Ready to break ground on a new construction project in San Diego? Pause, theres a few things you need to take care of before you start building your new dream home. As with any city, the City of San Diego has specific guidelines home builders must follow to ensure all buildings stay within certain building codes. These dense laws and regulations can be difficult for a homeowner to navigate. We’ve created a short guide to help explain some of the general new construction guidelines and regulations we have to adhere to here in San Diego.

Permits and Approvals

• Building permit: Before breaking ground, all new construction builders must obtain a building permit through the city. Your contractors will submit your building plans and documents to the city staff for approval. This can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months depending on the scope, location and workload of the project.
• Demolition permit: A demolition permit is needed to completely demolish or remove any structure before beginning new construction on the property.
• Construction noise permit: You must obtain a construction noise permit if you plan to hold construction between 7pm and 7am on weekdays or at any point on Sundays or holidays.
• Grading permit: If you are moving 200 or more cubic yards of earth, or filling 8 feet or more, your construction team must submit a grading plan to the city for approval.

For more information on how to submit building permits, visit the city of San Diego’s Project Submittal Manual.

Codes and Regulations

The 2022 California Building Standards Code (CBC) was put into effect on January 1, 2023 for project submitted after that date. This code ensures new buildings are up to state wide standards of fire, life, structural and accessibility compliance. Let’s take a look at some of the most important ones in San Diego.

State and Regional Codes

San Diego builders must adhere to state-wide, regional and location specific codes to maintain legality when planning new construction projects.

• California Building Standards Code (Title 24): At its broadest, San Diego must adhere to statewide code enacted in January of 2023.
• San Diego Municipal Code (SDMC): The SDMC contains local amendments to state codes that address specific local conditions and requirements for the area of San Diego.
• Land Development Code: Land development code involves regulations for the use of land for the area of San Diego with our unique zoning laws, subdivisions and land-use activities.

Regulations

These requirements vary from region to region and fit under the overarching codes that dictate new construction plans in San Diego

• Structural Requirements: structural requirement codes ensure that buildings can withstand loads from earthquakes and other forces
• Electrical safety requirements: electrical codes safeguard builders and homeowners against shocks and electrical fires caused by poor installation of electrical equipment.
• Plumbing standards: plumbing codes govern the installation and maintenance of incoming and outgoing water supply to ensure that everything is safe and hygienic.
• Energy Efficiency: San Diego climate action initiatives have mandated energy efficient home features like insulation and window requirements.

For more information on San Diego’s unique codes and regulations, visit the city of San Diego’s development services page.

Now, with a basic understanding of what is required of home builders before even breaking ground, you, as a future homeowner, are more equipped to tackle this project. Choose home builders that keep you in the loop through the entirety of the project from form submissions to final touches. D & L Builders stands as a widely trusted home builder for San Diego County, with the legal and hands-on experience to ensure a smooth and beautiful home-building experience. So get your hardhat, let’s get building!