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Online Permitting Frequently Asked Questions

Next Steps & Common Questions After Submitting An Application

The City of San Diego Development Services Department logo displayed on a laptop, sitting on top of a table.

Need help? 

  1. For issues with documents and plansets, review the Requirements for Digital Plans & Documents.
  2. Review our Frequently Asked Questions page and visit our Customer Learning Center.
  3. For help with your project, consider booking a virtual counter appointment. 
  4. For help with user accounts or uploading documents, please call us at 619-446-5000.

Thanks for submitting your application! We know this part of the process can sometimes feel a little uncertain, so we’re here to make things easier. In this section, you’ll find simple steps, helpful tips, and clear answers to the questions people ask most often after applying. Review the next steps and common questions before submitting an application. Our goal is to help you feel informed, supported, and confident about what happens next.

I received an “Updates Required” email. How do I upload the requested documents?    

  1. Log in to your Online Permitting Account.
  2. Enter your username and password.
A screenshot showing with log in to the online permitting account.
  1. Open the “Updates Required” email, and click either of the email links to go to your account and make project updates. 
A screenshot of the system-generated email.
  1. Your project information will load. Then, click the “Attachments” tab.
A screenshot showing the location of the "Attachments" tab in the online permitting portal.
  1. Previously attached documents will be displayed. 
    • Click “Add Attachment.”
A screenshot showing the location of the "Add Attachment" button.
  1. Adding a new Attachment:
    • Select “Choose File” and drag/drop or search your files to attach them.
    • Click the Type drop-down and select the file type.
    • Provide a brief description of the document.

    • Click the “Submit” button.
       

      A screenshot showing the "New Attachment" pop-up window and where to choose the file, select the type of file, and where to provide a brief description.

  2. The documents will be uploaded to the project record (PRJ), once the online system verifies they meet all requirements for digital plans & documents. 

    A screenshot showing how the online permitting portal is verifying that an upload meets all requirements.

 I received a "Review Pending Invoice Payment" email. How do I pay?

  1. Log in to your Online Permitting Account.
  2. Enter your username and password.
A screenshot showing with log in to the online permitting account.
  1. Open the “Review Pending Invoice Payment” email. Then, click a link to log in to your account and make the payment.
An image of the "Review Pending Invoice Payment" email.
  1. Now you have two options:
    1. Click on the "Development Permits" tab, and then select the record listed in the email.
A screenshot showing the location of the "Development PeErmits" tab.


OR

  1. Scroll down to the search field for Records. Then input the PRJ into the General Search in this format: PRJ-1234567.
A screenshot showing the location of where to input the Project number.
  1. Verify that the record has the status: Application Pending Payment.
    • Click on “Payments.”
    • Select “Fees.”
A screenshot showing the location on where to click on "Payments" and how to select the "fees."
  1. Click on “Pay Fees.”
A screenshot showing where the "Pay Fees" link is located.
  1. The following screen will load. Follow the instructions to pay.
A screenshot of the screen that shows the instructions to pay.

I received a "Recheck Required" email from a review discipline. How do I look for the Issues Report?

  1. Log in to your online permitting account.
  2. Enter your username and password. If you are a new user, see the tutorial on registering for an account.
A screenshot showing with log in to the online permitting account.
  1. Once on the website, select "Development Permits." Then, your records will display with the current statuses. Last, click on the blue PRJ link of the project you wish to see the Project Issues Report for. 
A screenshot of the "Development Permits" tab on the online permitting account.
  1. Previously attached documents will be displayed. You will see your Project Issues Report, displayed by discipline. Then, click the “Actions” drop-down.
A screenshot showing where the"Actions" drop down menu is and where the add attachment button is located.
  1.  Click “Download," and the selected Project Issues Report will download.
A screenshot where the "Download" option is on the online permitting portal.

I received a "Final Version Signed Off" email. What do I do next?

The application is now in the queue for issuance. Refer to the Permit Application Processing Timeline for current issuance timelines.

