Application Process
San Diego Municipal Code § 112.0102
in effect§112.0102 Application Process
An application for a permit, map, or other matter shall be filed with the City Manager in accordance with the following requirements:
(a) Authority to File an Application. The following persons are deemed to have the authority to file an application:
(1) The record owner of the real property that is the subject of the permit, map, or other matter;
(2) The property owner’s authorized agent; or
(3) Any other person who can demonstrate a legal right, interest, or entitlement to the use of the real property subject to the application.
(b) Submittal Requirements. The application shall be made on a form provided by the City Manager and shall be accompanied by the materials, information, fees, and deposits that are required on the date the application is filed, unless otherwise specified by the Land Development Code. The application shall be deemed complete when the department processing the application has determined that the application includes all of the information, materials, fees, and deposits required by this section and Section 112.0202. After the application has been deemed complete, the City Manager may not request any new or additional materials, information, fees, or deposits that were not specified at the time of application, except as provided by state law. The City may, however, in the course of processing the application, request that the applicant clarify, simplify, or provide in alternate format or medium, the information required for the application.
(c) Materials and Information. The City Manager shall maintain a list specifying the materials and information to be submitted with each application for a permit, map, or other matter filed in accordance with the Land Development Code. The list may be revised on a quarterly basis or as needed to comply with revisions to local, state, or federal law, regulation, or policy. The revised list shall be posted at the City, shall become effective on the 30th calendar day after posting, and shall apply to all applications submitted after that date. The City Manager shall provide a copy of the list to all applicants and to any person who requests a copy.
(d) Expiration of Application.
(1) Applications for construction permits and Process One map approvals expire 2 years from the date the application is deemed complete, unless otherwise stated in the Land Development Code.
(2) Extensions.
(A) An application for a Demolition/Removal Permit, Grading Permit, Public Right-of-Way Permit, Sign Permit, or a Process One map may be extended for a period not exceeding 180 calendar days, if the City Manager determines that circumstances beyond the control of the applicant prevented issuance of the Demolition/Removal Permit, Grading Permit, Public Right-of-Way Permit, Sign Permit or approval of the Process One map. In such cases, the existing application shall be automatically extended until a decision is made regarding the request for extension.
(B) The City Engineer may extend a Grading Permit application or a Public Right-of-Way Permit application for one additional period not exceeding 180 calendar days from the expiration date.
(C) The Building Official may extend an application for a Building Permit, Electrical Permit, Plumbing/Mechanical Permit, and Fire Permit in accordance with Sections 129.0211, 129.0309, 129.0410 and 129.0907.
(3) An application related to a premises for which a civil penalty Notice and Order establishes a future date for corrective action of a code violation shall be automatically extended 180 calendar days from the date for corrective action. If the date for corrective action is less than two years from the date the application is deemed complete, the application may be extended in accordance with Section 112.0102(d)(2).
(4) Once expired, the application, plans, and other data submitted for review may be returned to the applicant or destroyed by the City Manager.
(5) To reapply, the applicant shall submit a new application with required submittal materials and shall be subject to all applicable fees and regulations in effect on the date the new application is deemed complete.
(Added 12-9-1997 by O-18451 N.S.; effective 1-1-2000.) (Amended 2-28-2005 by O-19360 N.S.) (Amended 8-4-2011 by O-20081 N.S.; effective 10-6-2011.) (Amended 5-5-2015 by O-20481 N.S.; effective 6-4-2015.) (Amended 8-5-2024 by O-21859 N.S.; effective 9-4-2024.) (Amended 6-15-2026 by O-22109 N.S.; effective 7-15-2026.)
[Editors Note: Amendments as adopted by O-22109 N.S. will not apply within the Coastal Overlay Zone until the California Coastal Commission certifies it as a Local Coastal Program Amendment. Click the link to view the Strikeout Ordinance highlighting changes to prior language http://docs.sandiego.gov/municode_strikeout_ord/O-22109-SO.pdf ]
Source: City of San Diego Office of the City Clerk, San Diego Municipal Code and City Charter (docs.sandiego.gov PDFs)URL: https://docs.sandiego.gov/municode/MuniCodeChapter11/Ch11Art02Division01.pdf#page=1Fetched: 10/28/2026