How do I get a permit in San Diego?

Answered by AskBaily Editorial · Updated

Short answer

San Diego building permits are issued by the City's Development Services Department via the OpenDSD online portal. Residential remodels typically require a Combination Building Permit plus separate plumbing, electrical, and mechanical permits. Plan check timelines run 4-8 weeks for simple remodels, 8-16 weeks for ADUs, and 12-26 weeks for new construction. Same-day over-the-counter permits exist for simple like-for-like replacements.

In detail

San Diego's Development Services Department (DSD) handles all City of San Diego building permits. Unincorporated San Diego County uses a separate county system (Planning & Development Services).

Permit types for residential remodels:

  1. Over-the-counter (OTC) — same-day issuance for simple like-for-like replacements: water heater, HVAC change-out, reroof (matching material), electrical panel upgrade, single-fixture plumbing swap.
  1. Combination Building Permit — for structural or multi-trade work. Plan check required. Covers building + plumbing + electrical + mechanical in one permit process.
  1. ADU permits — under California Government Code §65852.2, San Diego must approve a complete ADU application within 60 days. San Diego has adopted a streamlined pre-approved ADU plan program offering faster permits for standard designs.
  1. Coastal Development Permit (if in Coastal Zone) — separate review by California Coastal Commission or the city's Local Coastal Program.

How to apply:

  1. Go to opendsd.sandiego.gov.
  2. Create account; link to property by APN.
  3. Upload plans (PDF) — stamped by architect/engineer as required.
  4. Pay plan-check fee (collected at submission).
  5. Wait for reviewer assignment and first correction cycle.
  6. Respond to corrections; resubmit.
  7. Permit issued after plan check clear; pay issuance fees.
  8. Schedule inspections via the portal.

Typical 2026 timelines:

  • OTC: same day to 3 days.
  • Express residential (eligible simple projects): 2-4 weeks.
  • Combination residential: 4-8 weeks first cycle.
  • ADU plan check: 4-8 weeks under 60-day state mandate.
  • New single-family: 12-26 weeks.
  • Coastal projects: add 3-9 months.

Typical 2026 fees:

  • Bathroom remodel permit package: $500-$1,500.
  • Kitchen remodel: $800-$2,500.
  • Detached ADU: $3,500-$8,500 (includes plan check, plumbing, electrical, mechanical).
  • New single-family: $8,000-$30,000+ (varies with valuation and zone).

Inspections:

  • Scheduled via OpenDSD.
  • Typical scheduling: 3-7 business days out.
  • Inspectors post results same day.

Common delays:

  • Incomplete plans (structural calcs missing, Title 24 missing).
  • Fire-zone overlays requiring additional review.
  • Historic overlays (Old Town, Gaslamp, La Jolla Shores).
  • Coastal Zone projects requiring separate CDP.

AskBaily's San Diego contractor pool works with current DSD reviewers and can pull permits in their name. See /san-diego for deeper local context.

Sources

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