Who issues building permits in San Diego?

The City of San Diego Development Services Department (DSD) issues building permits in San Diego.

How long does a commercial building permit take in San Diego?

In the 90 days to October 30, 2026, the median commercial or multifamily building permit in San Diego was issued 56 days after the application was filed, across 2,842 permits with an application date. Half took between 1 day and 179 days. Simple trade permits are usually faster than new construction.

How do I look up building permits in San Diego?

Search the city's records at https://www.sandiego.gov/development-services/records by address or permit number. US Permit Search groups every commercial and multifamily permit at an address into one project page, with the contractor and declared value.

How much does a building permit cost in San Diego?

Under Information Bulletin 501, building plan check and inspection fees (Table 501A) are charged by square footage for each California Building Code use or occupancy. State seismic and building-standards fees are added based on estimated valuation. The official schedule: https://www.sandiego.gov/development-services/forms-publications/information-bulletins/501.

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Building permit guide

How to get a building permit in San Diego, California

Building permits in San Diego are issued by the City of San Diego Development Services Department (DSD). This guide links to the city’s official pages and adds what 2,842 recent commercial and multifamily permits show about timing, permit types and project values.

56
Median days to issueapplication → issue: 1–179
Middle halfdays: 2,842
Commercial permitslast 90 days: $130K
Median declared value

Where to apply and look up permits in San Diego

A building permit is required to construct any new structure or improve existing buildings and structures. Exempt work is listed in San Diego Municipal Code §129.0203.

Applications are filed in the City's Accela Citizen Access portal. A Professional Certification Program offers same-day permits for office tenant improvements up to 20,000 sq ft designed by a licensed architect or engineer.

DSD publishes weekly-updated average calendar days for intake, first review, rechecks and permit issuance on its permit timeline page.

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How long commercial permits take in San Diego, by trade

Median days from application to issue and median declared value, commercial and multifamily permits issued August 1, 2026 – October 30, 2026.

Trade	Permits	Median days to issue	Median declared value
Electrical	692	42	—
Building	686	125	$130K
HVAC / Mechanical	552	0	—
Plumbing	436	62	—
Fire protection	331	33	—
Signs	87	20	—
Demolition	41	104	—

Counts only permits whose record includes an application date (2,842 of 2,842). Times depend on the city’s review track: express and over-the-counter trade permits often issue within days, new construction takes longer.

How to get a building permit in San Diego, California

Where to apply and look up permits in San Diego

How to get a building permit in San Diego, California

Where to apply and look up permits in San Diego

How long commercial permits take in San Diego, by trade

Most common commercial permit types

Commercial permits per month

Questions and answers