CONNECT with the CityBook a Virtual or In-Person Appointment
The Development Services Department is here to help you get started planning, permitting, or building a project in the City of San Diego.
For detailed reviews and responses, or written determinations, DSD provides a Preliminary Review service. For more information about this service, please review Information Bulletin 513.
Book an appointment for an in-person or virtual service below.
When booking a virtual or in-person counter appointment:
Make sure your project is within the City of San Diego.
Email addresses ending in “.net” (such as cox.net or sbcglobal.net) may block the system-generated appointment confirmation email. To ensure delivery of the confirmation email, use an email address that ends with ".com.”
Virtual meetings are for informational purposes and may not be recorded or transcribed without the authorization of the Development Services Department.
Prepare for a Virtual Meeting
Before your appointment, remember:
- To have a computer, tablet, or smartphone with internet access.
- To familiarize yourself with Microsoft Teams, the program used to conduct virtual counter appointments. Download Microsoft Teams
- The use of webcams during the virtual counter appointment is optional.
- During the virtual counter appointment, DSD representatives can share their computer screens.
- To be prepared to share your computer screen and electronic project documents in Microsoft Teams.
- You will not be able to email files before, during, or after meetings.
- To plan and organize for your virtual counter appointment, have an agenda, and prepare all your questions in advance.
Appointment Types
In-Person Services
Customers can drop checks, cashier checks, and money order payments into the drop-off safe located on the first-floor lobby of the downtown Development Services Center during business hours. All payments must be made out to the “City Treasurer.”
These in-person appointments are for customers to make payments for DSD-generated invoices* and fees in person using:
- Checks.
- Cashier checks.
- Money orders.
- Credit cards. Accepted credit card payments include Mastercard, Discover, American Express and Visa.
- Cash
Disclaimers
To pay your invoice, select your permit below.
For construction changes, select the associated permit below.
- Building
- Demolition
- Engineering
- Fire - Alarms, Kitchen Hoods, Suppression Systems, Underground Fire Services
- News Rack
- Plan (required) Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing
- Preliminary Review
- Residential Rooftop-Mounted Solar Photovoltaic (PV)
- Signs
- Simple (No-plan) Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing
- Traffic Control
- Transportation
- Max Number of Invoices per Appointment
Appointments are limited to a max of three invoices per 15-minute appointment slot. If you have additional invoices, please schedule another consecutive appointment. For more than 20 invoices, you may be referred to the online payment portal. - Water and Sewer Invoices
Water and sewer invoices must reflect the same date as the appointment. Invoices without the correct date will require staff to generate a new invoice, which may exceed the 15-minute appointment time. When this occurs, customers will be required to wait in the lobby until a new invoice is generated and the corresponding payment is processed. - Credit Card Transactions
With in-person payments, the minimum credit card transaction amount is $10, and the maximum is $99,999.99. However, there are no minimum or maximum credit card transaction amounts when making payments online. - Development Impact Fees (DIF)
In-person payments of DIF must be paid with a check, money order or a cashier's check made out to “City Treasurer.”
*Payments with an "SAP Invoice Number" are not accepted here. These invoices can be paid with the City Treasurer. Learn more.
15 minutes
Self-Service Workstations for DSD Online Services
These customer stations offer convenient self-service access for customers who do not have computers or internet access. Use of these stations is limited to the following:
- Creating an online permitting account.
- Applying for permits.
- Upload plans or documents.
- Submitting investigation requests to the Building and Land Use Enforcement Division.
- Making online payments for DSD invoices.
- Scheduling inspections.
- Researching zoning information online, among other online-related services and features.
While the stations are primarily designed for self-service, limited assistance is available for users who may require additional support.
1 hour
Records Review (In-Person Appointments)
The high demand for Records Appointments is extending the availability of appointments out several weeks. Please plan accordingly.
These meetings are for customers who need to review archived building plans or records.
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
Virtual Services
All online appointments are conducted using Microsoft Teams. Download and install it before your virtual appointment.
Virtual meetings are for informational purposes and may not be recorded or transcribed without the authorization of the Development Services Department.
