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Permits FAQs

When is a permit required, and what are the exemptions?  

There are several regulations covering construction work that are exempt from Building, Electrical, Plumbing, Mechanical, or Building Combination permits in the City of San Diego.

For more information, view When is a Permit Required?

When does a permit expire, and how do I get an extension?

A Building Permit expires if work is stopped, or the site is abandoned for 180 days after the project has started.

You may be able to extend your permit for up to 180 days if the Building Official determines that a circumstance beyond your control prevented you from finishing the work.

To request an extension, you must submit a "Request for Building & Demolition/Removal Permit Extension" (Form DS-117) at least one month before the permit is set to expire. 

Permit expiration and extension requirements are covered in §129.0216 through §129.0219 of the San Diego Municipal Code. Read about the procedural information in Information Bulletin 117.

How do I obtain a permit to build a residential addition?

Information Bulletin 140, “Residential Addition/Remodel”, explains how to apply for and get a permit for one-story additions and remodels to single-family homes and duplexes. The information and sample drawings listed in IB-140 guide are for reference only. For your project to be reviewed, you must submit specific construction plans. 

What are the requirements to get a permit for residential garage conversions?

Information Bulletin 142, Permitting Requirements for Residential Garage Conversions, explains the requirements for getting a permit to convert a garage in a single-family home or duplex into living space.

IB-142 highlights common issues you may encounter, which can help you determine if your planned conversion is feasible and does not apply to temporary conversions for real estate sales offices.

How do I obtain a permit for commercial tenant improvements (TI)?

Tenant improvements are defined as nonstructural interior alterations to an existing commercial or industrial space. A Building Permit with Plans is required for these types of projects. 

What is a Simple No Plan Mechanical, Plumbing, Electrical Permit (Simple MEP)?

A Simple Permit is a “No-plan” permit for minor Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing (MEP) work that does not require plan review by the City. The permit will be self-issued.

Simple MEPs are used for minor mechanical, plumbing, and electrical installations outside of historic districts or in non-historically designated properties only. See Information Bulletin 103 for a full list of work that qualifies for Simple MEP Permits. The following installations do not require plans but will require a permit when installed or replaced in single-family homes and duplex buildings:

  1. Mechanical
    Installation of forced air units (FAU) or air conditioner units (A/C), exhaust fans, and replacement of furnaces.
  2. Electrical
    Meter reset/reconnections, adding circuits, miscellaneous wiring (such as relocating electrical outlets or re-wiring), temporary power poles for construction sites, and electric vehicle charging stations for private garages. See Information Bulletin 103 for a full list of work that qualifies for Simple MEP Permits.
    • Circuit Breakers (15-400 amps)*
      *Circuit breakers exceeding 400 amps require a stand-alone electrical permit with building plans.
    • Conduit and Junction Box Only. The junction box is an electrical container that protects electrical wires at their splicing, tapping, and pulling points.  
  3. Plumbing
    See Information Bulletin 103 for a full list of work that qualifies for Simple MEP Permits. Examples of plumbing projects that qualify for Simple MEP Permits, include:
    • Water heater replacements (except tankless types)
    • Water or sewer piping repairs
    • Gas line repairs
    • Drain repair or replacement, including roof, deck, or area drains
    • Replacement or Repair of Wastewater/Sewer pipe, water softener installations, and Pressure-Reducing Valves (PRV) for domestic service. 

Exemptions

If mechanical, electrical, or plumbing work doesn’t qualify for a Simple Permit, applicants must apply for a corresponding Mechanical Permit, Electrical Permit, or Plumbing/Gas Permit. Review Information Bulletin 103 for a list of qualified and excluded projects for Simple No-Plan Permits.

Requirements

  1. A Simple Permit is issued when the work does not require any type of plan review. Plans and calculations will be required for all buildings and structures, such as multi-family residences, apartments, commercial and other non-residential properties, and all properties designated as historic or located in historic districts. See Information Bulletin 581 for more information about designated historical resources.
  2. Owner-Builders must also upload the Owner-Builder Verification Form (DS-3042).

Instructions

  1. Download detailed instructions on how to apply for a Simple Permit, pay invoices and schedule inspections.
  2. Licensed contractors will receive the permit as soon as they complete and submit the application and pay the invoice. Homeowners will generally receive their Simple MEP Permit within two business days after submitting the completed Owner-Builder Verification Form DS-3042. Once the invoice is paid and the permit is issued, an inspection can be scheduled.

Apply for a Simple Permit Now

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What is a  No-Plan Building Permit?