A screenshot showing the current status of the application on the online permitting portal.

 

We offer Permit Issuance (for projects signed off by all reviewers) appointments for qualified application types. During this virtual appointment, a staff member will remove your project from the active queue to expedite its issuance and will complete the issuance process with you in real time. Schedule an Issuance appointment.

An image of the Permit Issuance Virtual Issuance section of the Virtual Appointments page.

I received a "review Complete/Permit Ready for Payment" email. How do I pay my invoice?

  1. Log in to your Online Permitting Account.
  2. Enter your username and password.
A screenshot showing with log in to the online permitting account.
  1. Open the “Approved” email. Then, click a link to log in to your account and make the payment.
An image of a "approved" email.
  1. Now you have two options:
    1. Click on the "Development Permits" tab, and then select the record listed in the email.
A screenshot showing the location of the "Development PeErmits" tab.


OR

  1. Scroll down to the search field for Records. Then input the PRJ into the General Search in this format: PRJ-1234567.
A screenshot showing the location of where to input the Project number.
  1. Verify that the record has the status: Approved Upon Final Payment”.
    • Click on “Payments.”
    • Select “Fees.”
A screenshot of the Approved Upon Final Payment screen and where to click on "Payments, and select "Fees."
  1. Click on “Pay Fees.”
A screenshot showing where the "Pay Fees" link is located.
  1. The following screen will load. Follow the instructions to pay.
A screenshot of the screen that shows the instructions to pay.

I received an "Issuance Checklist Requested" email. How do I submit the requested documents?  

Missing Information? You will receive an Updates Required email if additional information is needed to issue the permit.

  1. Log in to your Online Permitting Account.
  2. Enter your username and password.
A screenshot showing with log in to the online permitting account.
  1. Open the “Issuance Checklist” email, and click either of the email links to go to your account and make project updates.
  2. Click on a link to log in to your account and submit documents.
A screenshot of the "Issuance Checklist Requested" email.
  1. Once on the website, select "Development Permits." Then, your records will display with the current statuses. Last, click on the blue PRJ link of the project you wish to see the Project Issues Report for. 
A screenshot of the "Development Permits" tab on the online permitting account.
  1. Your project information will load. Then, click the “Attachments” tab.
A screenshot showing the location of the "Attachments" tab in the online permitting portal.
  1. Previously attached documents will be displayed. You will see your Project Issues Report, displayed by discipline. Then, click the “Actions” drop-down.
A screenshot showing where the"Actions" drop down menu is and where the add attachment button is located.
  1. Adding a new Attachment:
    • Select “Choose File” and drag/drop or search your files to attach them.
    • Click the Type drop-down and select the file type.
    • Provide a brief description of the document.
    • Click the “Submit” button.
    • Repeat until all requested documents have been uploaded.
A screenshot showing the "New Attachment" pop-up window and where to choose the file, select the type of file, and where to provide a brief description.
  1. The documents will be uploaded to the project record (PRJ), once the online system verifies they meet all requirements for digital plans & documents. 
A screenshot showing how the online permitting portal is verifying that an upload meets all requirements.

 

The Permit Status is "Issued." How do I Download my Approved (Stamped) Plans?

  1. Log in to your online permitting account.
  2. Enter your username and password. 
A screenshot showing with log in to the online permitting account.
  1. Once on the website, select "Development Permits." Then, your records will display with the current statuses. Last, click on the blue PRJ link of the project containing the record you wish to print by clicking on the blue link. 
A screenshot of the "Development Permits" tab on the online permitting account.
  1. Your records will be displayed. Then, click the “Actions” drop-down to download the plans.
A screenshot showing where the"Actions" drop down menu is and where the add attachment button is located.
  1.  Click “Download," and the selected Project Issues Report will download.
A screenshot where the "Download" option is on the online permitting portal.

How do I Schedule Inspections?

