Technical 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:
Recently Updated Technical Bulletins
- June 11, 2026| TB-BLDG 17-8 "Exemptions from Special Inspection for Minor Work"
- April 30, 2026| TB-17-1 "How to Become a Registered Special Inspector"
- March 4, 2026 | TB-ELEC-2-1 Equipment Requiring Servicing Receptacles in Group R-2 Occupancies
- February 25, 2026| TB-RESD-3-2 Exhaust System for Residential Occupancies of Non-Rated Construction
- February 25, 2026| TB-PLMB-7-1 ABS and PVC Drain, Waste and Vent Piping
- Nov. 4, 2025 | TB-BLDG-17-1 "How to Become a Registered Special Inspector"
- Oct. 7, 2025 | TB-BLDG-17-5 "Approval of Building Product Listing and Evaluation Agencies"
- Oct. 7, 2025| TB-BLDG-17-6 "Testing and Inspections for Proof of Compliance"
- Oct. 2, 2025| TB-BLDG-17-2 "Duties of Special Inspector, Approved Material Testing Laboratory, and Special Inspection Agency"
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
Equipment Requiring Servicing Receptacles in Group R-2 Occupancies
This Technical Bulletin provides guidance on the requirements for installing equipment requiring servicing receptacles in Group R-2 occupancies, such as multi-dwelling unit buildings.
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
Maintenance & Servicing of Earthquake Recording Instrumentation in Buildings
The purpose of this technical bulletin is to establish the maintenance and servicing requirements for the Earthquake Recording Instrumentation required by Appendix Chapter L of the California Building Code (adopted by Municipal Code Section 145.0107 (e)) or when required as a condition of approval when a non-linear response history procedure is used in the design of a high-rise building.
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