San Diego Site Plan Requirements & Permit Guide (2025)

By Site Plan Creator Team •

Everything you need to know about creating site plans for building permits in San Diego, including Development Services Department requirements and coastal regulations.

San Diego Site Plan Requirements: Complete Guide for Building Permits

Creating a site plan for a building permit in San Diego, California requires meeting specific requirements set by the Development Services Department (DSD). Whether you're building an ADU, adding a room, or developing commercial property, this guide covers everything you need to know about site plan requirements in San Diego, including coastal development, brush management, and environmentally sensitive lands.

What Is a Site Plan and Why Does San Diego Require One?

A site plan is a scaled drawing that shows your property boundaries, existing structures, proposed construction, setbacks, and site features. DSD requires a site plan for all building permit applications to verify compliance with the San Diego Municipal Code, the Land Development Code (LDC), and your property's community plan. You can look up your property's zoning through the city's Zoning Map or the DSD Online Tools at sandiego.gov/development-services.

Required Site Plan Elements for DSD

DSD requires the following elements on all site plans submitted with building permit applications:

  • Property boundaries with dimensions and total lot area
  • Setbacks from all property lines per the Land Development Code Chapter 13
  • Location of all existing structures with square footage, height, and use
  • Proposed construction clearly distinguished from existing structures
  • Floor Area Ratio (FAR) calculation per LDC Section 131.0446
  • Lot coverage calculation showing building footprint as percentage of lot area
  • Parking spaces per LDC Chapter 14, Article 2 (including ADA accessible spaces)
  • Driveways and access points with dimensions and sight distance triangles
  • Landscaping per LDC Chapter 14, Article 2, Division 4
  • Grading and drainage showing existing and proposed contours
  • North arrow and scale
  • Assessor's Parcel Number (APN)

San Diego Zoning and Setback Requirements

San Diego's zones are organized into residential, commercial, and industrial categories, each with specific setback requirements:

  • RS-1-1 through RS-1-14 (Single-Family): Front 15-25 feet, side 4-10 feet (depending on lot width), rear 13-25 feet
  • RS-1-7 (most common): Front 20 feet, side 5 feet minimum, rear 13 feet, garage setback 20 feet from right-of-way
  • RM-1 through RM-4 (Multi-Family): Front 10-15 feet, side 5-10 feet, rear 10-15 feet depending on density
  • Corner lots: Street-side setbacks equal to front setback requirements

Always verify your specific zone through the San Diego Zoning Map and check for any community plan overlay standards that may modify base zone setbacks.

Coastal Development Permit Requirements

Properties within the Coastal Overlay Zone (generally west of Interstate 5 in many areas) face additional requirements:

  • Coastal Development Permit (CDP) is required for most new development, additions, and significant site alterations
  • Coastal exemptions are available for interior remodels, repairs, and minor improvements that don't increase building size
  • Appealable areas near the coast may be appealed to the California Coastal Commission after local approval
  • Site plans must address coastal access, view corridors, and shoreline protection
  • Development must comply with the Local Coastal Program (LCP) land use policies for your specific community

DSD can determine your property's coastal status. If you're unsure, check the Coastal Overlay Zone maps available through DSD's website.

Brush Management Requirements

Properties in Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones (VHFHSZ) require brush management plans on their site plans:

  • Zone 1: 35 feet of cleared vegetation around structures (irrigated, low-fuel landscaping only)
  • Zone 2: 65 feet of thinned native vegetation beyond Zone 1 (50% reduction in plant cover)
  • Alternative compliance: Enhanced building materials and ignition-resistant construction may reduce brush management zone widths
  • Your site plan must clearly show both zones with dimensions from all structures

Environmentally Sensitive Lands (ESL)

San Diego's ESL regulations (LDC Chapter 14, Article 3, Division 1) protect significant natural resources:

  • Steep slopes (25% gradient or greater): Development severely restricted; site plan must show slope analysis
  • Wetlands: 50-100 foot buffer zones required; wetland delineation study needed
  • MHPA (Multi-Habitat Planning Area): Adjacent development must incorporate 100-foot buffer zones and no-lighting requirements
  • Sensitive biological resources: Biology survey required; mitigation through habitat preservation or payment to conservation fund

If your property has ESL features, you'll need additional studies and reports before DSD will process your building permit.

ADU Requirements in San Diego

San Diego has embraced ADU construction as part of California's housing goals. Your ADU site plan must show:

  • ADU location relative to the primary dwelling and property lines
  • 4-foot setbacks from rear and side property lines for detached ADUs
  • Maximum 1,200 sq ft for detached ADUs
  • 16-foot maximum height for detached ADUs (or 18 feet within 1/2 mile of transit)
  • No additional parking required
  • Access path from the street or alley

ADU permits are typically processed within 2-3 weeks through a streamlined ministerial review process. San Diego also offers pre-approved ADU plans that can further expedite approvals.

Stormwater Management Requirements

San Diego requires stormwater management based on project type:

  • Priority Development Projects (PDP): Projects creating 5,000+ sq ft of impervious surface or 10,000+ sq ft of combined development require a Storm Water Quality Management Plan (SWQMP)
  • Standard Projects: Must implement BMPs per the BMP Design Manual
  • Hydromodification management: Required for projects discharging to natural drainage channels
  • Common approved BMPs include bioretention basins, permeable pavement, vegetated swales, and proprietary treatment systems

How to Submit Your Site Plan

OpenDSD (Online Submission)

Submit through the OpenDSD portal at opendsd.sandiego.gov for electronic plan review. This handles plan submission, review, correction cycles, and permit issuance entirely online. Track your application status in real-time through the Project Tracking system.