  1. Log in to your online permitting account.
  2. Enter your username and password. 
A screenshot showing with log in to the online permitting account.
  1. Once on the website, click on “My Records” and your records will be displayed. 
A screenshot showing where to click on the "My Records" link.
  1. Click on the permit number for which you would like to schedule an inspection. The status must be Issued to schedule an inspection. 
A screenshot showing the location of the Project Number and where the "Issued" status is displayed.
  1. Click on the “Record Info” tab for drop-down options.
A screenshot showing the location of the "Record Info" tab.
  1. Click on “Inspections”
A screenshot showing the location of the "Inspections" selection.
  1. The inspections screen will appear, showing Upcoming and Completed inspections. Click on the “Actions” link of the inspection you would like to schedule.
A screenshot showing the "Inspections" screen.
  1. Click on the ‘Schedule’ link.
An image showing the location of the "Schedule" link.
  1. Click on the date you would like the inspection. It must be a future date; not on the same day. Then, click on the “All Day” radio button and finally click “Continue.”
A screenshot showing where to click on the click on the “All Day” radio button and the “Continue” button.
  1. The following screen will be displayed. If needed, click on “Change contact” to enter a new person for the inspector to contact. If there are no changes, click on “Continue.”
A screenshot showing the screen showing options to change the inspection contact.
  1. The following screen will be displayed. Review the information and if correct then click “Finish.” If not correct, click “Back” to edit the information, or click “Cancel” to start over. Include any additional notes for the inspector here. 
A screenshot showing where to include additional notes for the inspector.
  1. Click “Continue.” You will be returned to the Inspections screen, where you can confirm that the inspection was properly scheduled.
An image of the "Inspections Screen" used to confirm that an inspection was properly scheduled.

How to Submit a Construction Change Application 

  1. Log in to your online permitting account.
  2. Enter your username and password. 
  3. Press the Login button.  
A screenshot showing with log in to the online permitting account.
  1. Once on the website, select "Development Permits." Then, click on “Apply for a Permit.” 
A screenshot showing where to click on "Apply for a Permit."
  1. Read the General Disclaimer and then place a check mark confirming your acceptance. Then, click “Continue Application”
A screenshot showing where to click on "Continue Application" and where to place a check mark acknowledging the disclaimer.
  1. Select “Building Construction Change.” 
A screenshot showing how to select "Building Construction Change."

 

  1. Enter the PRJ # in the exact format PRJ-XXXXXXX Then, provide a narrative of the changes proposed, and enter the permits affected by this construction change application.
A screenshot showing how to answer questions for a Construction Change.
  1. Click “Add” to upload the documents that reflect the proposed changed.
A screenshot showing where to click “Add” to upload the documents that reflect the proposed changed.

 

  1. Click “Choose File” and select from your computer.
    • Provide the Type of document that you are uploading.
    • Provide a brief description of the document.
    • Click “Submit.”
A screenshot showing where to click “Choose File” and select from your computer, provide the type of document that you are uploading, provide a brief description of the document and where to click “Submit”

 

  1. You will get a message displaying the CC number you created, and you will also receive a confirmation email with the number.
A screenshot showing the CC number confirming the application for the Construction Change was successful.

I Received a "Pending Invoice Payment" Email for my Construction Change. How Do I pay?

  1. Log in to your Online Permitting Account.
  2. Enter your username and password.
  1. Open the “Review Pending Invoice Payment” email. Then, click a link to log in to your account and make the payment.
An image of the "Review Pending Invoice Payment" email.
  1. Now you have two options:
    1. Click on the "Development Permits" tab, and then select the record listed in the email. In this case search for your CC number.
A screenshot showing the location of the "Development PeErmits" tab.


OR

  1. Scroll down to the search field for Records. Then input the CC number into the General Search in this format: CC-123456.
A screenshot showing the location of where to input the Project number.
  1. Verify that the record has the "Pending Invoice Payment" record status.
    • Click on “Payments.”
    • Select “Fees.”
A screenshot showing where to click on fees and the location of the Payments drop down menu.

