San Diego Permit Expediter Guide for Developers & Builders

Are you a developer, contractor, or builder in need of a building permit in San Diego, CA? Getting started on a permit application can be a challenge involving lots of paperwork and communication with the city, but the good news is you don’t have to navigate the process alone. Permit expediters are construction permit professionals with experience applying for and obtaining the right permit for your project. 

Hiring a permit expediter isn’t cheap, but the relief of having someone else deal with the headache of permitting? Priceless. Let’s talk about how a San Diego permit expediter can help you painlessly navigate the permitting process.

‍

What is a permit expediter?

Permit expediters specialize in helping clients obtain building permits and other approvals for their construction projects. Their in-depth knowledge of local building codes, regulations, and the permitting process helps to save you time and money while avoiding the frustration of getting your project approved.

How can a San Diego permit expediter help your project stay on track?

A San Diego permit expediter can be a valuable asset to your project in several ways. First and foremost, they know the local regulations inside and out. If there are mistakes on your application or with your paperwork, they can spot those issues before they become problems, saving you time and money in the long run.

Permit expediters can also help you:

• Prepare and submit your application right the first time, reducing the risk of rejection or requests for additional information. 
• Communicate effectively with city officials. 
• Track the progress of your permit application and address any issues that arise quickly. They'll keep an eye on it and let you know if anything needs your attention.
• Understand permit approval timelines so you can plan your project accordingly. 
• Stay up to date with the latest changes in local building codes and regulations. 
• Navigate complex zoning issues, such as special zoning considerations.
• Obtain other permits when working on bigger projects, such as those for electrical, plumbing, or mechanical work. 

Construction projects require enough effort and focus as it is. By letting someone else handle permitting, you give yourself more time to focus on building. 

San Diego permit expediter cost

The cost of a permit expediter in San Diego depends on who you hire, but expect to pay at least $40/hour, up to $250 or more per hour or more.

Since permit expediters set their own rates, the total cost to hire an expediter varies. Some expediter charge an hourly rate, while others charge flat fees for quantifiable services like department counter visits.

Factors that could impact the cost of a permit expediter include:

• Their experience level
• The type of permit(s) you’re applying for
• How many permits you need to pull

‍

What requires a building permit in San Diego?

Before you decide to hire a permit expediter, you’ll want to know if your project actually needs a permit. Most construction projects in San Diego require a permit. A good rule of thumb is if you need any contractor work, you probably need a permit. 

Construction projects that require a building permit can include:

• New buildings or structures
• Additions to existing buildings
• Major renovations or remodels
• Electrical, plumbing, or mechanical work
• Demolitions
• Landscaping projects that result in major changes to your property’s drainage
• Fences over 6 feet tall
• Retaining walls over 3 feet high
• Swimming pools and spas
• Solar panel installations
• Window replacements
• Roofing projects
• Water heater replacements

That said, even small projects sometimes need a permit. This list provided by the city can give you some information about what needs a permit, but it’s never a bad idea to check with the San Diego Development Services Department.

How long does it take to get permits in San Diego?

The time it takes to get a permit in San Diego depends on the type and complexity of your project. Large projects take longer to get approved than small ones, especially if permissions are required from multiple parties. 

Generally, small projects take 1-2 weeks to approve. Permits for large projects can take up to 3 months. 

Factors that can affect the timeline include:

• The completeness and accuracy of your application
• The current workload of the permitting department
• The complexity of your project and whether it requires review by multiple departments
• Whether your project requires any special approvals (like environmental impact studies)
• The time of year (summer months are busier for permitting departments)

A permit expediter can often help speed up this process by ensuring your application is complete and accurate from the start, and by following up regularly with the permitting department.

How long does it take to get a permit for an ADU in San Diego?

Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), sometimes called granny flats or in-law units, are secondary housing units on a single-family residential lot that have become a popular way to add housing in San Diego. However, they come with their own set of regulations and requirements, and getting an ADU permit can take 3-4 months. 

A permit expediter who specializes in ADUs can help you to:

• Understand the specific ADU regulations in San Diego
• Ensure your plans meet all the necessary requirements before submission
• Coordinate with architects or designers to make any necessary adjustments
• Submit your application and follow up regularly with the city
• Address any questions or concerns from the permitting department quickly

‍

San Diego building permit requirements

Building permits are only granted to projects that meet San Diego’s requirements and building codes. Obtaining a permit is easier if you can provide permitting staff with proof of a safe, well-planned project. 

What to include in your permit application

Your permit application should be as detailed as possible, including paperwork such as:

• Detailed plans of your project, including floor plans, elevations (views of the building from different sides), and cross-sections (showing the inside structure of walls and floors).
• Site plan showing the location of your project on the property and in relation to property lines, other structures, and features like trees or driveways.
• Structural calculations (if required) showing that the building will be structurally sound.
• Title 24 energy calculations (for projects affecting energy usage).
• Completed permit application form that includes basic information about your project, your property, and the people involved (like the property owner and contractor).
• Property owner's authorization (if you're not the owner).
• License information for all contractors who will be working on the project.
• Any additional documents specific to your project type, such as a soils report, historical review (for older buildings), or environmental impact assessment.

This is one area where having a permit expediter pays dividends. They can make sure you have all the right documents and meet any project-specific requirements that apply to your situation.

How much does a building permit cost in San Diego?

This fee schedule from the city provides some information about how much your permit will cost. In general though, permits for large projects cost more than permits for small ones. If you are working on a large dwelling unit, you’ll pay an upfront cost (usually thousands of dollars) and then an incremental increase per additional cubic foot. 

In addition to the base permit fee, you might also need to pay for:

• Plan check fees
• Inspection fees
• Impact fees (for new construction that impacts city services)
• School fees (for projects that add living space)

A permit expediter can give you a more accurate estimate based on your specific project. They can also help you understand all the fees involved and potentially find ways to reduce costs.

How do I keep track of my building permit status?

San Diego’s online portal is where you can check the status of your permit application. You'll need your project number to access this information.

‍

How PermitFlow takes the place of a permit expediter

Traditional permit expediters offer a valuable service, but technology is changing the game—and doing it at a much lower cost.

 PermitFlow is an innovative, software-based permitting application that streamlines the application process, offering many of the benefits of a human expediter with the added efficiency and convenience of cloud-based architecture.

PermitFlow’s user-friendly platform guides you through the permit application process step by step. Here's how it works:

1. Enter your project details: The system will ask you questions about your project to determine what kind of permit you need.
2. Upload required documents: PermitFlow will provide a checklist of necessary documents based on your project type. You can easily upload these directly to the platform.
3. The system checks your application for completeness: PermitFlow uses advanced algorithms to review your application and ensure all required elements are included.
4. PermitFlow submits your application to the city: Once everything is in order, the system will submit your application electronically. 

PermitFlow combines the expertise of a permit expediter with the lightning-fast usability of a cloud-based app to help you avoid common pitfalls, make sure your application is complete, and keep your project on schedule.

Getting started with PermitFlow

PermitFlow gives you expert help so that your permit application doesn’t become more of a hassle than it needs to be. If you’re ready to get expert permitting guidance that’s easier on your budget, get started by talking to one of our permitting professionals here.