Frequently Asked Questions

Any California State licensed contractor, property owner or authorized agent who intends to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish, or change the occupancy of a building structure, or facilities or to erect, install, enlarge, alter, repair, remove, convert or replace any electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing system, the installation of which is regulated by this code, or to cause any such work to be done, shall first make application to the building official and obtain the required permit. You can access a list of projects that are exempt from the building permit requirements here.

To apply for all building permits, applicants must first create a Citizen Self-Service Account in the Citizen Self-Service (CSS) portal (link). City Hall is open Monday through Thursday 7:30 A.M. to 5:30 P.M. Staff will be available during non-inspection hours to assist with permit help from 7:30 A.M - 9:00 A.M and 3:30 P.M. - 5:00 P.M. Kiosks are available for applicant use. Provided below are instructions on how to create a CSS Account and apply for a building permit: 

Instructions for the Online Building Permit Submittal Process

Inspections are conducted between 9 am to 3:30 pm. Monday through Thursday. Building Inspections can be requested by calling the inspection hotline at 619-628-1360, Citizen Self-Service (CSS) portal, or via email. Staff will reach out on the morning of inspection with a detailed time frame for inspection.

If you are a California-licensed Contractor, Architect or Engineer, you may be able to self-certify select minor residential building permits without Building Division inspections. To see if you qualify for this program, please refer to the Building Self-Certification Program Procedures, Application, and Checklist (PDF). If you are unable to meet these requirements in order to obtain your required inspections, please do not hesitate to contact us to discuss other alternative inspection measures.

Please keep in mind that building inspections will not be conducted on Fridays.

If you left a voicemail on our inspection request line or scheduled an inspection online through the citizen self-service portal, on the morning of your scheduled inspection you can confirm that your inspection has been scheduled, the estimated timeframe for your inspection, and the name and contact number for your inspector by accessing the "Today's Inspection" page located here. 

Please keep in mind that building inspections will not be conducted on Fridays.

Building permits are available through the City’s Customer Self Service portal. Click on this link and select “Search Public Records” to get started. To request additional building permits not found in the portal, please follow the instructions provided for a Public Records Request on the City Clerk’s webpage found here.