Information may be inaccurate or out of date. Always confirm permit requirements with the official city, county or state website before you start work. Read our disclaimer

Building Permits in San Diego, California

Part of San Diego County.

We checked San Diego's own official pages for 3 types of projects (pool, solar panels, demolition). Permits are issued by City of San Diego building department. Every rule below links to the page it was taken from, so you can confirm it before you start work. Last verified September 29, 2026.

Verified permit information is available for 3 project types in San Diego.

Verified Permit Categories

San Diego rules in detail

Pool

Permit required
Yes source: sandiego.gov

Solar Panels

Conditions
Photovoltaic (PV) projects meeting the criteria below do not require a plan review and can be submitted electronically using a Residential Rooftop-Mounted Solar PV Permit. source: sandiego.gov
Permit required
Yes source: sandiego.gov

Demolition

Exempt from a permit
A Demolition/Removal Permit is not required to demolish part of a structure. Partial demolition will require a Building Permit. source: sandiego.gov
Permit required
Yes source: sandiego.gov

Not yet verified

These permit categories do not yet have enough verified information to publish a linked permit page.

  • Shed
  • Fence
  • Deck
  • Roof
  • Patio
  • Pergola
  • Garage
  • Carport
  • Tree Removal
  • HVAC
  • Electrical
  • Plumbing
  • Driveway
  • ADU
  • Home Addition
  • Windows
  • Water Heater

Where to apply

City of San Diego building department · official website · apply online

California statewide rules

State defaults apply everywhere in the state; cities and counties may add stricter local rules.

Issued by
California Building Standards Commission (CBSC), Department of General Services source: dgs.ca.gov
Local changes allowed
Limited source: leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
Building code
2025 California Building Standards Code (Title 24), effective 2026-01-01 source: dgs.ca.gov

Pool

Conditions
When a building permit is issued for a new or remodeled pool or spa at a private single-family home, at least two of seven drowning prevention safety features are required. source: leginfo.legislature.ca.gov

Solar Panels

Conditions
Review is limited to whether the system meets health and safety requirements of local, state, and federal law. source: leginfo.legislature.ca.gov

Permit guides