Short Answer
Yes, full removalThe City of San Diego requires a Demolition/Removal Permit from Development Services to completely demolish or remove any structure. Demolishing only part of a structure does not use this permit; partial demolition needs a Building Permit instead. Open plumbing and sewer lines must be capped in an approved manner either way, and no separate permit is needed to cap the sewer.
Source: City of San Diego: Demolition Permit (linked under Sources below)
San Diego Demolition Permits at a Glance
- Demolition permits, last 12 months
- 172
- Median application to issue
- 57 days
- Slowest quarter took at least
- 242 days
- Whole-building demolitions
- 69
Of the 8 cities we track for demolition, San Diego ranks 5 of 8 by median wait. The median declared job value on these permits was $62,296.
Who Can Apply and Do the Work
Applications are filed online as a standalone permit through the Development Services Application Portal, with the Demolition Removal Questionnaire, the San Diego Regional Hazardous Materials Questionnaire (HM-9171), the Waste Management Form for Construction and Demolition Debris (ES-008) and the Project Contacts form (DS-345). Owners doing the work themselves add the Owner-Builder Verification, DS-3042.
What You Need Before the Permit Is Issued
- Historic review if the site has a designated historic resource, is in a designated historic district, or contains a structure 45 years old or older (Information Bulletins 580 and 581).
- The Waste Management Form for construction and demolition debris.
- The Regional Hazardous Materials Questionnaire.
- PDF uploads that meet the City's file requirements, checked with its Scout validation tool.
What Else to Know in San Diego
Fees follow Information Bulletin 501, the fee schedule for construction permits. An issued Demolition/Removal Permit can be extended with form DS-117.
San Diego Demolition Permit Fees
San Diego does not publish a flat demolition fee we could verify, so we don't quote one. The fee is set when you apply. For scale, the median declared value of demolition work on recent permits was $62,296.
What San Diego's Demolition Permit Data Shows
| Type of demolition | Permits | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Whole building | 69 | 40% |
| Garage, shed or other accessory structure | 95 | 55% |
| Partial demolition | 8 | 5% |
Demolition Permits Issued per Month
Types are classified from each permit's description. Approvals whose scope mentions demolition, including pools, garages and other accessory structures. Data from City of San Diego Development Permits (Set 2), October 30, 2025 to October 30, 2026.
Where Demolitions Are Happening
| ZIP code | Permits (12 mo) |
|---|---|
| 92037 | 12 |
| 92129 | 11 |
| 92126 | 8 |
| 92131 | 7 |
| 92115 | 6 |
| 92110 | 6 |
Recent Demolition Permits
| Issued | Work as described by the city |
|---|---|
| 2026-10-23 | For demolition of the 1-car garage and construction of a new detached 2-car garage on the existing 1-story SFD |
| 2026-10-23 | Demolition Removal permit for the proposed demolition of a 4ft deep pool in the rear yard of an existing SFR p |
| 2026-10-14 | For the proposed demolition of an 8' depth pool in the rear yard of an existing SDU. |
| 2026-10-08 | Proposed Demolition of a 346-SF existing masonry building. (3447 5th). |
| 2026-10-05 | For the demolition of an existing deck attached to an existing SFR and replacement with a smaller deck and sta |
| 2026-09-28 | Proposed demolition of a 5-FT in depth pool in the rear yard for an existing SDU. |
How to Get a Demolition Permit in San Diego
- Check historic and landmark status first. It is the step most likely to add weeks or months.
- Line up the prerequisites listed above, starting with the asbestos survey, pest control and utility disconnections.
- Hire a contractor licensed for demolition where San Diego requires one, and sign a written contract.
- Apply, post any required notice, and wait out the notice period before work begins.
- Pass the final inspection and keep the permit with your property records, especially if you plan to rebuild.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to demolish a house in San Diego?
The City of San Diego requires a Demolition/Removal Permit from Development Services to completely demolish or remove any structure. Demolishing only part of a structure does not use this permit; partial demolition needs a Building Permit instead. Open plumbing and sewer lines must be capped in an approved manner either way, and no separate permit is needed to cap the sewer.
How long does a demolition permit take in San Diego?
For the 172 demolition permits issued between October 30, 2025 and October 30, 2026 with both dates published, the median time from application to issue was 57 days, and a quarter took 242 days or longer, according to the city's open data.
How many demolition permits does San Diego issue?
172 in the 12 months to October 30, 2026. About 40% were for whole buildings, 55% for garages, sheds and other accessory structures, and 5% for partial demolitions, based on the permit descriptions.
Do I need a demolition permit to tear down part of my house in San Diego?
No. A Demolition/Removal Permit is only for complete demolition or removal of a structure; partial demolition is covered by a Building Permit.
Related Permit Guides
- San Diego Building Permits
- Demolition Permit Requirements: What Cities Require Before You Tear Down
- Chicago Demolition Permit Requirements
- Seattle Demolition Permit Requirements
- Philadelphia Demolition Permit Requirements
- Austin Demolition Permit Requirements
- Los Angeles Demolition Permit Requirements
- Nashville Demolition Permit Requirements
- Kansas City Demolition Permit Requirements
- New York Demolition Permit Requirements
Sources
Official sources checked on . Rules change; confirm with the department before you start work.
- City of San Diego: Demolition Permit (sandiego.gov)
- City of San Diego Information Bulletin 710: Building Demolition/Removal (sandiego.gov)
- City of San Diego Development Permits (Set 2) (data.sandiego.gov)