San Diego has a long, proud history of supporting the United States military, and is called home to over 100,000 active duty military personnel and nearly 240,000 veterans. Many of these brave men and women have made sacrifices to keep our nation safe. Some of nearly 35,000 disabled veterans in San Diego now require accessibility improvements in their homes, such as wheel chair ramps, plumbing and electrical modifications, chair lifts, and hallway and door widening.

On October 4, 2018, Councilmember Cate issued a memorandum establishing a building permit fee reduction pilot program for disabled veterans. “I believe the City should implement a local pilot program that includes provisions which will reduce building permit fees for ministerial home improvement projects meant to accommodate a disability connected to a veteran’s military service,” stated Public Safety and Livable Neighborhoods Committee Chairman.

"Many disabled veterans in San Diego need help modifying their homes to accommodate their service-connected injuries. This process can be costly, with permitting expenses reaching up to thousands of dollars. Councilmember Cate’s proposal to reduce building permit costs for disabled veterans is crucial to helping these brave individuals safely remain in their homes,” said Bari Vaz, Executive Director, NOLAH.

To improve the quality of life for disabled veterans, the City of San Diego is now offering up to $1,000 for home improvements. Funding is limited and will be granted on a first-come, first-served basis.

$25,000: Total funds available for Building Permit Pilot Program for San Diego's Disabled Veterans.

“I’m pleased to partner with our City’s Development Services Department on this pilot program that helps our disabled veterans with home modifications that make their lives easier,” said Councilmember Chris Cate. “It is our duty to help those, that sacrificed so much for our freedom.”

Sample Projects: Wheelchair ramp, Lowering of sink and/or cabinets, Doorway widening, Stairway chair lift, Shower or tub modifications (roll-in), Plumbing or electrical modifications