Yes, you will need an electric permit. You will also need to contact SDG&E to obtain a “service order package” to insure that the proposed work complies with SDG&E’s standards and regulations. SDG&E will disconnect your utilities to enable your electrician to complete the project and will then reconnect them after the Building Inspector notifies them that the work has passed a final inspection.

Except for minor work permits that can be issued over the counter, the initial plan check takes approximately 10 to 15 working days. Resubmittals take approximately 5 to 8 working days.

A building permit is a license that grants legal permission to start construction of a building project. Permits allow the enforcement of the codes that have been adopted as law by the State of California. They enable the building official to ensure that the design and construction meets minimum code requirements and that the appropriate materials are used.

You can contact the Building Division at 442-339-2719 or building@carlsbadca.gov. Be sure to provide your street address or the plan check number assigned when you submitted your plans.

In general, any work that alters your structure requires a permit. Work exempt from a building permit is identified in the California Building Code as adopted by the Municipal Code (CMC 18.04.015). You’re always welcome to contact us at 442-339-2719 or building@carlsbadca.gov for an answer regarding your specific project.

Inspections occur from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. You can request a morning or afternoon inspection, and we will do our best to accommodate your schedule. An adult must be present to allow the inspector access to the site. Special arrangements may be made by contacting the Building Division at 442-339-2700 between 7:30 and 8 a.m. the day of the inspection.

To schedule an inspection, please call our automated line, 442-339-2700, prior to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday. Please note, the inspection will be scheduled for the next business day unless otherwise stated. You may also call 442-339-2700 during normal business hours to schedule an inspection.

The best way to determine the property lines is to have the property lines professionally surveyed. However, before you hire a professional surveyor, you can contact Land Development Engineering at 442-339-2750 to access the subdivision map and construction plans that pertain to your property. The map will identify property line dimensions and construction plans may provide a reference locations which can be a helpful tool when determining the location of your property lines.

Right-of-way is any public street, sidewalk, easement, or similar public property owned or controlled by the city and dedicated to public use. If any work is performed or any materials stored within the city’s right-of-way, you will need a right-of-way permit. You can now submit your application through CSS Portal and choose "Apply for Development Permits" -> "Engineering - Right of Way". If you do not have a current account, please apply for one.

No. Dumpsters/storage pods are not allowed in the paved street section or allowed on sidewalks.

To obtain a right-of-way permit, please fill out the ROW application and traffic control plan. ROW permit applications are now available through the CSS Portal by choosing "Apply for Development Permits" -> "Engineering - Right of Way". If you do not have a current account, please apply for one.

Most right-of-way is 10 feet back from the face of the curb. However, to verify, please visit the Land Development Engineering’s counter during regular business hours: Monday through Friday: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. You may also contact our staff by email at: landdev@carlsbadca.gov

Most soils reports are available through the city’s public records access page. If you do not have success online, you can email our front counter staff at landdev@carlsbadca.gov or visit the Land Development Engineering counter during regular business hours: Monday through Friday: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

The city’s public records access page allows you to search for a wide range of documents including soil/drainage reports, transportation and development reports. The system is also a great tool for researching the city’s subdivision maps and drawings.

Per the grading and drainage ordinance of the municipal code, you may need a grading permit if you meet any of the following criteria:

• Proposed cut or fill exceeding 200 cubic yards.
• Cut or fill material exceeding four feet in vertical depth.
• Fill placed on an existing slope which is steeper than five horizontal units to one vertical unit.
• Clearing and grubbing of previously undisturbed land or land not cultivated for five years for the purposed of conducting agricultural operations.

If you meet any of the above criteria, you should contact the Land Development Engineering division at 442-339-2750 for further information.

View the Land Development Engineering Standards.

