San Diego Demolition Permits: Everything You Need to Know (2026 Guide)
Navigating the permit process for a demolition project in San Diego can feel overwhelming. Between the City of San Diego's Development Services Department, San Diego County requirements, and state regulations, there is a lot to keep track of. This comprehensive guide explains which projects need permits, what they cost, how long they take, and how Demo Diego can handle the entire process on your behalf.
Do You Need a Demolition Permit in San Diego?
The short answer is: for most demolition work, yes. The City of San Diego requires a demolition permit whenever you are removing a structure or a significant portion of a structure. This applies to houses, garages, swimming pools, commercial buildings, retaining walls, and even large concrete slabs. The permit ensures that the work is done safely, that utilities are properly disconnected, that hazardous materials are handled appropriately, and that the site is left in a stable condition.
There are some exceptions. Minor interior demolition that does not affect structural elements, load-bearing walls, or mechanical systems generally does not require a permit. Removing non-structural drywall, carpet, cabinets, or fixtures in a single room is usually exempt. However, if your interior project involves removing load-bearing walls, relocating plumbing or electrical, or altering the building footprint, a permit is required.
If your property is in unincorporated San Diego County rather than within the City of San Diego limits, permits are issued by the County of San Diego Planning and Development Services. The requirements are similar but the forms and fees differ slightly. Our team at Demo Diego knows the requirements for every jurisdiction in the county and handles all permit applications as a standard part of our service.
Which Demolition Projects Require Permits in San Diego?
Full Structure Demolition
Tearing down an entire house, garage, shed, or commercial building always requires a demolition permit. The City needs to verify utility disconnections, check for asbestos and lead paint, confirm property lines, and ensure the work will not impact neighboring structures. For properties in historic districts, the Historical Resources Board must also review the application.
Pool Removal
Both partial fill-in and full pool removal require a permit in San Diego. The permit process includes a plan review and a post-backfill inspection to verify compaction. If you are considering pool removal, see our detailed pool demolition cost guide for pricing and timelines specific to San Diego.
Garage Demolition
Removing a detached or attached garage requires a permit. This is especially common in San Diego right now as homeowners demolish garages to build ADUs. The demolition permit is separate from the ADU construction permit, though both can be processed simultaneously. Read our garage demolition for ADU guide for specifics.
Concrete and Hardscape Removal
Large concrete removal projects, such as removing a driveway, patio, or slab over 200 square feet, may require a permit depending on the jurisdiction and whether the work affects drainage or setbacks. Smaller projects often do not, but it is best to verify. See our concrete removal cost guide for pricing details.
Load-Bearing Wall Removal
Removing or modifying any load-bearing wall requires a structural engineering plan and a building permit. This is common in kitchen or living room remodels where homeowners want to open up floor plans. The structural plans must show how the load will be redistributed, typically with a header beam and posts.
Commercial Tenant Improvements
Even interior commercial demolition often requires a permit when the scope includes removing walls, altering fire sprinkler systems, or changing the building layout. The City of San Diego reviews these through their Tenant Improvement permit process, which can be submitted online through the Development Services Department portal.
Demolition Permit Costs in San Diego (2026)
Permit fees in San Diego vary based on the project scope, valuation, and jurisdiction. Here are the typical ranges you can expect.
| Permit Type | Typical Cost | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Residential Demolition (whole structure) | $500 – $1,500 | 2 – 6 weeks |
| Pool Demolition | $300 – $800 | 1 – 3 weeks |
| Garage Demolition | $300 – $700 | 1 – 3 weeks |
| Commercial Demolition | $800 – $3,000+ | 4 – 12 weeks |
| Interior Remodel (with structural) | $200 – $600 | 1 – 4 weeks |
Note: These are approximate ranges. Actual fees are determined by the City of San Diego Development Services Department or the County of San Diego based on project valuation and scope.
How the Demolition Permit Process Works in San Diego
- 1.Pre-Application Research: Before applying, verify your property zoning, check for any overlay zones (coastal, historic, airport influence), and confirm whether the project triggers environmental review. The City of San Diego's online zoning map tool is helpful for this step.
- 2.Asbestos and Hazmat Survey: California law requires an asbestos survey for any structure built before 1980. The survey must be conducted by a certified inspector. If asbestos or lead paint is found, abatement must be completed before demolition begins. The San Diego County Air Pollution Control District (APCD) must be notified at least ten working days before any demolition involving asbestos.
- 3.Utility Disconnections: You must arrange for SDG&E (gas and electric), City of San Diego Water Department, and any other utility providers to disconnect service to the structure. This step often takes two to four weeks to schedule and must be completed before the demolition permit is finalized.
- 4.Submit Application: Applications can be submitted online through the City of San Diego's OpenDSD portal or in person at the Development Services Center downtown. Required documents typically include a site plan, scope of work description, proof of utility disconnections, and the asbestos survey results.
- 5.Plan Review and Approval: Simple residential demolition permits may be approved over the counter or within a few days. More complex projects go through a plan review cycle that can take two to six weeks. If corrections are needed, you address them and resubmit.
- 6.Permit Issuance and Inspections: Once approved, the permit is issued and work can begin. The City requires inspections at various stages, including a final inspection to verify the site is safe and properly graded. Pool demolition permits require a compaction inspection after backfill.
Special Permit Considerations in San Diego
Historic Districts
Properties in San Diego's designated historic districts such as South Park, North Park, Mission Hills, and parts of Golden Hill face additional review. The Historical Resources Board may need to evaluate the structure before demolition is approved. This can add several weeks to the timeline and in some cases, demolition may be denied if the structure is deemed historically significant.
Coastal Zone Properties
Properties within the California Coastal Zone, which includes much of San Diego's coast from Torrey Pines through Ocean Beach, require a Coastal Development Permit in addition to the standard demolition permit. This process involves review by the California Coastal Commission and can take significantly longer, sometimes several months.
CEQA Environmental Review
Larger commercial or multi-family demolition projects in San Diego may trigger review under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). Most single-family residential demolitions are exempt, but it is important to verify early in the process to avoid delays.
Why Demo Diego Handles Your Permits
Navigating the permitting process takes time, knowledge of local regulations, and attention to detail. At Demo Diego, we include permit handling in every project because we know the San Diego system inside and out. We prepare the applications, coordinate with the city or county on your behalf, schedule utility disconnections, arrange inspections, and keep you informed at every step. This means you do not have to take time off work to visit the Development Services Center or figure out which forms to fill out.
Our experience with the City of San Diego and county permitting departments also means fewer delays. We know the common reasons applications get kicked back, and we address those issues before submitting. Whether you are removing a swimming pool, tearing down a garage, or gutting a kitchen, we take the permit headache off your plate so you can focus on your renovation plans.
Need Help With Demolition Permits in San Diego?
Demo Diego handles all permitting as part of our demolition service. Call us for a free estimate and let us manage the entire process from permit to final inspection.
Call 760-860-8080Explore our Demolition Services or contact us online. Back to the Demo Diego Blog.