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Online Services Central

Planning & Development Services has a variety of online and digital tools to help you conduct business, apply for permits, make payments, and research and access data. Please see the available services outlined on this page that could help you access the information you need. Please continue to check this page for updates and new services as we continue to expand and enhance the online services we provide.

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Initial Consultation Submittal Online
Renew Building Plan Check or Permit
Major Pre-Application Submittal Online
Change of Contractor or Owner-Builder
Schedule Building Appointments Online
Withdraw Building Plan Check or Permit
Schedule Inspections by Text Message
Pay DPW Right of Way Permit Fees Online
Zoning Verification Requests Online
Building Permits & Inspections

Apply for a minor residential permit or get an Instant Permit. You can also schedule, reschedule, cancel or get results for inspections by text message or online.

*Carrier charges and/or text messaging rates may apply

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  • Online Residential Building Permit Types
    • Window Replacement
    • Solar PV (Roof-mounted)
    • Advanced energy storage (AES) system
    • Electric Vehicle Charging Station
    • Water Heater Replacement
    • Gas Line Repair
    • Water Sprinklers
    • HVAC/Furnace/Ducts Replacement
    • Electric Heat Pump or AC Repair or Replacement
    • Electrical Service Upgrade

Submit a modification request online for an existing Building plan check record or permit. Modification requests include renewing an expired plan check or permit, changing a licensed contractor associated to a permit, changing the performance of work from Owner-Builder to licensed contractor (or licensed contractor to Owner-Builder), and withdrawing a plan check or permit.

Renew Plan Check or Permit
Change of Contractor or Owner-Builder
Withdraw Plan Check or Permit
Discretionary Permits

Submit a discretionary Major Pre-Application Meeting application and documents online or submit a Zoning Verification Request online.

In an effort to increase efficiency and reduce costs, Planning & Development Services allows applicants to upload geographic information system (GIS) files for discretionary permits online. Uploading GIS files associated with your project greatly reduces the time spent by staff to prepare maps for public meetings. 

Payments & Account Management

Using our online payment services, you can pay fees due on your permit, make a deposit or check the balance of an established discretionary project Trust Account. For questions or assistance related to these services please call the Developer Deposit Mailbox at (858) 694-2320, or email PDSDevDep@sdcounty.ca.gov.

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Interactive fee estimators are available to help provide preliminary cost information to help you estimate the amount of fees that may be required for a Building or Discretionary Permit. These estimators do not guarantee the costs calculated based on user input.

Research & Data

There are many online resources available for research related to permits, parcel information, open data, and performance measures.

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Geographic Information Tools

The Zoning & Property Information Tool is a web application that provides land use related data, including zoning and general plan information for parcels in the unincorporated County of San Diego.
The County of San Diego ArcGIS Portal contains maps, applications, and other geographic information.

Make an Appointment

Book appointments directly with staff using the links below and receive confirmation via email. SMS/text notifications are also available*

*Carrier charges and/or text messaging rates may apply

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  • Land Development Counter Appointment Types
    • Land Development Grading Permit Application Submittal (Drop Off Only)
      First submittal of plans and application for Residential Minor Grading, Minor Grading, or Major Grading projects. Our office is currently closed to the public, but we are still allowing appointments to drop off plans. Please ensure that all required submittal items are with your package at drop off.

    • Land Development Grading Permit Issuance (Drop Off Only)
      Permit issuance for Residential Minor Grading, Minor Grading, or Major Grading projects approved by the PDS Land Development Engineer. Our office is currently closed to the public, but we are still allowing appointments to drop off plans. Please ensure that all required submittal items are with your package at drop off.
  • Building Counter Appointment Types
    • Residential Building Permit Application Log In Submittal
      First submittal of plans and application for Residential Single Family Dwelling, Accessory Dwelling Units, Junior Accessory Dwelling Units, Addition/Remodels and other Detached Habitable Structures.

    • Residential Building Permit Application Minor Project Submittal
      First submittal of plans and application for Residential Non-Habitable Structures, Solar PV, Re-Roofs, Retaining Walls, Patio Covers, Decks, minor Interior Remodels and Miscellaneous Electrical, Plumbing and Mechanical.

    • Commercial Building Permit Application Log In Submittal
      First submittal of plans and application for Commercial Buildings, Multi-Family Buildings, Commercial Solar PV, New Cell Sites, complex Tenant Improvements and other large Commercial Projects.

    • Commercial Building Permit Application Minor Project Submittal
      First submittal of plans and application for Commercial Cell Site Modifications, Sign Permits, minor Tenant Improvements and Miscellaneous Electrical, Plumbing and Mechanical.

    • Tract Masterplan Building Permit Application Submittal
      First submittal of plans and application for Tract Development.

    • Tract Phase Building Permit Application Submittal
      First submittal of plans and application for Tract Phase.

    • Residential Building Permit Log In Ready To Issue
      Permit Issuance for Residential Single Family Dwelling, Accessory Dwelling Units, Junior Accessory Dwelling Units, Addition/Remodels and other Detached Habitable Structures.

    • Residential Building Permit Minor Project Ready To Issue
      Permit Issuance for Residential Non-Habitable Structures, Solar PV, Retaining Walls, Patio Covers, Decks, Minor Interior Remodels and other Minor Residential Structures.

    • Commercial Building Permit Log In Ready To Issue
      Permit Issuance for Commercial Buildings, Multi-Family Buildings, Commercial Solar PV, New Cell Sites, complex Tenant Improvements and other large Commercial Projects.

    • Commercial Building Permit Minor Project Ready To Issue
      Permit Issuance for Commercial Cell Site Modifications, Sign Permits, minor Tenant Improvements and Miscellaneous Electrical, Plumbing and Mechanical.

    • Tract Masterplan Building Permit Ready To Issue
      Permit Issuance for a Tract Development.

    • Tract Phase Building Permit Ready To Issue
      Permit Issuance for a Tract Phase.

    • Building Plan Pick Up
      Pick up Building Plans after plan review has completed. 
  • Code Compliance Appointment Types
    • Field Initiated Complaint (FICO) stamps
      Obtain the necessary approvals from a PDS Code Compliance Officer. They must review and stamp plans prior to submittal to the Building Division for plan check as well as prior to issuance of a building permit to correct the violation.

    • Follow up with Code Compliance staff regarding a specific case
      Due to the number of field-work inspections, it is highly recommended that you set up an in-office appointment to meet with the assigned Code Compliance officer and discuss specific issues about the case.

    • General questions
      Meet with PDS Code Compliance staff for assistance with general questions about previous, existing or potential violations.
Land Development Appointments
Building Appointments
Code Compliance Appointments
Code Compliance Complaints

If you have specific information that a County code violation may exist in your neighborhood or near your business, you may file a request for investigation. Complaints can be submitted using the Tell Us Now mobile app or online through our Citizen Access website. Generally staff will contact you within 3 business days of receipt of your complaint. Your personal information will not be disclosed to anyone and will be kept confidential to the fullest extent possible allowed by law. Staff will explain the procedures and enforcement process for your complaint.