San Diego Home Addition Permits 2026
San Diego home addition permit fees, plan review, and required inspections for 2026.
San Diego Home Addition permit basics
- Building department: City of San Diego Development Services
- Department URL: https://www.sandiego.gov/development-services
- Permit fee typical: $400 - $3,500 permit fee
- Plan review + approval: 7-20 business days; plan check 6-12 weeks
- Inspections required: 6-12 inspections (footing, framing, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, insulation, drywall, final)
San Diego Home Addition common issues
Setback compliance, FAR (floor-area ratio), structural review required, sewer/water capacity may need upgrade.
San Diego-specific permitting context
San Diego requires CSLB license + city business tax certificate. Coastal Zone permits add 4-8 weeks. ADU streamlined permitting available since 2020.
Climate factors: Mild Mediterranean; minimal heating/cooling demand; wildfire risk in WUI zones; coastal corrosion
California licensing for Home Addition contractors
Contractors State License Board (CSLB) - required: $450 application + $25K bond. Board: https://www.cslb.ca.gov.
Mechanics lien deadline in California: 90 days from completion (60 days if notice of completion recorded). Preliminary notice: 20-day preliminary notice REQUIRED for all parties except direct contractors.
San Diego Home Addition sales tax
California sales tax: 7.25% + local (~8.7% combined avg). Construction labor is NOT subject to sales tax. Repair labor on TPP may be taxable depending on transaction structure.
Verify with the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA).
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