"Affordable Housing Permit Now" Program

Executive Order Provides Special Permit Processing for 100% Affordable Housing and Shelter Projects

In the City of San Diego, there are not enough homes available for individuals and families who live on modest or low incomes: demand is significantly higher than supply. On Jan. 11, 2023, Mayor Todd Gloria issued an Executive Order directing City staff to take special action on this challenging housing issue.

The Development Services Department (DSD) has a role in the process of constructing these homes: DSD is responsible for reviewing a project’s application and issuing permits for construction if the proposal meets code requirements, as well as checking on the project to make sure the builder follows those requirements during construction.

To help encourage affordable housing projects, DSD created a program designed to provide greater speed and efficiency in permitting and provide enhanced customer service to applicants seeking to build affordable homes. The program provides strict timelines for review and approval of eligible projects and includes a process designed for clear communication and effective coordination between applicant and City representatives.

For additional details on the Executive Order and the features of the Affordable Housing Permit Now program, please refer to the information on this page and in Information Bulletin 195.

DSD welcomes the opportunity to play a role in helping developers bring more affordable homes to the city!

View Information Bulletin 195: Affordable Housing Permit Now Program

Projects that include concurrent processing, phases, easements and/or street vacations, or Tentative Map Exemptions are not eligible for the Permit Now Program.

Processing Guidelines

The Permit Now program establishes firm review and approval timelines for eligible engineering and building permits, supported by clear communication and effective coordination between applicants and dedicated project managers.

Projects participating in the program will follow the initial steps outlined below:

Step 1

Applicants applying for 100% affordable housing or emergency shelter projects--including those proposing Type IV construction, Factory-Built Housing, or seeking State funding--are strongly encouraged to schedule a 30-minute consultation at least six months before requesting the required eligibility meeting. This consultation will review project scheduling, prerequisites, permitting requirements, and outline the next steps.

To schedule, please email DSDMinisterialPM@sandiego.gov.

Step 2

Applicant must email DSDMinisterialPM@sandiego.gov to request that the building and engineering permits be processed through the Permit Now program.

Step 3

City staff will complete the first review within 30 business days or fewer. There will be similar expectations for applicants to meet established timelines.

Step 4

Collaborative review meetings begin at the second resubmittal and are facilitated by the assigned project managers. During these meetings, applicants work with reviewers in real time to resolve comments and keep the process moving efficiently.

Step 5

Once the project receives signoff from City reviewers, all fees must be paid to issue the project permit(s).

View the March 2026 3-Year Progress Report

Completed Projects

As of July 2026, a total of 26 projects have been completed through the Executive Order "Affordable Housing Permit Now" Program. Additional information about each completed project can be found in the slideshow below.