Building Permit

Applying for a Building Permit

Building permit applications are only accepted in person at the Building Division counter.  All documents including the building permit application and plans must be physical (hard) copies. 

The Building Division does not currently accept online applications or digital submittals of documentation.

To apply for a building permit:

• Print and complete the Building Permit Application for submittal at the Building Division counter. 
• Prepare any additional documentation that may be needed described in the section below.
• Building permit applications typically require the submittal of four sets of full-sized D sheets (24" x 36").  Plan sets must be hard copy folded to a 9" x 24" size.  Digital submittals are not accepted.
• Building permit cost is typically based on the type of project and the project valuation.
• City Staff will verify if the application meets minimum submittal requirements and collect review fees.
• Note: Your plan review is not a submitted application until the required documents are submitted and application fees paid.

To apply for a building permit you may need the following items:

• Property owner name, phone number, and address.
• Contractor name, phone number, address, state license number, City Business License, and current worker compensation certificate.
• Architect name, phone number, and address.
• Engineer name, phone number, and address.
• Plan check fees and/or permit fees may be collected. The cashier accepts cash, check, MasterCard, and Visa.
• A project valuation is required.
• Plans may be required.
• SDG&E work order may be required.
• County Hazardous Waste Form may be required.
• The applicant must be the a licensed contractor, property owner, or an authorized agent.
• A letter of authorization from the property owner for authorized agents will be required.

Building permit application process:

• Check with the Planning Department (619) 825-3805 to determine if the projected is allowed.
• Prepare documentation needed to submit for a building permit.
• Schedule an appointment to submit the application package by calling (619) 825-3800.
• If the application and payment is accepted, the Building Division will route the project for review.  Most projects are reviewed by Building, Engineering, Fire, and Planning Departments.
• Each review typically takes 30 days minimum.  Please do not check status earlier than 30 days from submittal date as status inquires slow the project review time.
• Applicants will be emailed an approval or comments by the Building Division when all reviews have been completed by all departments.
• Approvals or comments are only provided after all reviewing departments have completed their review.
• Resubmittal is necessary if comments are received.  The 30 day review process repeats once a resubmittal is submitted to the Building Division.
• Applicants emailed an approval will want to schedule an appointment (619) 825-3800 for permit issuance.  This often will require payment of an issuance fee that includes inspection costs.

Building permit inspection process:

• The building permit and approved plans should be kept at the site at all times that work is being performed.
• Construction is completed in incremental steps, and inspections vary depending on the permit type.  Building staff will provide clarification on the individual steps at permit issuance. 
• Inspection costs are included in the permit issuance fee.  No additional inspection fees are typically necessary unless the inspector determines the inspection was unnecessary.
• Inspections can be scheduled by calling (619) 825-3808.  This is an unanswered phone line.
• Inspections typically occur the next business day Monday thru Friday.  No confirmation is given.
• Call (619) 825-3847 if you would like additional information regarding the inspection.
• Inspectors will either sign the inspection card in the appropriate box or write a correction list if the inspection does not pass.
• This process repeats itself until the builder receives final approval.
• Projects may require final by other City Departments that include Engineering, Fire, and Planning.  These final inspections should be scheduled prior to the Building Division final inspection.
• The inspection card is the certificate of occupancy (C of O).  Lemon Grove does not issue a separate C of O.

Business Hours

Counter Hours:
7:30am - 12:00pm: Monday - Thursday.  Office is closed on Fridays. 
Appointments between 8:00am - 11:30am receive priority service (619) 825-3800.
Appointments after 1pm may be available upon request (619) 825-3800.
Building Department questions (excluding appointments) (619) 825-3847or Building2@lemongrove.ca.gov.

Inspections Hours:
Inspections occur between 11am - 3pm: Monday - Friday, excepting major holidays.
No specific inspection time is provided in this window.
Inspections are scheduled by calling and leaving a message at an unanswered phone line (619) 825-3808.
Inspection requests received before 3pm will occur the next business day.  No confirmation call will occur.
Building Department questions (619) 825-3847 or Building2@lemongrove.ca.gov.