If you need help getting started to plan, permit or build a project in the City of San Diego, the Development Services Department (DSD) is here to help. For detailed reviews and responses or for written determinations, DSD provides a Preliminary Review service. For more information on this service, please review Information Bulletin 513.
You can now book free virtual (online) or in-person counter appointments at the City Operations Building to get direct assistance from a DSD representative, who will be able to answer questions about the City of San Diego building and development requirements.
You can schedule a virtual counter appointment during normal business hours, choosing from available meeting times and services. All appointments are conducted using Microsoft Teams.
We look forward to serving you and using new tools and technology at #DigitalDSD, a proactive initiative to modernize all workplace systems and cost-effectively leverage technology to increase productivity and improve service delivery to customers.
Before your appointment, remember to:
These in-person appointments are for customers to make payments for DSD-generated invoices* and fees in person using:
To pay your invoice, select your permit below.
For construction changes, select the associated permit below.
*Payments with an "SAP Invoice Number" are not accepted here. These invoices can be paid with the City Treasurer. Learn more.
15 minutes
If your paper plans are ready for pick-up, staff will contact you to schedule a pickup time and date. Alternatively, if your digital plans are ready for pickup, please download them directly from the online permitting portal.
Records Review (In-Person Appointments)
These meetings are for customers who need to review archived building plans or records. Complete an online form to request an appointment.
When viewing records, you are not permitted to make copies, tracings, or take photographs or videos.
Appointments will be held on the 2nd Floor; facial coverings are recommended when in the facility.
Parking is available at Evan V. Jones Parkade for a fee.
30 minutes in-person at the City Operations Building
These meetings provide general information on planning and zoning regulations, including Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), development permit regulations, signs, and zoning regulations. This service provides clarification on specific regulations and is recommended before submitting permit applications.
Environmentally Sensitive Lands SB 9 – Multi-Dwelling Unit Development and Urban Lot Splits Signs – Commercial businesses and placesView specific zones, overlay zones and other property information. If you have questions about a specific project number, please contact the individual reviewer(s) directly.
15 minutes
For customers seeking information on or who have planning, zoning or development review questions about projects proposed within the Downtown Community Plan area only.
If you have questions about a specific project number, please contact the individual reviewer(s) directly.
15 minutes
For customers considering historic designations, preservation of a property, building or other structure, or need assistance with a potential historical issue.
Please book an appointment with Records Review (In-Person Appointments) to review archived building plans or records.
If you have questions about a specific project number, please contact the individual reviewer(s) directly.
30 minutes
Landscape and Brush Management
For general information related to the landscape and brush management regulations.
View property information to assist you with landscape and brush management evaluations. If you have questions about a specific project number, please contact the individual reviewer(s) directly.
30 minutes
Life Science Industry Pilot Program
The Life Science Industry Pilot Program provides dedicated resources and information to help the life science industry expand and succeed in San Diego. The services are designed to help the life science industry with its building permit needs, making it faster and easier to get permits, construct and obtain inspections.
45 minutes
Permit Issuance (For Projects Signed Off by All Reviewers.)
Permit Issuance: Building Permit - With Plans
The PRJ number may not be substituted after the appointment is scheduled. If the permit was issued prior to the Virtual Appointment, please remember to cancel the appointment. If your appointment is no longer required, staff will automatically cancel it.
Important Reminders
45 minutes
Permit Issuance: Building Permit - No Plan
The PRJ number may not be substituted after the appointment is scheduled. If the permit was issued prior to the Virtual Appointment, please remember to cancel the appointment. If your appointment is no longer required, staff will automatically cancel it.
30 minutes
Permit Issuance: Demolition Permit
The PRJ number may not be substituted after the appointment is scheduled. If the permit was issued prior to the Virtual Appointment, please remember to cancel the appointment. If your appointment is no longer required, staff will automatically cancel it.
