What You Should Know
Depending upon the scope of your project, you will be required to select from the following list of building permit record types:
- Building Construction – General for general building construction
- Combination Building – Single Dwelling Units, ADUs and Duplexes
- Building – All other buildings (multi-dwelling, commercial, industrial, all others)
- Building Construction Master Plan – for
Phased Developments and/or
Master Plan Establishment for Accessory Structures. NOTE: Accessory structures such as pools and stairs using the established/approved master plan drawings shall apply for the Building Construction – General permit category.
- Building Construction CIP – for Capital Improvements Program Projects
Other building permit review services available include Construction Changes, Deferred Submittals and
Deferred Fire Submittals.
Building Permit Submittal Requirements
A Building permit is required to construct any new structure or improve existing buildings and other structures. Learn about submitting for a building permit by reviewing the
Guide to Project Submittal Process, Section 1.
- Your building construction plans, Calculations, and, as required, Geotechnical Report must be submitted as outlined by facility type:
- Your project may require a historic review to determine conformance with the
historic resources regulations if your project is:
- On a site containing a structure of 45 years or more.
- Designated historic.
- In a historic district.
Learn more about
Designated Historical Resource Reviews and
Potential Historical Resource Reviews.
Most historic reviews will be required to submit a photographic survey and a building record from the Offices of the County Assessor, Recorder and Tax Collector. Learn more about requesting the building records.
Quicker Processing Opportunities
The following processing opportunities are provided to allow for quicker processing for eligible projects.
- Rapid Review (formerly Over-the-Counter) is available for more simple projects at no additional cost.
- Express is available for most disciplines upon payment of an Express Plan Check administrative fee plus 1.5 times the regular plan check fee.
- Expedite is available based on affordable and in-fill housing or sustainable buildings.
AB 2234 is for processing as a Postentitlement Phase Permits Housing Project. Customers must select this option at the time of application and include a completed
DS-4107 Eligibility Declaration.
Fees
Plan review, development impact fees, water and sewer, school and inspection fees vary based on the type of building construction project. Please review
Information Bulletin 501 for more information.
Exemptions
Review the list of projects in
San Diego Municipal Code §129.0203 that are exempt from a Building Permit.
Inspections
Inspections are required for all building construction projects and occur during different phases of construction. Please review
Information Bulletin 120 for more information.
Compliant Outdoor Expansion