Extension of Time for the Utilization of a Building Permit
San Diego Municipal Code § 129.0219
in effect§129.0219 Extension of Time for the Utilization of a Building Permit
(a) Except for the relocation of structures, a permit holder may submit to the Building Official an application for an extension of time to utilize the Building Permit. The application shall be filed no later than one month in advance of the end of the utilization period in Sections 129.0216 or 129.0217. The Building Official may extend the time in which the permit holder may utilize the Building Permit one time, for a period not exceeding 180 calendar days from the end of the utilization period in Sections 129.0216 or 129.0217, if the Building Official determines that circumstances beyond the control of the permit holder prevented completion of the work. All Electrical, Plumbing, or Mechanical Permits associated with a Building Permit shall be extended concurrently with the utilization period of the Building Permit.
(b) If an application for an extension of time has been filed for the utilization of a Building Permit in accordance with Section 129.0219(a), the existing Building Permit shall automatically be extended until the Building Official has made a decision on the application for an extension of the utilization period.
(c) If the Building Permit has expired before an application is submitted for an extension of time for the utilization of a Building Permit, no extension shall be granted. If the previous permit holder or any other applicant wants to proceed with the same development, a new application is required and the application is treated in all respects as a new application.
(d) If an extension of time for the utilization of a Building Permit has been previously approved in accordance with Section 129.0219(a), the Building Official may extend the time for the utilization of the Building Permit one additional time, for a period not exceeding 180 calendar days, if the Building Official finds the following:
(1) There has not been a significant change in the regulations applicable to the site since the date the permit was issued;
(2) The additional extension is in the public interest; and
(3) Circumstances beyond the control of the applicant prevented the authorized work from proceeding.
(e) If no extension is granted, and the Building Permit has become void pursuant to Section 129.0217, the property owner, permit holder or applicant shall, within 90 calendar days from the date of a written notice from the City, obtain a new Building Permit to complete the work and diligently pursue the work to completion, or remove or demolish the building or structure within 180 calendar days from the date of the written notice. A violation of Section 129.0219 may be prosecuted administratively or judicially pursuant to San Diego Municipal Code Section 121.0311. This Section in no way limits any separate enforcement authority of the City under California Health and Safety Code Section 17980.9 to impose stricter rehabilitation time frames for vacant single family dwellings.
(Added 12-9-1997 by O-18451 N.S.; effective 1-1-2000.)
(Amended 3-1-2006 by O-19468 N.S.; effective 4-1-2006.)
(Retitled to “Extension of Time for the Utilization of a Building Permit” and amended 7-31-2012 by O-20187 N.S.; effective 8-30-2012.)
(Amended 1-18-2018 by O-20897 N.S.; effective 2-17-2018.)
(Amended 5-8-2023 by O-21642 N.S.; effective 6-7-2023.)
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/MuniCodeChapter12/Ch12Art09Division02.pdf#page=13Fetched: 10/28/2026