30 minutes
Permit Issuance: Standalone Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing (MEP) Permits with Plans
The PRJ number may not be substituted after the appointment is scheduled. If the permit was issued prior to the Virtual Appointment, please remember to cancel the appointment. If your appointment is no longer required, staff will automatically cancel it.
Important Reminders
30 minutes
Permit Issuance: Sign Permit
The PRJ number may not be substituted after the appointment is scheduled. If the permit was issued prior to the Virtual Appointment, please remember to cancel the appointment. If your appointment is no longer required, staff will automatically cancel it.
30 minutes
Project Setup: Building Permit - With Plans
These meetings are for applicants who have a project number (PRJ-XXXXXX) for a Building Permit with plans for both submitted or Rapid Review processes.
The PRJ number may not be substituted after the appointment is scheduled. If your project was set up prior to the Virtual Appointment, please remember to cancel the appointment. If your appointment is no longer required, staff will automatically cancel it.
45 minutes
Project Setup: Building Permit - No Plan
These meetings are for applicants who have a project number (PRJ-XXXXX) for a Building Permit that does not require plans per Information Bulletin 203 for Completion of Work and/or Final Only.
The PRJ number may not be substituted after the appointment is scheduled. If your project was set up prior to the Virtual Appointment, please remember to cancel the appointment. If your appointment is no longer required, staff will automatically cancel it.
30 minutes
Project Setup: Demolition Permit
These meetings are for applicants who have a project number (PRJ-XXXXXX) for a Demolition Permit per Information Bulletin 710. Demolition/Removal Permit is required for complete demolition and/or removal of any structure, including the decommissioning of Wireless Communication Facilities.
The PRJ number may not be substituted after the appointment is scheduled. If your project was set up prior to the Virtual Appointment, please remember to cancel the appointment. If your appointment is no longer required, staff will automatically cancel it.
30 minutes
Project Setup: Standalone Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing (MEP) Permits with Plans
These meetings are for applicants who have a project number (PRJ-XXXXX) for a Standalone MEP that requires plans and review per Information Bulletin 103 and does not qualify for Simple Permit MEP.
The PRJ number may not be substituted after the appointment is scheduled. If your project was set up prior to the Virtual Appointment, please remember to cancel the appointment. If your appointment is no longer required, staff will automatically cancel it.
30 minutes
Project Setup: Sign Permit
These meetings are for applicants who have a project number (PRJ-XXXXXX) for a Sign Permit per Information Bulletin 111. The PRJ number may not be substituted after the appointment is scheduled.
The PRJ number may not be substituted after the appointment is scheduled. If your project was set up prior to the Virtual Appointment, please remember to cancel the appointment. If your appointment is no longer required, staff will automatically cancel it.
30 minutes
Right-of-Way/Engineering Permits
These meetings are for customers that need assistance with grading, drainage or public-improvement projects in the public right of way, including:
If you have questions about a specific project number, please contact the individual reviewer(s) directly.
30 minutes
Small Business and Restaurant Assistance Program
These meetings 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.
45 minutes
Structural Recheck – Individual Appointment
Schedule a structural recheck appointment when the structural reviewer for a project lists an appointment as the following review method. These meetings must be with the specific reviewer assigned to a project.
Important! Before Scheduling an Appointment:
45 minutes
Book a Structural Recheck Appointment Now
Is your structural reviewer booked-up?
Contact the reviewer or his/her supervisor.
Don't see your structural reviewer? Send us an email.
For customers who are planning to close traffic lanes, sidewalks, parking areas and parking meters; process traffic control and dumpster permits for construction; want to apply for a Temporary Outdoor Business Operations permit, or who have questions about traffic control in the City's right of way.
If you have questions about a specific project number, please contact the individual reviewer(s) directly.
30 minutes
Virtual Inspections (Single-Family, Duplex and Townhouse Project Types)
Virtual inspections, using the Microsoft Teams conferencing platform, are conducted with customers at the job site and a City inspector reviewing qualified single-family, duplex and townhouse project types listed below remotely.
30 minutes
