulletin is to describe the requirements for fire alarm control panels (FACPs).
Revised
Duties of Special Inspector, Approved Material Testing Laboratory, and Special Inspection Agency
This technical bulletin establishes the duties and responsibilities of special inspectors who are registered by the City of San Diego (City) to perform special inspections as specified in Chapter 17 of the California Building Code (CBC).
Revised
Structural Welding of a Minor Nature
The purpose of this bulletin is to establish conditions under which welding of structural components would be considered minor nature, thus exempted from special inspection requirements.
Revised
Approval of Building Product Listing and Evaluation Agencies
The purpose of this technical bulletin is to outline the criteria for acceptance of products, materials, assemblies, and equipment specified for construction of buildings, as well as to outline criteria for recognizing listing agencies.
Revised
Testing and Inspections for Proof of Compliance
The purpose of this bulletin is to establish procedures to provide proof of compliance when there is evidence that any material or construction does not conform to the requirements of the California construction standard codes (the Codes).
Revised
Return Air Duct Through Garage/Dwelling Separations
This Technical Bulletin clarifies construction requirements for plenums used as return air for forced air units (FAUs). These requirements apply to air duct penetrations through the fire-rated wall separating a dwelling unit from a private garage.
Revised