Before You Build in San Diego, CA: Permit & Rule Checklist (2026)

Pool barriers in San Diego must comply with the California Building Code (CBC) Title 24, Chapter 31 and the California Swimming Pool Safety Act (HSC §§115920-115929). Barriers must be at least 60 inches tall with self-closing, self-latching gates. At least one additional safety feature (pool cover, alarm, or self-closing doors leading to pool) is required. The City's Development Services Department reviews pool projects for barrier compliance.

SDMC Chapter 14, Article 2, Division 3 limits open fences to 6 feet in required yards (front/side), increasing to 9 feet at the setback line. Solid fences in front yards limited to 3 feet. Rear yard fences up to 6 feet generally permitted. Height measured from the lower of adjacent finished grades.

California Civil Code Sections 841-841.4 (Good Neighbor Fence Act of 2013) governs shared boundary fences in San Diego. Adjoining landowners are presumed equally responsible for maintaining boundary fences. A neighbor must give 30 days written notice before fence work.

San Diego exempts fences 7 feet and under from building permit requirements under SDMC 129.0202. Fences over 7 feet require a building permit. Retaining walls over 3 feet require a permit. Fences in coastal overlay zones or historic districts may require additional review.

Retaining walls over 3 feet (from footing to top) require a building permit under SDMC 129.0202. Walls supporting a surcharge need a permit regardless of height. Engineering calculations by a licensed professional required for walls over 3 feet. Multiple tiered walls must comply with spacing requirements.

Above-ground pools in San Diego are subject to California Building Code Section 3109 and SDMC Chapter 14, Article 5, Division 31. Prefabricated above-ground pools that are less than 18 inches deep, do not exceed 5,000 gallons, and are installed entirely above ground are exempt from building permit requirements. All pools exceeding 18 inches in depth require pool barriers per the California Swimming Pool Safety Act.

All in-ground swimming pools require a building permit in San Diego. Prefabricated above-ground pools under 5,000 gallons and less than 18 inches deep are exempt. Permits include plumbing, electrical, fencing, and barrier inspections. Pools must meet setback requirements from property lines.

California's Swimming Pool Safety Act (Health & Safety Code 115920-115929) requires at least two approved safety features for all residential pools in San Diego. Required features include anti-entrapment drain covers per the federal VGB Act. Pool alarms, safety covers, or isolation fencing must be provided.

SDMC Section 145.0303 requires a fence at least 60 inches high completely surrounding all swimming pools. Maximum 2-inch ground clearance. Gates must be self-closing and self-latching. Chain link mesh no larger than 2.25 inches. Non-pedestrian gates must have lockable hardware.

Hot tubs and spas in San Diego are regulated under the same framework as swimming pools per CBC Section 3109, the International Swimming Pool and Spa Code, and SDMC Chapter 14, Article 5, Division 31. Building permits are required for permanent spa installations. Hot tubs with locking safety covers that comply with ASTM F1346 may satisfy the barrier requirement. Electrical work must comply with the California Electrical Code.

San Diego permits garage conversions to ADUs under state law (Government Code 65852.2) without requiring replacement parking. Conversions must meet Building Code standards for habitable space including egress, ventilation, insulation, and fire separation. Permits required through Development Services.

San Diego permits ADUs under SDMC Chapter 14, Article 1, Division 3, consistent with California ADU law (Government Code 65852.2). Single-family lots may have one ADU, one JADU, and one converted ADU. No owner-occupancy requirement. Permit timeline typically 3-5 months. SB 1211 (2024) allows up to 8 ADUs.

Carports in San Diego are permitted as accessory structures in residential zones. Carports and patio covers up to 300 square feet of projected roof area that are accessory to single-family homes are generally exempt from building permits if they maintain minimum 6-foot clearance from other such structures and at least 3 feet from property lines. Larger carports require building permits and must comply with zoning setback requirements.

San Diego exempts detached accessory structures (sheds) under 120 square feet and one story from building permits under SDMC 129.0202. Sheds must comply with setback requirements. Larger sheds require permits. Structures may not be used as habitable space without ADU approval.

Tiny homes in San Diego are most commonly permitted as Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) under SDMC Chapter 14, Article 1, Division 3. Detached ADUs may be up to 1,200 sq ft; units 800 sq ft or smaller are exempt from lot coverage, FAR, and open-space requirements. ADUs up to 16 ft tall may be built at side and rear property lines; taller ADUs require 4-ft setbacks. The minimum ADU size is 150 sq ft. Tiny homes on wheels are not recognized as permanent housing.

San Diego permits recreational fires under SDMC Chapter 5, Article 11 (Fire Code). Fires in approved containers must be at least 15 feet from structures; open recreational fires (max 3 ft diameter, 2 ft height) require 25 feet clearance. Must be constantly attended with extinguishing equipment available.

Open burning is prohibited in San Diego except for recreational fires in compliance with Fire Code Section 511.0307. Agricultural and prescribed burns require permits from SDAPCD. Open burning locations must be at least 50 feet from any structure. Burn bans enforced during high fire danger.

Water use in San Diego is managed by the San Diego Public Utilities Department. Restrictions include no watering 10 AM-6 PM, assigned watering days, no runoff, and compliance with the city's Water Conservation Program.

San Diego requires property owners to trim trees that overhang sidewalks (minimum 8 ft clearance) and streets (minimum 14 ft) per SDMC. Topping trees is prohibited under California state law. City street trees may only be trimmed by the City or authorized contractors.

San Diego requires permits for removing or encroaching upon protected trees under SDMC 142.0403-142.0413. Heritage trees (large specimen trees) have additional protections. Trees removed must be replaced at specified ratios. Development projects must incorporate tree preservation plans.