53°

San Diego
Weather

Accessibility Tools

  Turn audio/vision assist on/off
| Contrast: Default / High
|   More Info

Search form

  • Check if your spelling is correct, or try removing filters.
  • Remove quotes around phrases to match each word individually: "blue drop" will match less than blue drop.
  • You can require or exclude terms using + and -: big +blue drop will require a match on blue while big blue -drop will exclude results that contain drop.
Menu

Development Services

Permit Processing Timeline

From Application to Issuance of a Permit

Stopwatch icon overlayed on blueprints

The City of San Diego Development Services Department (DSD) is committed to processing applications for permits as expeditiously as possible. The timeline below provides a weekly snapshot of the approximate days for applications to be set up, review and issuance of a permit. Check back weekly for updates.

  • Intake: This is the queue time it takes to process applications from the first upload to the pre-screen phase. 
  • Review: This is the time from the start to the finish of the project review.  
  • Permit Issuance: This is the queue time after the project has been reviewed, a request to obtain a permit is received, and the time it takes for staff to verify that all requirements have been met.  

The timelines below are weekly estimates. The actual length of time to process applications will vary depending on the number of applications received and the completeness of the documents submitted. Faster Intake and Issuance options are likely available! Please consider using our Virtual Appointment options.

 

Intake

This is the queue time to process applications from the first upload to the pre-screen phase. 

Permit or Application Approximate Calendar Days Currently Processing
Building Permit

5

Current
Building Permit Rapid Review

5

Current
Building Construction Change - (Hybrid Process PTS/Accela)

5

Current
Building Construction Change

5

Current
Demo, Stand Alone Mechanical, Plumbing and Electrical Permits 

5

Current
Discretionary Projects 4

 Current
Grading, Public Improvement, Mapping

5

Current
Sign Permit

5

Current

The data is current as of March 24, 2023, at 3 p.m.

Review

 If the table below initially does not display properly, click on the "Fit to Page" button located on the bottom right side of the table.

 

The data is presented in calendar days and reflects data from the day prior.

*Within the last 30 days, reviews have not been completed.  

1 First Reviews represent the average number of days it takes to initially review a project after it has been deemed complete. Projects are deemed complete once the project set-up fees have been paid. 

2 Rechecks represent the average number of days to review a resubmittal. The recheck review begins after all requested documents listed on the Required Submittal report have been uploaded.

Permit Issuance

This is the queue time after the project has been reviewed, a request to obtain a permit is received, and the time it takes for staff to verify that all requirements have been met.

Permit or Application Approximate Calendar Days Currently Processing

Building Permit

8

1st Week of March

Building Permit Rapid Review

11

Current

Building Permit & Construction Change - (Hybrid Process PTS/Accela)

9

Current
Building Construction Change

5

Current

Demo, Stand Alone Mechanical, Plumbing and Electrical Permits 

5

Current
Grading, Public Improvement

5

Current

Sign Permit

5

Current 

The data is current as of March 24, 2023, at p.m.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is there a wait time for new project applications and permit issuance?

DSD receives a high volume of new project applications and re-submittals, averaging each month:

  • More than 1,000 permit applications in the Intake phase of the process.
  • More than 2,000 in review and 100 in issuance.

This volume, coupled with staffing shortages, the time needed to train new employees and other factors, causes delays.  For example, during new project application intake, many new applications do not meet basic requirements under the online application system, meaning staff needs to request customer corrections and updates. When that occurs, and an application needs to be resubmitted, it means staff must review it again. This impacts the project setup (Intake) times for all customers.

What is DSD doing about these timelines?

DSD online permitting is designed to provide faster service for customers by reducing the time it takes to submit new applications, resubmittals and obtain permits. The current timelines are not satisfactory to our customers, management and staff. To help address the queue times, DSD is implementing the following measures: 

  • Ramping up recruiting and hiring quickly to fill permanent positions.
  • Authorizing overtime and reassigning staff to help with permit issuance.
  • Hiring a contractor to provide temporary help to reduce the backlog. 
  • Automating and digitizing processes where feasible and streamlining operations.
  • Requesting additional positions in the upcoming City budget.

How can you help? 

To help speed up the new project application intake, review, and permit issuance, we ask customers to use City resources to ensure applications and project packages contain complete information. An example is making sure applications meet the current application requirements outlined in the Submittal Manual before uploading. The online system helps to pre-screen that the minimum required files are uploaded. However, DSD staff are also required to review the documents for completeness. 

Here are the top ways you can help reduce intake times:

  1. Ensure your PDF icon Building Construction Plans are oriented in landscape and sheet numbers are at the bottom right.
  2. Check and download the most current forms.
  3. Review Information Bulletins, Technical Bulletins and the Project Submittal Manual.
  4. If your building is over 45 years old, submit the Assessor Building Record and photographic survey.
  5. View training videos or attend a webinar on how to apply online.
  6. After you submit and receive a PRJ number, book a Virtual Appointment for a new project setup.

Similarly, the permit issuance step requires staff to check your project for completeness. Often, staff finds that required documents or information are missing. To help speed up this phase, please ensure you have provided accurate and complete information, such as your inspection contact. Review the other PDF icon requirements to avoid unnecessary delays. You can also book a Virtual Appointment to have staff help you through this phase.

Please use these tips so we can help you obtain your permit and get you going on your project!