A No-plan Permit is not part of the Simple Permits outlined above, and is for work that does not need construction plans to be reviewed by the City before construction. Only legally approved, built, and inspected structures can receive No-Plan Building Permits. These permits can be obtained for projects such as kitchen or bathroom remodels, door or window replacements, re-stuccos, drywall or stair repairs, fireplace or siding replacements, and Final-Only Permits without submitting plans. 

Refer to Information Bulletin 203 for qualifications, exemptions, and more details. For a complete list of exempt projects, see San Diego Municipal Code §129.0203. 

This list includes typical residential permits that qualify for a No-Plan Building Permit.

  1. Door and Window Replacement
  2. Re-Stucco
  3. Damage Repair and Replacement In-kind(same size and specifications) of existing damaged structural framing members at the existing building. The existing structural framing system and life/safety must be sufficiently intact for verification by the City Inspector. Plans and calculations are required to repair pre-manufactured structural elements such as parallams, microlams and truss joints.
  4. Stair Stringers and Treads
  5. Prefabricated Fireplace
  6. Replacement of Siding Only
  7. Replacement of Siding with StuccoDrywall Repair/Replacement In-kind

Important Notes

  1. If an inspector deems the work too complex or cannot confirm eligibility, building plans will be required for a new permit. 

  2. A Historical Review may be needed even if the project meets the No-Plan Permit criteria.

  3. Reroofs do not qualify for No-Plan Permits, as most are exempt from permits. Plans are required for reroofing projects that require a permit. Refer to Information Bulletin 123-Renewal of Roof Covering.

 

What You Should Know

  1. Review the detailed instructions on how to apply for a Building Construction Permit.
  2. When asked if this application is for a No-Plan Building Permit, answer “yes.”
  3. Applicants will be required to upload a completed Form DS-6005 “No-Plan Building Permit” with the application.
  4. Licensed contractors will receive the permit as soon as they complete and submit the application and pay the invoice. Homeowners will receive their Simple Permit generally within two business days after the completed Owner-Builder Verification Form DS-3042 is submitted. An inspection can be scheduled once the invoice is paid and the permit is issued.
  5. After the project has been submitted, a virtual appointment can be scheduled to assist applicants in the submittal process.

Apply for a No-Plan Building Permit Now

Do I qualify for a no-plan review Solar Permit?

For single-family, duplex, or townhouse roof installations designed per the template in Information Bulletin (IB) 301, the permit will be self-issued with no-plan review, provided the following conditions are met:

  1. The system does not exceed more than 38.4 kW AC maximum output.
  2. Fire plan review is not required (see IB-301, Section F)
  3. Structural review is not required (see IB-301, Section II, C, 1).
  4. No work necessitates a Combination Building Permit, such as structural modifications to the roof structure or adding a new structure.

Additional Scope of Work Allowed

Along with the photovoltaic (PV) installation, the following work may be included:

  1. A panel upgrade of up to 320 amps.
  2. An energy storage system of up to 38.4 kWh, with each unit not exceeding 20 kWh.
  3. An Inverter-integrated electric vehicle (EV) charger.

What if my property is in a historic designated area or district?

If your property is a historical landmark, designated area or district, you must receive an additional review before you can make any changes to it. This applies even to small changes that wouldn't normally need a permit.

How do I obtain a permit for residential decks?

Information Bulletin 211, "Residential Decks," outlines the basic requirements for getting a Building Permit for an attached or detached deck on a single-family home or duplex. This bulletin does not apply if:

  • The deck is within five feet of a property line.
  • The deck will hold heavy items like a hot tub or equipment.

The information and sample drawings in this guide are for reference only. You must submit your own custom construction plans for your project to be reviewed.

Decks with unique designs or unusual framing must be designed by a licensed architect or civil engineer.

What are the permit instructions and procedures for building demolition?

A permit is required for the demolition/removal of all structures except those exempted per the Land Development Code. A Demolition Permit is required for the complete demolition of a structure, and if part of a structure will be demolished but not all, a Building Permit with plans will be required. Learn more.

How do I proceed with my code violation?

If an inspection finds a violation, the city will decide how to fix it. This could mean getting a ticket or a notice. Usually, the person responsible gets a chance to fix the problem on their own. If the problem isn't fixed by the deadline, the person responsible might face one or more of these consequences:

  1. The city fixes it: The city can hire someone to clean up or tear down things. The owner will have to pay the costs.
  2. Fines: You could be fined up to $10,000 per day, with a total fine of up to $400,000.
  3. Legal action: The city attorney can take you to court.

Can I reach Building & Land Use Enforcement (BLUE)?

Yes, by phone at 619-236-5500 if you have questions. After receiving a code violation, contact the BLUE zoning investigator listed if you have questions regarding the issued Notice of Violation. Additional information is available at sandiego.gov/BLUE to guide you through this process.

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