Fast Track Your Permit
The following processing opportunities are provided by the Development Services Department to expedite the processing of eligible projects. Please visit the links for more information regarding program eligibility, timeframes, and costs:
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 provides a streamlined ministerial permit process for eligible 100% affordable housing projects and emergency shelters. Learn more. about the Affordable Housing Permit Now program
The Affordable, Infill Housing and Sustainable Buildings Expedite Program provides expedited processing of discretionary and ministerial permits for eligible affordable, in-fill housing and sustainable development projects. Learn more. about the Expedite Program
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, 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
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
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
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.
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.