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Development Services

Fast Track Your Permit

The following processing opportunities are provided in the Development Services Department to allow for quicker processing of eligible projects. Please visit the links for more information regarding program eligibility, timeframes, and costs:

  • complete communities now logo

    Complete Communities Now provides a streamlined, 30-day review for qualifying housing projects that process ministerial permits under the Complete Communities Housing Solutions program. Learn more about Complete Communities Now program

  • affordable housing permit now logo

    Affordable Housing Permit Now provides a streamlined ministerial permit process for eligible 100% affordable housing projects and emergency shelters. Learn more about the Affordable Housing Permit Now program

  • An affordable housing building

    The Affordable, Infill Housing and Sustainable Buildings Expedite Program provides expedited discretionary and ministerial permit processing for eligible affordable, in-fill housing and sustainable development permits and building projects. Learn more about the Expedite Program

  • express plan check logo depicting a fast clock

    Express Plan Check is available for most projects and disciplines for additional fees. The Express Plan Check fee includes up to two rechecks. Eligibility is based on project type. Some projects may also qualify for special processing, such as 100% Affordable Housing and Emergency Shelter projects. Learn more about Express Plan Check

  • rapid review logo

    Rapid Review, formerly known as Over-the-Counter review, is determined at the time of submittal based on the proposed scope of the project. Eligible projects are those that are minor in scope. If a project is determined to be eligible, DSD staff automatically places the project into Rapid Review. There is no added cost for Rapid Review. Learn more about Rapid Review

  • Life Science Industry Accelerator

    The Life Science Industry Accelerator provides dedicated resources and information to help the life science industry with its building permit needs, making it faster and easier to get permits, construct, and obtain inspections. Learn more about the Life Science Industry Accelerator

  • logo for Small Business and Restaurant Assistance

    These services are designed to help qualified small businesses and restaurants with their planning and permitting needs, making it faster and easier to get the permitting, construction and inspection help they need for a speedy recovery, startup or expansion. Learn more about the Small Business and Restaurant Assistance Program

  • logo for Small Business and Restaurant Assistance

    This Information Bulletin establishes the procedure for the type of work that is eligible to obtain a building permit without a plan review for conformance with current building codes. Please note that only buildings and structures that have been legally permitted, constructed and passed final inspections are allowed to obtain No-Plan Building Permits. Learn more.

  • logo for Small Business and Restaurant Assistance

    Development Services Department (DSD) Professional Certification process allows eligible professionals to certify that their discretionary project application package meets the minimum development permit/approval submittal requirements. The intent of this program is to reduce the processing timeline for the intake of new applications for a development permit or policy approval. This certification applies to all discretionary actions pursuant to the San Diego Municipal Code related to Processes 2 through 5. Learn more.