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.
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.
When booking your virtual or in-person counter appointment:
Make sure your project is within the City of San Diego.
Note that email addresses ending in “.net” (such as cox.net or sbcglobal.net) may block confirmation of the virtual or in-person appointment and you may not receive the system-generated virtual appointment confirmation email. To ensure email delivery of the appointment confirmation, use an email address with a ".com" ending.
For project setup or permit issuance appointments, provide your project number (PRJ-XXXXXX). The PRJ number may not be substituted after the appointment is scheduled. 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.
Have a computer, tablet or smartphone with internet access.
The virtual counter appointments will be conducted using Microsoft Teams. Please familiarize yourself with this virtual meeting platform. 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.
Be prepared to share your computer screen and electronic project documents during the virtual counter appointment in Microsoft Teams.
You will not be able to email files before, during or after meetings.
Organize and plan for your virtual counter appointment, have an agenda, and prepare all your questions in advance.
These meetings are designed to assist applicants in creating online accounts and learning the digital project submittal permitting system for a future successful submittal process. Elevators and stairways are temporarily closed to the public. Customer entry and exit to the Development Services Center at the City Operations Building is located on the third floor using the Evan V. Jones Parked Terrace Level bridge.
No Mask. No Service. Customers with confirmed appointments must wear a mask or a face covering over their nose and mouth and maintain required social distancing at all times indoors.
Customers without a mask or face covering will not be allowed into the building.
Permitted face coverings include surgical masks, medical procedure masks, respirators, or a tightly woven fabric or non-woven material mask of at least two layers. Face coverings must not contain any visible holes, openings, exhalation valves or vents.
Face covering not permitted include scarfs, ski masks, gaiters, balaclavas, bandanas, turtleneck collars or other covering of only a single layer of fabric.
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.
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.
These customer stations offer convenient self-service access for customers that 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
If applicable, all water/sewer fees must be paid PRIOR to permit issuance.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
Resubmittals – the revised plans and comment responses – must be uploaded into Accela before scheduling a Structural Recheck Appointment.
The designer responsible for preparing construction documents must participate in the Structural Recheck 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.
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.