CONNECT with the CityDowntown Public Spaces Accelerator
Express processing for qualifying public space projects
The City of San Diego’s Urban Innovation Division is committed to facilitating the creation of America’s Outdoor Downtown, where residents and visitors can work, play, relax, and socialize in outdoor spaces. The Downtown Public Spaces Accelerator is a program to assist in the creation of more Downtown public spaces, offering curated support to permit these projects faster.
"Cities have the capability of providing something for everybody,
only because, and only when, they are created by everybody."
- Jane Jacobs
Program Components
The pillars of the Downtown Public Spaces Accelerator are to provide an assigned project manager, transparent and firm timelines, and frequent communication. Applications will be processed in accordance with the Express Plan Check review timelines and fee.
Eligibility Criteria
Projects that activate or enhance the public realm, including placemaking projects, are eligible for the accelerator program. Eligibility for a particular project will be determined upon meeting with Urban Innovation Division staff.
Processing Guidelines
Projects seeking to utilize the program will proceed as follows:
Eligibility Meeting
Applicants must email dsdurbandivision@sandiego.gov to request that their permits be processed through the streamlined program. Urban Innovation Division staff will schedule a meeting with the applicant to discuss the project's scope and eligibility for the accelerator program. Applicants must provide an initial exhibit with the proposed intent and scope of the project in order for staff to assess its eligibility.
Project Review
Projects will be assigned a project manager and processed according to the Express Plan Check timelines. There will be similar expectations for applicants to promptly respond to comments, make corrections, and provide missing information.
Collaborative Review Meetings
Applicants can work through their project managers to meet with any reviewer to clarify comments during the review process. After the second cycle, meetings will automatically be scheduled to address any outstanding issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
I have an existing public space project -- how can I join the program?
Please email dsdurbandivision@sandiego.gov with your project details to verify that the project qualifies.
How can I obtain information specific to my project before submitting for a permit?
Please submit for a Preliminary Review to obtain project-specific information on the regulations that apply to your project, the permits you must obtain, the review process that applies to your development, and interpretations on how the City will apply code provisions to specific situations.
Note: The Downtown Public Spaces Accelerator is an optional, opt-in program. Acceptance to the program is based on the Urban Innovation Division's capacity to provide the intensive customer service necessary for project success. Staff will accept applications into the program on a rolling basis and will convene regularly to review requests.
Public spaces projects that do not apply for the Downtown Public Spaces Accelerator will be subject to DSD's regular permitting procedures.