Permits and utilities
Permits and utilities: the part you should not have to run
Permits are most of the calendar before a single wall goes up. We file every drawing, answer every reviewer and book every inspection, and we tell you each week where the file stands.
Utilities are most of the surprises. Water, sewer and power each have their own office, their own fees and their own lead time, so we ask them early.
We file, answer comments and book inspections
Fees go on your quote as allowances, at cost
Weekly status on your file
Who files, in order
The permit path
- At the lot check
Step 1: Zoning and parcel review
We confirm zoning, lot size, setbacks and easements, and whether a recorded condition limits what can be built.
- After drawings
Step 2: Submittal
Our permit coordinator files drawings, structural calculations and energy forms through the city's online portal.
- Time set by the city
Step 3: Plan check
Reviewers send comments; we revise and resubmit. State law sets a time limit for the city to act on a complete application.
- Before work starts
Step 4: Permit issued
We pay the fees at cost, post the permit on site and book the first inspection.
- During the build
Step 5: Inspections
Foundation, framing, rough plumbing and electrical, insulation and final. We book each and are on site for it.
What moves the price
Fees and connections, line by line
We list these as allowances on your quote and pass the actual charge through at cost.
Plan check and permit
Set by your city. We put an allowance on the quote and bill the actual fee.
Impact fees
State law limits or waives these for smaller ADUs. We check which apply to yours.
Water and sewer
Some units tie into the house lines; others need a new meter or connection. The utility sets the charge.
Electric
A new service or panel upgrade is quoted separately when the house panel cannot carry the unit.
Fire access
A few lots need a wider path or a sprinkler. The fire department decides, and we find out early.
Survey and soils
Added when the lot, slope or soil calls for it, and shown as its own line.
Rules to know
What state law gives homeowners
California law requires a city to approve or deny a complete ADU application within a set time, and limits many local requirements such as owner occupancy for full ADUs, minimum lot size and replacement parking.
Cities still set many details, and the rules change often. We read the current code for your address and write down what applies.
If your house was built before 1978, ask us about lead paint before you sign. Work that disturbs painted surfaces needs specific lead-dust practices by a certified firm, and your quote says who holds the certification.
Questions
Asked about this type
Who pulls the permits?
We do. Our permit coordinator files the plans, answers the city reviewers and books each inspection. The permit fees themselves are listed on your quote as an allowance and paid at cost.
What about water, sewer and power?
The unit needs a way to connect. Sometimes it ties into the house lines, sometimes it needs a new meter or a larger panel. We find out which at the lot check and list the cost as an allowance.
Can I build an ADU on my lot?
Most single-family lots in San Diego County can fit at least one. Size, setbacks, utility lines and easements decide what kind. A lot check answers it for your address before you pay for drawings.
My house was built before 1978. Does that change anything?
It can. Homes built before 1978 may have lead paint. If work disturbs more than 6 square feet of painted surface inside or 20 outside, or touches windows or demolition, federal rules require specific lead-dust work practices by a certified firm. Tell us the year; we say before you sign whether the rule applies and who holds the certification.
Want to know what your city asks?
The lot check starts with the city rules for your address.