Unincorporated San Diego County

Constructing, enlarging, altering, converting, moving, repairing, or demolishing structures. Grading work requiring grading permit. Plumbing, electrical, and mechanical work within County purview.

• Exempt Common examples noted in County references as commonly exempt: minor fences/decks/porches and certain low-impact domestic categories in specific size limits.
• Exempt Additional categories are listed in "Adoptive Ordinance Building Permit Requirement Exemptions" (PDS #110).

Note: Even exempt projects may still require zoning compliance or trade permits. Agency/utility clearances can still apply.

Building code

California Building Standards County of San Diego amended standards County of San Diego Grading Ordinance County of San Diego Zoning Ordinance County of San Diego Consolidated Fire Code

Permit validity

Plan review is generally valid for one year. Permit work must begin with a valid inspection within two years, and inspections must show progress at least every 180 days; full completion generally within 3 years. Expired permits can be renewed, with renewal fees depending on project progress and current fee levels.

Owner-builder

Owner-builders must complete the Owner-Builder Information form (PDS #421), per permit process guidance.

Contractor requirements

Contractor may need to sign the application and provide license proof. Plans generally require licensed architect/engineer/civil prep/signature unless an eligible exemption applies.

1. 01
   Estimate fees first (plan check + permit + impact/agency fees).
2. 02
   Verify parcel legality at zoning counter and confirm all involved departments (DPW, DEH, Fire, Land Development).
3. 03
   Prepare plans and required intake forms/checklists.
4. 04
   Complete pre-review at the permit center and schedule any required plan-pre-submittal appointment.
5. 05
   Submit permit application and plan sets.
6. 06
   Pay plan check fee in full before review starts.
7. 07
   Receive and respond to correction lists; resubmit revised plans as needed.
8. 08
   Provide all required clearances and conditions of approval.
9. 09
   Receive permit invoice and pay permit and outside agency fees.
10. 10
    Start work only after permit issuance and request inspections as required.

Typical processing time: Typical plan check backlog: ~4 weeks residential, ~6 weeks commercial. Overall single-family building permit timeline: often ~6 months to 1 year from submittal.

Source: Building Services Division, Planning & Development Services (PDS), County of San Diego ↗

Online fee payment is available in portal. Trust account/account support line: (858) 694-2320 and PDSDevDep@sdcounty.ca.gov.

Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.

• 1-800-351-2551 (phone)
• 858-694-8971 (phone)
• (858) 565-5920 (phone)

Inspection hours

Permit center office is daytime weekday staffed; permit center split schedule includes morning and afternoon. 24-hour hotline can be used for inspection requests.

Typical sequence: Request required inspection after permit issuance. Show work progress at required inspection intervals (including any grading/required phase inspections). Final inspection required before occupancy completion.