This service provides a high-level overview of planning and zoning regulations, including Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), development permit regulations, signs, and zoning regulations. It is recommended to familiarize yourself with your specific topic area before your virtual appointment. Common topics covered during these meetings, include:
- ADUs and Junior ADUs
- Affordable Housing
- Coastal Overlay Zone development
- Complete Communities: Housing Solutions
- Discretionary Permits and Approvals
- Environmentally Sensitive Lands
- SB 9 – Multi-Dwelling Unit Development and Urban Lot Splits
- Signs – Commercial businesses and places
- Zoning – Base Zone Development and Use Regulations.
Agents will be unable to provide design assistance or project reviews typically provided by a design professional. For written determinations regarding project-specific questions, DSD offers a Preliminary Review service. This flat fee-based service is not a comprehensive plan review, and does not replace services provided by design professionals (architects, engineers, land use attorneys, code consultants, etc.). It is designed to answer specific project questions only. For more information about this service, please review Information Bulletin 513.
View 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
All online appointments are conducted using Microsoft Teams. Download and install it before your virtual appointment.
Virtual appointments are a service that is provided for project applicants and prospective applicants to address specific project-related questions related to planning, zoning, or development review on sites located within the Downtown Community Plan area only.
For more information please visit the Downtown Development webpage.
If you have questions about a specific project number, please contact the individual reviewer(s) directly.
15 minutes
All online appointments are conducted using Microsoft Teams. Download and install it before your virtual appointment.
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
All online appointments are conducted using Microsoft Teams. Download and install it before your virtual appointment.
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
All online appointments are conducted using Microsoft Teams. Download and install it before your virtual appointment.
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)
All online appointments are conducted using Microsoft Teams. Download and install it before your virtual appointment.
Permit Issuance Appointment Requirements
- Provide your project number (PRJ-XXXXXX). The PRJ number may not be substituted after the appointment is scheduled.
- You must be present for the entire appointment time, or your project will be returned to the queue and processed in the order received.
- If your project was set up or 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.
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
- If applicable, all water/sewer and school fees must be paid PRIOR to permit issuance.
- If applicable, a Waste Management Form must be submitted to the Environmental Services Department PRIOR to permit issuance.
45 minutes
Permit Issuance: Building Permit - No Plan
The PRJ number may not be substituted after the appointment is scheduled. You must be present for the entire appointment time, or your project will be returned to the queue and processed in the order received. 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. You must be present for the entire appointment time, or your project will be returned to the queue and processed in the order received. 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. You must be present for the entire appointment time, or your project will be returned to the queue and processed in the order received. 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
- If applicable, all water/sewer fees must be paid PRIOR to permit issuance.
30 minutes
Permit Issuance: Sign Permit
The PRJ number may not be substituted after the appointment is scheduled. You must be present for the entire appointment time, or your project will be returned to the queue and processed in the order received. 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
Professional Certification for Office Tenant Improvements
All online appointments are conducted using Microsoft Teams. Download and install it before your virtual appointment.
These meetings are for applicants who have a project number (PRJ-XXXXX) for a Building Permit that qualifies for a Professional Certification for Office Tenant Improvements with plans per Information Bulletin 150.
45 minutes
Project Recheck- Individual Appointments
All online appointments are conducted using Microsoft Teams. Download and install it before your virtual appointment.
DSD Combined Recheck – Individual Appointment
DSD Combined recheck appointments may be scheduled ONLY if a specific reviewer has stated in their review that a recheck appointment may be scheduled for the project. These meetings must be scheduled with the specific reviewer assigned to the project.
Important! Before scheduling an appointment, please be sure that:
- The revised plans and responses to comments are uploaded into Accela before scheduling the recheck appointment.
- The designer responsible for preparing construction documents must participate in the recheck appointment.
30 minutes
Book a Combined Recheck Appointment Now
Is your Combined Reviewer booked-up?
Contact the reviewer or his/her supervisor.
Don't see your Combined Reviewer? Send us an email.
DSD Engineering Recheck - Individual Appointment
DSD Engineering recheck appointments may be scheduled ONLY if a specific reviewer has stated in their review that a recheck appointment may be scheduled for the project. These meetings must be scheduled with the specific reviewer assigned to the project.
Important! Before scheduling an appointment, please be sure that:
- The revised plans and responses to comments are uploaded into Accela before scheduling the recheck appointment.
- The designer responsible for preparing construction documents must participate in the recheck appointment.
45 minutes
Book an Engineering Recheck Appointment Now
Is your Engineering Reviewer booked-up?
