Building & Development Q & A
Click on the links below to learn more information.
- Building
- I am changing my electric service. Do I need a permit?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.
- How long does it take for my plans to be approved by the Building Division?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.
- Why should I apply for a building permit?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.
- How do I check the status of my plan check?You can contact the Building Division at 760-602-2719 or building@carlsbadca.gov. Be sure to provide your street address or the plan check number assigned when you submitted your plans.
- What type of work requires a building permit?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 760-602-2719 or building@carlsbadca.gov for an answer regarding your specific project.
- What time will the inspector come and do I need to be present for my inspection?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 760-602-2700 between 7:30 a.m. and 8 a.m. the day of the inspection.
- How do I schedule a building inspection?To schedule an inspection, please call our automated line, 760-602-2725, prior to 3:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Please note, the inspection will be scheduled for the next business day unless otherwise stated. You may also call 760-602-2700 during normal business hours to schedule an inspection.
- I am changing my electric service. Do I need a permit?
- Land Development Engineering
- How do I find my property lines?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 760-602-2750 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.
- What is “right-of-way,” and when do I need a right-of-way permit?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.
- Are dumpsters allowed in the street?No. Dumpsters are not allowed in the paved street section or allowed on sidewalks. If you would like to place a dumpster within a street right-of-way (not within the paved street section or blocking a sidewalk), you will need to obtain a right-of-way permit. For more information about the variety of options available to rent, trash service is provided by Waste Management.
- How do I obtain a right-of-way permit?To obtain a right-of-way permit, please fill out the application and traffic control plan. These applications can be submitted via email or in person at the city offices located at 1635 Faraday Avenue.
- How do I find out where the right-of-way is on my street?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 Thursday: 7:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. and on Friday: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. You can also call our front counter staff at 760-602-2750.
- How to do I find the soils report for my property?Most soils reports are available through the city’s document management system. If you do not have success online, please call 760-602-2750 or visit the Land Development Engineering counter during regular business hours: Monday through Thursday 7:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. and Friday 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
- How do I access records, such as plans and reports for my property?The city’s document management system 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.
- Do I need a grading permit?
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 760-602-2750 for further information.
- Where can I find engineering standards?Land Development Engineering standards can be found online by clicking here.
- What is the static water pressure at my property?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.
- How do I find my property lines?
- Planning
- How do I find out the applicable zoning and General Plan land use designation for a property?Zoning and General Plan land use designations vary throughout the city. To find out the designations for a property, please refer to the Zoning map and General Plan map.
- What type of land uses are allowed on a property?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.
- How do I get a copy of the municipal code?The City of Carlsbad municipal code is available online.
- What is required to install a sign for my business?The majority of signs require the review and approval of a sign permit. The Planning Division will review the sign permit to verify that the proposed sign will comply with the sign ordinance or an approved sign program. Please see the sign ordinance for exempt or prohibited signs. Additionally, you can contact the Building Division at 760-602-2719 or building@carlsbadca.gov to see if a building permit is needed.
- Can I subdivide or develop my property?Every property is unique. Please contact staff to help you get started with the basics of subdividing or developing any property at 760-602-4610.
- How do I find out if my property is located within the coastal zone?Please contact the Planning Division at 760-602-4610 during regular business hours to determine if a lot is located within the coastal zone.
- Can I operate a business out of my home?To operate a business out of your home, a business license is required, and Planning is one of many divisions that must approve the business license. Please review Section 21.10.040 – Home Occupations – in the Carlsbad Municipal Code for standards and requirements. For more specific information regarding a home occupied business, please contact the Planning Division at 760-602-4610.
- How do I find out the applicable zoning and General Plan land use designation for a property?