View Work Exempt from Building Permits (4551) to determine if a permit is required. 

Tenant Improvements may also require electrical, mechanical and plumbing permits, a change in the permitted use ("Change in Use") or an increase in the permitted number of occupants ("Occupant Load").

Submit a complete application package, including:

1. Tenant Improvement Application (4564)
2. Plot/Site Plan showing the general layout of the existing building site, location of then tenant improvements, address, and an accessible path of travel from accessible parking and public transportation to accessible entrance(s).
3. Construction plans and details, including but not limited to:
   1. Floor plan
   2. Exiting plan
   3. California accessibility requirements and details
   4. CALGreen requirements
   5. Reflected ceiling plan
   6. Framing details
   7. Lighting plan
   8. Electrical/plumbing/mechanical plans
   9. Details and other applicable plans as listed in the Tenant Improvement Application (4564)
4. Other Documents
   1. Title 24 energy compliance documentation (when changes are proposed to the mechanical system, lighting, or building envelope)
   2. Hazardous Materials Questionnaire (If you answer "Yes" to any of the items in Part II or III, you must obtain approval from the appropriate County office as listed under Part II or III of the Questionnaire)
   3. Construction Valuation Form (4596) (see Valuation Tables)
   4. Tenant Improvements over 1,000 square feet require a Waste Management Report; projects over 10,000 square feet also require a deposit (calculated on square footage)
   5. Storm Water Requirements Applicability Checklist
   6. Food service and body art requires Public Health approval prior to issuance of a building permit.
      • Apply at the San Diego County Department of Public Health for their plan review
      • Where oil separator/grease trap is required, obtain Fat/Oil/Grease (FOG) permit approval from the City's Engineering Department for type/size proposed.

Please see our Project Submittal Page for current application procedures.

At certain stages of the construction, you must schedule for an inspection. The following list represents the sequence of required inspections for a typical tenant improvement:

1. Underground plumbing and electrical
2. Foundation
3. Interior wall framing and rough electrical
4. T-Bar ceiling and rough trades (electrical, plumbing, mechanical)
5. Drywall nailing
6. Electrical service
7. Final Inspection

Schedule an Inspection 

After all required inspections are approved and required approvals from other divisions/departments are obtained, the Building Inspector will notify SDG&E to release the electric meter, and a Certificate of Occupancy will be issued. The issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy authorizes you to occupy and use the facility based on the permitted use shown on the Certificate of Occupancy.

Your project may be eligible for expedited service or other incentives.

Fee Information

Tenant Improvement permit fees are based on occupancy type, construction type, and square footage.

One of the main issues that Building deals with is Disabled Access as it applies to existing buildings and tenant improvements in existing buildings. Per State law (California Building Standards Code - Title 24), existing buildings and facilities must comply when alterations, additions or repairs are to be made. Compliance includes:

1. The area of remodel, alteration, addition or repair
2. A primary entrance to the building or facility; the path of travel to the area of remodel, alteration, addition or repair
3. Sanitary facilities serving the area of remodel, alteration, addition or repair
4. Drinking fountains serving the area of remodel, alteration, addition or repair
5. Public telephones serving the area of remodel, alteration, addition or repair
6. Accessible parking and path of travel to accessible entrances.

Small projects (construction valuation up to $139,934) may qualify for an unreasonable hardship exception. See Accessibility - Application for Unreasonable Hardship Exception (4607).  Granting an unreasonable hardship exception does not exempt all non-complying features. You still need to spend an amount equal to 20% of the project cost, and only that amount, on making some or all of the non-complying features comply. Existing non-complying features that will cost more than 20% of the project cost to make them comply, or will push the cumulative cost above the 20% limit, may qualify for an exemption. Your plans must show those accessibility features that will be brought to compliance and those existing non-complying features that may qualify for an exemption. For additional information or clarification contact our Plans Examiners at (619) 407-3587.