Contact the reviewer or his/her supervisor.
Don't see your Engineering Reviewer? Send us an email.
DSD Landscape Recheck – Individual Appointment
DSD Landscape recheck appointments may be scheduled ONLY if a specific reviewer has stated in their review that a recheck appointment may be scheduled for the project. These meetings must be scheduled with the specific reviewer assigned to the project.
Important! Before scheduling an appointment, please be sure that:
- The revised plans and responses to comments are uploaded into Accela before scheduling the recheck appointment.
- The designer responsible for preparing construction documents must participate in the recheck appointment.
45 minutes
Book a Landscape Recheck Appointment Now
Is your Landscape Reviewer booked-up?
Contact the reviewer or his/her supervisor.
Don't see your Landscape Reviewer? Send us an email.
DSD Planning Recheck - Individual Appointment
DSD Planning recheck appointments may be scheduled ONLY if a specific reviewer has stated in their review that a recheck appointment may be scheduled for the project. These meetings must be scheduled with the specific reviewer assigned to the project.
Important! Before scheduling an appointment, please be sure that:
- The revised plans and responses to comments are uploaded into Accela before scheduling the recheck appointment.
- The designer responsible for preparing construction documents must participate in the recheck appointment.
45 minutes
Book a Planning Recheck Appointment Now
Is your Planning Reviewer booked-up?
Contact the reviewer or his/her supervisor.
Don't see your Planning Reviewer? Send us an email.
Structural Recheck – Individual Appointment
Structural recheck appointments may be scheduled ONLY if a specific reviewer has stated in their review that a recheck appointment may be scheduled for the project. These meetings must be scheduled with the specific reviewer assigned to the project.
Important! Before scheduling an appointment, please be sure that:
- The revised plans and responses to comments are uploaded into Accela before scheduling the recheck appointment.
- The designer responsible for preparing construction documents must participate in the recheck 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.
All online appointments are conducted using Microsoft Teams. Download and install it before your virtual appointment.
Project Setup Appointment Requirements
- Provide your project number (PRJ-XXXXXX). The PRJ number may not be substituted after the appointment is scheduled.
- You must be present for the entire appointment time, or your project will be returned to the queue and processed in the order received.
- If your project was set up or 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.
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. You must be present for the entire appointment time, or your project will be returned to the queue and processed in the order received. 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. You must be present for the entire appointment time, or your project will be returned to the queue and processed in the order received. 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. You must be present for the entire appointment time, or your project will be returned to the queue and processed in the order received. 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. You must be present for the entire appointment time, or your project will be returned to the queue and processed in the order received. 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. You must be present for the entire appointment time, or your project will be returned to the queue and processed in the order received. 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
All online appointments are conducted using Microsoft Teams. Download and install it before your virtual appointment.
These meetings are for customers that need assistance with grading, drainage or public-improvement projects in the public right of way, including:
- curb, gutter or sidewalk replacements;
- retaining walls three feet or less in height;
- repair or replacement of driveways;
- sidewalk underdrains;
- utilities such as water, sewer, gas and electric lines; and
- encroachments.
If you have questions about a specific project number, please contact the individual reviewer(s) directly.
30 minutes
Small Business and Restaurant Assistance Program
All online appointments are conducted using Microsoft Teams. Download and install it before your virtual appointment.
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
All online appointments are conducted using Microsoft Teams. Download and install it before your virtual appointment.
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)
All online appointments are conducted using Microsoft Teams. Download and install it before your virtual appointment.
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.
- Air Handlers
- Appliance Vent/Chimney
- Backflow Preventor - Domestic
- Boiler
- Chiller
- Condensing Unit for HVAC
- Drain – Repair/Replacement
- Dryer Vent
- Electrical panel and circuits up to 400 Amps
- Electrical vehicle charging stations
- Exhaust Fan
- Furnace/FAU/Wall Heater
- Gas System Leak Repair
- Gas System/Meter
- Heat Pump
- Heater
- Mini-Split Systems
- Pressure Reducing Valve - Domestic
- Reinspection of minor corrections
- Rooftop-mounted solar photovoltaic
- Sewage Ejector
- Temporary power
- Water heaters
- Water Softener
- Water/Waste Pipe Repair/Replacement
30 minutes