CONNECT with the CityStorm-Related Permitting Frequently Asked Questions
Storm Recovery Assistance
The City of San Diego is waiving the fees charged by the Development Services Department (DSD) for building permits to help home, property and business owners reconstruct or repair structures damaged due to flooding from the Jan. 22, 2024 storm.
Do I need a permit to repair my property?
Some work may not need a permit; see the exemptions. Minor repairs may only need a Simple Permit that is easy and quick to obtain. Repair of extensive damage may require the assistance of a draftsperson or an architect, who can create plans for some permit types when required. Please call 619-446-5000 with specific questions about your project or visit sandiego.gov/DSD.
A list of repairs and their associated permits can be found here. Further permitting information can be found on DSD's permitting page.
Getting a permit is a way to ensure the work done on your home is done properly, according to the existing regulations and construction codes, helping ensure the structure is a safe place for you to live. Conducting construction or repair work without a permit creates a risk of unsafe conditions for your household, which means you will have to spend additional effort and expense later to bring the work up to code
All permit applications must be submitted online at sandiego.gov/DSDportal. DSD is providing in-person technical assistance for permits in the community and downtown. For in-person help, please visit:
- The Mountain View/Beckwourth Library, 721 San Pasqual St., 92113, on Tuesdays from noon to 7 p.m., Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. during February 2024.
- The Downtown Development Services Center, 1222 First Ave., 92101. In-person help is available Monday through Thursday, from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Fridays, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Do I need to be a contractor or design professional to apply for my permit?
No. However, some permits require a licensed design professional, draftsperson or architect to prepare plans.
Do I need a permit from the City of San Diego to remove mold on my property?
No. However, you may be required to obtain a permit to replace drywall. It is essential to check for mold and get rid of it appropriately. The County of San Diego has guidelines for mold removal following a flood.
What are the fees for a permit?
Depending on the scope of work, the costs for a permit can vary. Please refer to Information Bulletin 501 for a list of fees the City collects for all Building Permits. The City will apply any applicable permit fee waivers or reductions for qualified storm-related repairs.
What project types qualify for a fee waiver?
The fee waiver will apply to the following qualified permit types:
- Demolition
- No-Plan Simple Mechanical Electrical and Plumbing*
- Standalone MEP (with plans)
- No-Plan Building Permit
- With Plans Building (Room Addition/Remodel) for SFR/Duplex
- With Plans Building Multi-Dwelling Unit (MDU) or commercial projects
*For Simple MEP Permits, applicants must submit a Refund Request (Form DS-721) after paying the invoice. The fee waiver will be applied to all other qualified permit types before the permit is issued.
How should I properly submit my application for a permit to qualify for the fee waiver?
Permit applicants must specify “Storm 2024” in the scope of work to ensure that the project qualifies for the fee waiver.
In addition, for properties located within a FEMA Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA), applicants will also be required to:
- Include the current market value of the damaged structure only before reconstruction/repair. Applicants can include the current County Tax Assessment Record (property tax records) or a building appraisal from a registered Real Estate Appraiser.
- Submit a signed Construction Cost Estimate from a professional estimator or a licensed contractor.
Verify if your address is located within the flood zone by searching the FEMA Flood Map Service.
I already paid for a permit; how do I request a reimbursement?
Applicants who previously paid Building, Demolition, Traffic-Control and Simple MEP Permit fees for storm-related repairs can request reimbursement by submitting a Refund Request (Form DS-721). Please call DSD at 619-446-5000 if you need help.
How long does it take to get a permit?
No-plan Building and Simple Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing (MEP) Permits may be issued the same day an application is submitted and paid. Permits requiring plans and review take longer depending on the project's complexity. DSD is working hard to ensure that permits to repair storm damage are reviewed quickly.
How and when does the City inspect the work?
Once a permit is issued, the inspection must be scheduled before any work is covered or concealed so an inspection can be conducted within a year from the day of issuance. All inspections can be scheduled online and are available the next business day. To schedule an inspection 24/7, customers can schedule an inspection online or call the automated inspection scheduling system at 858-581-7111. Call 858-492-5070 for general questions about inspections or to report any problems with scheduling inspections online.
How can I find a contractor to do the repairs?
It is important to use a licensed contractor. The State Consumer Affairs Department (Contractor's State Licensing Board) provides information on how to find a licensed contractor and how homeowners can protect themselves from scams.
If you are comfortable doing the work yourself, you must submit an Owner-Builder Acknowledgement and Information Verification Form (DS-3042) with your permit application. The form will record that the property owner, rather than the contractor, will assume all responsibility for the work.
What phone number do I call for assistance to schedule an inspection?
Call 858-492-5070 between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, with general questions about inspections or to report problems with scheduling inspections online. For all project-related questions, call 619-446-5000, Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. View the Customer Service Line Menu of Options.
How long Is the permit good for?
Most residential permits, including Simple "No-Plan" MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing) permits, are valid for up to two years. The first inspection must be scheduled within 12 months, and the second inspection within 180 days.