 

  1. Click on “Pay Fees.”
A screenshot showing where the "Pay Fees" link is located.
  1. The following screen will load. Follow the instructions to pay.
A screenshot showing where to click on the "Continue Application" button.

How do I download the approved plans?

  1. Log in to your Online Permitting Account.
  2. Enter your username and password.
  1. Click on the "Development Permits" tab, and then select the record by clicking on the blue link.
A screenshot showing where to select the Construction Change project for the next step.
  1. The record details will be displayed. Then, click on the “Attachments” tab.
A screenshot showing the location of the "Attachments" section.
  1. The attachments for this project will be displayed.
A screenshot showing where the attachments for this project will be displayed.
  1. Click on the “Actions” drop-down and click “Download.”
A screenshot showing where to click on the “Actions” drop-down and click “Download.”

How do I Print an Approval Report?

  1. Log in to your online permitting account.
  2. Enter your username and password. 
  1. Once on the website, click on “My Records” and your records will be displayed. 
A screenshot showing where to click on the "My Records" link.
  1. Click on the permit number for which you would like to print the approval report. 
A screenshot showing where to click to select the PMT.
  1. The selected record will be displayed.
A screenshot showing where the selected record will be displayed on screen.
  1. Click on the “Reports” drop-down menu, and then select “Approval.”
A screenshot showing where to click on the "Reports " drop down and where to select "Approval."
  1. A pop-up window will open. Make sure that the correct permit number appears, if not, enter the correct permit number. Then, click “Submit.”
A screenshot showing a where to click submit.

How do I Print an Invoice Report?

  1. Log in to your online permitting account.
  2. Enter your username and password. 
  1. Once on the website, click on “My Records” and your records will be displayed. 
A screenshot showing where to click on the "My Records" link.
  1. Click on the permit number for which you would like to print the invoice report. 
A screenshot showing where to click to select the PMT.
  1. The selected record will be displayed.
A screenshot showing where the selected record will be displayed on screen.
  1. To generate the Invoice report, click the“Payments” tab, then “Fees.”
A screenshot showing how to generate the Invoice report, click the “Payments” tab and then “Fees.”
  1. Make note of the invoice number.
A screenshot showing where the invoice number is displayed on the screen.
  1. Click on the “Reports” drop-down, and then select “Invoice” from the menu.
A screenshot showing where to click on the “Reports” drop down and how to select “Invoice” from the menu.
  1. A pop-up window will open. Make sure the correct invoice number appears; if not, enter it. Then, click “Submit.” The Invoice of the Permit or Project will be displayed in PDF format.

Workflow/Record Status Mapping and Definitions

View the Workflow/Record Status Mapping and Definitions 

The table provides a step‑by‑step overview of how your project moves through the City’s permitting process. As your application progresses, it passes through a series of workflow tasks and corresponding record statuses. This table helps you understand what each status means, what stage your project is in, and what actions—if any—are needed from you.

Each row shows:

  • Task Name
    The stage of the review or issuance process.
  • Workflow Task Status
    The internal status assigned by staff or the online permitting system as your project moves forward.
  • Record Status (Project)
    The status you will see associated with your project record.
  • Process Description
    A brief explanation of what that status means for your application, including when staff are reviewing your materials, when updates are needed, and when your project is ready for issuance or closure.

You can use this table as a quick reference to better understand your project’s current position in the workflow and what to expect next.

What are the Requirements for Digital Plans & Documents?

View the Requirements for Digital Plans & Documents

This page provides an overview of the requirements for preparing and submitting digital plans and documents. It explains the tools available to help you verify your files, outlines the standards your PDFs must meet, and summarizes the formatting rules that ensure your plans can be reviewed efficiently.
 
By following the guidance on this page—from file size and page layout to sheet numbering and resubmittal practices—you can help prevent delays and ensure your project moves smoothly through the permit review process.