In-Person Submission

Plans can be submitted in person at DSD's office at 1222 First Avenue, MS 301, San Diego, CA 92101. Appointments are recommended for in-person service.

Permit Fees and Timeline

Key details about San Diego's permit process:

  • Plan check fees: Based on project valuation; typically 65% of the building permit fee
  • Building permit fee: Calculated from construction valuation using DSD's fee schedule
  • Development Impact Fees (DIF): Assessed on new residential units; vary by community plan area
  • Facilities benefit assessments: May apply in specific master-planned communities
  • Timeline: Simple residential permits 2-4 weeks. Standard plan review 4-8 weeks. Coastal Development Permits 2-6 months. Projects with ESL or discretionary review 3-12 months.

Creating Your San Diego Site Plan with Site Plan Creator

Site Plan Creator makes it easy to generate a professional, permit-ready site plan for your San Diego property. Simply enter your address, and the tool automatically loads your property boundaries, building footprints, and aerial imagery. You can then add setback lines, label structures, draw proposed construction, and export a scaled PDF ready for DSD submission.

Frequently Asked Questions

What size and format should my site plan be for DSD?
DSD accepts plans in standard architectural sheet sizes (24"x36" is most common for commercial, 18"x24" for residential). All plans must be drawn to a standard scale with the scale clearly indicated. Plans submitted through OpenDSD must be in PDF format. Simple residential projects may use 11"x17" sheets for over-the-counter permits.
What are the typical residential setbacks in San Diego?
In the most common RS-1-7 zone, front setbacks are 20 feet, side setbacks 5 feet minimum, rear setbacks 13 feet, and garage setbacks 20 feet from the right-of-way. Requirements vary by zone designation and lot width. Corner lots require the front setback on both street sides. Always verify through the San Diego Zoning Map.
Do I need a Coastal Development Permit?
If your property is in the Coastal Overlay Zone (roughly west of I-5 in many areas), you likely need a CDP for new development, additions, or significant alterations. Interior remodels and minor repairs may qualify for exemptions. DSD can confirm your property's coastal status. CDPs add 2-6 months to the permit timeline.
Do I need a site plan for an ADU in San Diego?
Yes, but ADU permits are streamlined. Your site plan must show the ADU location, 4-foot setbacks from rear and side property lines, maximum 1,200 sq ft size, 16-foot height limit (18 feet near transit), and access. No additional parking is required. ADU permits are typically processed within 2-3 weeks. Pre-approved ADU plans are also available.
What brush management is required on my site plan?
If your property is in a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone, your site plan must show Zone 1 (35 feet of cleared vegetation around structures) and Zone 2 (65 feet of thinned vegetation). Alternative compliance through enhanced building materials may reduce zone widths. Check the VHFHSZ maps through DSD or the Fire-Rescue Department.
What are the Environmentally Sensitive Lands requirements?
If your property has slopes over 25%, wetlands, or is adjacent to the MHPA (Multi-Habitat Planning Area), the ESL regulations apply. You'll need biology surveys, slope analysis, and/or wetland delineation studies. Buffer zones of 50-100 feet may be required. These requirements can significantly affect buildable area and project timeline.
What stormwater management is required on my site plan?
Projects creating 5,000+ sq ft of impervious surface require a full Storm Water Quality Management Plan (SWQMP). Standard projects need BMPs per the BMP Design Manual. Hydromodification management is required for projects discharging to natural channels. Common BMPs include bioretention, permeable pavement, and vegetated swales.
How long does plan review take at DSD?
Simple residential permits take 2-4 weeks. Standard plan review takes 4-8 weeks. Coastal Development Permits add 2-6 months. Projects with ESL issues or requiring discretionary review (CUP, PDP, SDP) can take 3-12 months. Track your application through OpenDSD's Project Tracking system. Corrections typically require 2-3 weeks for recheck.

How to Create a Site Plan in San Diego

  1. Look Up Your Property Information: Use the San Diego Zoning Map and DSD Online Tools to find your zoning designation, community plan area, coastal overlay status, fire hazard zone, and ESL features. Note your Assessor's Parcel Number (APN).
  2. Determine Permit Requirements: Based on your project scope and property constraints, determine if you need a standard building permit, Coastal Development Permit, ESL deviation, or other discretionary approvals. Contact DSD at (619) 446-5000 for a preliminary review if needed.
  3. Create Your Site Plan: Enter your San Diego address in Site Plan Creator to automatically load property boundaries, building footprints, and aerial imagery. Add setback lines, label structures with dimensions, and draw proposed construction.
  4. Include All Required Elements: Ensure your site plan includes property boundaries with dimensions, setbacks per LDC Chapter 13, FAR calculation, lot coverage, parking per Chapter 14, driveways, landscaping, grading/drainage, brush management zones (if applicable), and a north arrow with scale.
  5. Prepare Additional Studies If Needed: Order biology surveys for ESL properties, wetland delineations for properties near water features, geotechnical reports for steep slopes, and stormwater management plans for projects exceeding impervious surface thresholds.
  6. Submit Through OpenDSD: Upload your site plan and supporting documents through the OpenDSD portal at opendsd.sandiego.gov. Pay plan check fees and track your application through the Project Tracking system.
  7. Manage Review and Obtain Permit: Respond to DSD plan reviewer comments through OpenDSD. Address any corrections within the allotted resubmittal period. Once approved, pay remaining fees including Development Impact Fees, obtain your building permit, and schedule inspections.