San Diego Building Permits
Complete guide to building permit requirements in San Diego. Find costs, timelines, and step-by-step application processes from DSD.
- Department
- DSD
- Phone
- (619) 446-5000
- Online Portal
- OpenDSD
- Address
- 1222 First Avenue
San Diego Permit Overview
San Diego's Development Services Department manages building permits for California's second-largest city, processing over 90,000 permit applications annually. DSD operates a one-stop shop model at 1222 First Avenue, consolidating building, planning, and engineering services under one roof. San Diego has earned recognition for its efficient permitting process, consistently ranking among the fastest major cities in California for permit turnaround times. The city's OpenDSD portal provides comprehensive online services including application submission, plan upload, fee payment, and inspection scheduling.
How the San Diego Permit Process Works
San Diego's permit process is designed for efficiency with multiple tracks based on project complexity. Simple Trade permits (electrical, plumbing, mechanical) can be obtained over the counter or online within 24 hours. Express Permits cover straightforward residential projects with same-day or next-day approval. Standard Process permits for larger projects typically take 3-6 weeks for initial plan review. The city uses a cycle-based review system where all comments are provided at once, reducing back-and-forth delays. Projects in the Coastal Overlay Zone require additional review and may add 4-8 weeks to the timeline.
San Diego Permit Costs
San Diego's permit fees are moderate compared to other major California cities. Building permit fees are calculated at approximately 1.5-3% of project valuation for residential work. Plan check fees are typically 65% of the permit fee. A $40,000 bathroom remodel might cost $800-1,200 in permits, while a $250,000 ADU project could run $5,000-8,000 in total fees. The city offers fee waivers and reductions for affordable housing projects and certain ADU configurations. Impact fees apply to new construction and may include Transportation, Parks, and Fire-Rescue fees.
San Diego Permit Timelines
San Diego offers some of the fastest permit processing in Southern California. Over-the-counter permits are available same-day for qualifying minor work. Express residential permits typically take 1-5 business days. Standard residential projects complete plan review in 3-6 weeks. Complex projects requiring environmental review or discretionary permits may take 3-6 months. The city guarantees specific turnaround times and offers expedited processing for an additional 50% fee. Coastal projects add approximately 4-6 weeks for California Coastal Commission review where required.
San Diego Permit Types
San Diego ADU Permit
Accessory Dwelling Unit permits and requirements
San Diego Building Permit
General construction and building permits
San Diego Solar Permit
Solar panel installation permits
San Diego Renovation Permit
Home renovation and remodel permits
Common Projects Requiring Permits in San Diego
- ADU construction, especially companion units in the 400-800 sq ft range
- Solar panel and battery storage installations
- Pool and spa permits with associated electrical work
- Kitchen and bathroom remodels exceeding $500 in value
- Patio covers, decks, and outdoor living space additions
- Garage conversions and room additions
Tips for Getting Permits in San Diego
- 1Use OpenDSD to submit applications online - it's faster than walk-in service
- 2Check the Zoning Quick Code to verify your project meets setback and height limits
- 3For ADUs, review the city's pre-approved plans which skip most of plan review
- 4Properties west of I-5 are typically in the Coastal Zone - check early for additional requirements
- 5Schedule inspections through OpenDSD by 3 PM for next-day service
Recent San Diego Permit Updates
San Diego implemented its Complete Communities Housing Solutions program in 2024, offering streamlined permitting for affordable and middle-income housing projects. The city also launched a pre-approved ADU plan library featuring ten designs that qualify for expedited same-week approval. New regulations for short-term vacation rentals now require additional permits and inspections in designated zones.
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DSD Contact Information
Full Name
Development Services Department
Address
1222 First Avenue, San Diego, CA 92101