Thinking about swapping a water heater, adding an EV charger, or freshening up a bath in your Hillcrest home? Good news: many small projects in the City of San Diego can move forward without a full plan check. You save time and reduce paperwork while still getting a final inspection and a clean record for future resale. This guide shows you what typically qualifies, where the limits are, how to apply, and what it means when you buy or sell in Hillcrest. Let’s dive in.
No-plan and simple permits in San Diego
No-plan and simple permits allow certain residential projects to be permitted and inspected without a full plan review. The City details the no-plan building path in its Information Bulletin 203. For smaller mechanical, electrical, and plumbing items, the City offers a streamlined “Simple” path, described on the Simple permits page.
In Hillcrest, this can mean faster approvals for common home improvements, especially in single-family homes, duplexes, and townhomes that are not designated historic resources. Inspectors still verify the work in the field, and they can require full plans if the scope turns out to be larger than allowed.
Hillcrest upgrades that usually qualify
Simple mechanical, electrical, plumbing (MEP)
Good candidates for the Simple permit route include:
- HVAC unit swaps, condensers, furnaces, mini-splits, and exhaust fans for single-family, duplex, and townhome properties. See the City’s Simple permits guidance for scope limits and eligibility.
- Standard water-heater replacements. Tankless units often need plan review or extra submittals, so verify details on the Simple permits page before you start.
- Small plumbing repairs, pressure-reducing valves, and water softeners under Simple plumbing.
- Modest electrical work such as adding a residential circuit or relocating outlets, subject to City limits.
- Private garage EV chargers that use the City circuit card in place of plans. Review the City’s EV charging guidance for when the circuit card applies.
The City notes that Simple MEP permits are typically issued in about two business days once submitted and invoiced, which helps you get to inspection faster.
No-plan building projects
Typical no-plan building items for Hillcrest homes include:
- In-kind door or window replacements that do not change the rough opening.
- Kitchen or bath refreshes with no structural changes and no added plumbing fixtures in R-2 or R-3 residential.
- Re-stucco, siding replacement under stated conditions, and drywall repair within area limits.
- Repair or replacement in kind when existing framing can be verified by the inspector. Pre-engineered components usually require plans.
The City outlines eligibility, submittal documents, and inspection steps in Information Bulletin 203.
Projects that do not qualify
Plan review is usually required for:
- Structural changes, new openings, additions, or anything that alters load paths.
- Reroofs that are not simple renewals or that change materials, require sheathing, or trigger structural rules. See the City’s roofing rules in IB 123.
- ADUs, additions, use conversions, major electrical service upgrades tied to structural work, and multi-family or commercial jobs.
- Solar PV and batteries that do not meet template criteria. Qualifying residential rooftop systems can use the self-issue templates in IB 301 for instant or same-day issuance.
Key limits to watch in Hillcrest
- Historic status: Properties 45 years or older, designated historic resources, or homes within a historic district may require historic review. That review can change eligibility and timing under Information Bulletin 203. Hillcrest has many older homes and a focused plan that recognizes historic resources. For neighborhood context, see the Hillcrest Focused Plan Amendment.
- Property history: No-plan building permits apply to buildings that were legally permitted and finaled. If records are missing or unclear, the inspector may require plans.
- Fire and special zones: Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones can add material or detail requirements, especially for roofing. Confirm zone rules before you start.
- Scope creep: If site conditions or the work exceed no-plan limits, inspectors can convert the permit to full plan review, which adds time and cost. Be conservative in your scope description.
How to apply and what to expect
- Use the City’s online portal to submit a Simple or No-Plan application. Information Bulletin 203 lists the correct record types and required forms.
- Typical forms include the Project Contacts form, the No-Plan Building Permit Supplemental Application, and Owner-Builder verification if you are applying as the owner. For residential garage EV chargers, the circuit card often replaces electrical plans.
- Timelines: Simple MEP permits are often issued in about two business days. No-plan building permits vary with scope and any required historic review. Historic routing commonly adds about 10 business days.
- Inspections: Schedule once issued. For repair or replacement in kind, the City may require a pre-construction inspection.
Fees and how to estimate
Fees depend on scope and whether plan review is required. The City publishes fee schedules, including the MEP fee tables in the MEP fee schedule in IB 103 and PV fees in IB 301. Because fees change periodically, verify current amounts before applying.
Buyer and seller implications in Hillcrest
- Unpermitted work: The City can investigate and enforce unpermitted work. Review the Building and Land Use process on the City’s enforcement page to understand potential remedies and penalties.
- Seller disclosures: California’s disclosure laws require sellers to disclose material facts, including additions or alterations and related permits. See the California Civil Code transfer disclosure requirements. Provide copies of permits when you have them, or disclose when permits are not available.
- Buyer diligence: Before you write an offer or remove contingencies, check the City’s permit records search to confirm past work and identify any gaps. Consider inspections focused on spotting unpermitted alterations.
Quick homeowner checklist
- Confirm if your project is exempt, Simple MEP, or No-Plan building using Information Bulletin 203 and the Simple permits page.
- Check historic status if the home is 45 years or older or in a known historic area.
- Verify permit history using the City’s permit records search.
- Submit through the portal, pay the invoice, then schedule inspection.
- If you plan to sell, gather permit copies now or be ready to disclose where permits are missing under the California Civil Code.
Ready to update with confidence and protect your home’s future resale value? If you want a neighborhood-savvy plan that aligns your project list with your timing and selling goals, connect with Markus Feldmann for clear, local guidance.
FAQs
What is a no-plan permit in San Diego?
- It is a building permit for specific residential work that can be issued and inspected without a full plan review, as outlined in the City’s Information Bulletin 203.
Which Hillcrest upgrades usually qualify for Simple permits?
- HVAC swaps, standard water-heater replacements, small plumbing or electrical work, and private garage EV chargers typically qualify under the City’s Simple permits guidance.
Do historic Hillcrest homes qualify for Simple or No-Plan?
- Historic review often applies to homes 45 years or older or those with historic status, which can change eligibility and timing under Information Bulletin 203.
Can I replace windows in Hillcrest without plans?
- In-kind window or door replacements that do not change openings are typically eligible for no-plan review per Information Bulletin 203.
How fast are Simple MEP permits issued?
- The City states Simple MEP permits are often issued in about two business days once submitted and invoiced on the Simple permits page.
How do I permit a garage EV charger in Hillcrest?
- Private garage EV chargers can often use the City’s circuit card in place of plans, as described in the EV charging guidance.
What if I discover unpermitted work when selling?
- Disclose it under the California Civil Code transfer disclosure requirements and consult the City’s enforcement page for potential remedies.