The best way to determine static water pressure is to use a pressure gauge that threads on to a hose bib. Otherwise, to get a rough estimate of your static water pressure, calculate the approximate static pressure by subtracting the elevation above sea level from the hydraulic grade line (upstream tank elevation) and multiply the difference by 0.433. To determine the hydraulic grade line, contact the Land Development Engineering division.

Zoning and General Plan land use designations vary throughout the city. To find out designations, refer to the Zoning map and General Plan map. You may also visit our interactive E-Zoning map. Using the interactive map, in the upper right-hand corner, search by address or assessor’s parcel number and view information such as General Plan, Zoning, Coastal Zone, Master Plan, Specific Plan, etc.  To learn more on land use, please visit the Zoning Ordinance and General Plan. For questions, email planning@carlsbadca.gov or by phone at (442) 339-2610 during regular business hours.  

The zoning ordinance outlines the type of uses permitted in various locations throughout the city. A list of permitted uses (by right or conditionally) for each zoning designation is located within the zoning ordinance, master plan or specific plan. You may also visit our interactive E-Zoning map. Using the interactive map, search by address or assessor’s parcel number and view information such as General Plan, Zoning, Coastal Zone, Master Plan, Specific Plan, etc. Once you’ve selected a property click the URL to view Zoning regulations affecting the property. For land use questions, email planning@carlsbadca.gov or by phone at (442) 339-2610 during regular business hours.

View the City of Carlsbad Municipal Code.

The majority of new or replacement signage on non-residential use/commercial buildings require two permits. First is to submit for a Planning Sign Permit, which is available via our online permit portal. The application for a Planning Sign Permit is form P-11. Once submitted, Planning will review the sign permit to verify that the proposed sign will comply with the sign ordinance or an applicable sign program. Please refer to the sign ordinance for exempt or prohibited signs. Once a Planning Sign Permit is approved, you may then apply for a building permit, which is also an available on our online permit portal. Questions on the Planning Sign Permit, please , email planning@carlsbadca.gov or by phone at (442) 339-2610 during regular business hours. For questions on the building permit application process, please contact the Building Division at 442-339-2719 or building@carlsbadca.gov.

Developing can be challenging, and every property is unique. First steps are exploring the applicable land use regulations on a property, consider the environmental settings and more.  Depending on the project, hiring a consultant may help in navigating what can be complex regulations, development opportunities and processes.  To learn more on development, review our Development Process Guides.  You can also visit us in-person at the Faraday Center at 1635 Faraday Ave, send an email inquiry to planning@carlsbadca.gov or call Planning at (442) 339-2610. If you have a concept proposal to develop property, consider submitting an application for a Preliminary Review with Planning (Form P-14), noting a processing fee applies.  A Preliminary Review is a great opportunity to present your concept, prior to formal submittal of development permits, and gather feedback from various city departments. To learn more on Preliminary Reviews, refer to Informational Bulletin IB-114.

Please visit our E-Zoning map. On this interactive map, you can zoom in on a property of interest, click the parcel and view information including if the property is inside/outside the Coastal Zone. Find more information on local coastal regulations by visiting our Municipal Code and Coastal Zone page.  For other zoning-related questions, email planning@carlsbadca.gov or by phone at (442) 339-2610 during regular business hours.

To operate a business out of your home, a business license is required with the Finance Department.  You can apply online here.   Prior to applying, it’s best to  learn more on restrictions for home based businesses, please review Section 21.10.040 – Home Occupations – in the Carlsbad Municipal Code. For more specific information regarding a home occupied business, please email planning@carlsbadca.gov or by phone at (442) 339-2610 during regular business hours.

To learn more what’s covered under a Zone Code Compliance Request, refer to form P-49.  To submit for a Zone Code Compliance Requests, visit the city’s Online Permit Portal. To learn more about the portal and registering, visit our Online Permit Services page. Following submission, you’ll receive an invoice to pay the Zoning Compliance Fee (per parcel), in accordance with the Master Fee Schedule.  Once fee is paid, research begins, and you’ll receive further updates via email.