How many building permits are filed in San Diego, California?
As of June 3, 2026, 8,956 building permits are on file in San Diego, California. The most common type is other (4,851 permits). Records are pulled from the California public feed and refreshed daily.
This page indexes 11,296 building permits issued in San Diego, California, drawn from records published by the City of San Diego Development Services Department (DSD) through May 5, 2026. Activity over the last 30 days totals 4,290 permits. Records span project categories led by miscellaneous work (6,228 permits), HVAC (1,471), solar (817), electrical (792), renovation (652). San Diego's permit activity is driven by single-family additions, ADU conversions under the city's accelerated review program, and ongoing replacement of mechanical, plumbing, and roofing systems. Coastal Development Permits add an extra review layer for properties west of I-5 in many neighborhoods. Trade permits and building permits are filed separately and tracked by project number. Permits are filed and tracked through DSD's Online Permits and Project Search. The records below are recent issued permits in San Diego; click any row to see the full filing, project description, valuation, and contractor on record.
The City of San Diego Development Services Department publishes Online Permits and Project Search at its website. Search by address, project number, or permit number. Records cover applications, issued permits, inspections, and final sign-offs.
The City of San Diego Development Services Department (DSD) issues permits within city limits. Properties in the unincorporated county and in incorporated cities like Chula Vista, La Mesa, or Coronado are permitted by their own jurisdictions.
Properties in the Coastal Zone - generally west of I-5 in coastal neighborhoods - require a Coastal Development Permit in addition to standard building permits. The California Coastal Commission has appellate authority over many of these decisions.
Yes. The California Public Records Act makes permits public. DSD posts records online without registration.
Over-the-counter permits issue same-day. Permits requiring plan check take weeks to months depending on complexity. ADU permits filed under the state's expedited review timelines move faster than discretionary projects.
San Diego allows additional ADUs as an incentive when one is rented at a moderate-income rate, beyond what state law requires. This has driven a substantial share of the city's recent residential permit volume.
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