How long does a San Diego DSD permit take to issue?

San Diego DSD permit timing falls into bands that map to the work scope and any overlay layers attached to the parcel. Over-the-counter (OTC) permits — used for like-for-like water-heater swaps, reroofs in kind, simple service-panel replacements, and minor non-structural interior alterations — typically issue same day to two weeks under Information Bulletin 122. Standard plan-review track for kitchen and bathroom remodels with plumbing or electrical relocations runs four to twelve weeks, with the bulk of variance coming from how clean the submittal is on first round and which discipline review queue is currently backlogged. Additions, accessory dwelling units, and structural alterations follow Information Bulletin 100 series and run ten to twenty weeks for full plan-check. The wild card in San Diego is overlay review. A parcel inside the California Coastal Zone triggers a Coastal Development Permit under Coastal Act Section 30600 and adds eight to twenty-six weeks depending on whether the project qualifies as appealable to the California Coastal Commission or stays at the city level. A Mills Act contract or a Historical Resources Board designation under San Diego Municipal Code Chapter 12, Article 3, Division 2 adds four to twelve weeks of HRB review. MSCP biological review under the Multi-Species Conservation Program Subarea Plan adds six to sixteen weeks where biological monitoring or habitat mitigation is required. Steep-slope or canyon review under Land Development Code Section 143.0143 adds two to eight weeks. Stacked overlays compound — a coastal-zone parcel with steep slopes and a Mills Act contract should be modeled at 32 to 50 weeks before construction starts. San Diego's median timeline is faster than San Francisco DBI but slower than Los Angeles LADBS once any overlay applies. The DSD project-status portal at publicnoticing.sandiego.gov gives real-time queue visibility and is the right place to monitor a live submittal.