Frequently Asked Questions

With limited exception, a Building Permit is required anytime you are constructing, altering, moving, adding to, repairing, or demolishing a structure within the City of Poway. A Building Permit is required for work within or on the exterior of any structure. 

Most maintenance and minor improvement projects require only a building permit. For information related to new construction, expansion of an existing structure, modifications to commercial properties, or moving your business, please refer to the Development Services page. 

A set of building plans is needed to provide all the information necessary so that the city can determine if the project complies with all city standards and building codes. A qualified individual, such as a drafter, building designer, architect or engineer, will need to prepare plans for a new residence, a home addition, or a home remodel project. Some commercial projects will require plans prepared by an architect or structural engineer. For projects such as retaining walls, patio covers and second-story decks, which are designed per city standards, a simple, legible and scaled plot plan is all that is needed. Please refer to the Building Permit Application Checklist for a list of requirements. 

All permit applications are received, processed and issued through the City of Poway Online Services.

Current fees for all building permits and plan review are listed in the City’s Master Fee Schedule (PDF) and Solar PV Fees Notice (PDF). Certain permits such as electrical or mechanical have a flat fee. Fees for construction of structures are based on valuation of construction type and use a valuation formula updated periodically from the San Diego Area Chapter of the International Code Council.

The actual length of time to process your permit can vary depending on the nature of your project. 

• Step 1: Building permit application submitted online (review the Building Permit Application Checklist to make sure you have everything you need). 
• Step 2: Plan review by Development Services. For 1st submittal, plan for up to 14 calendar days for building reviews and up to 28 calendar days for planning and engineering reviews. 
• Step 3: Once plans are reviewed, the applicant will be notified.
  • If there are no revisions, a permit will be issued. If revisions are required, continue to Step 4.
• Step 4: The applicant addresses the revisions requested in order to comply with all city standards and building codes.
• Step 5: The applicant resubmits online for plan review.
• Step 6: For subsequent submittals, the city will complete the review in up to 14 calendar days for building reviews and up to 28 calendar days for planning and engineering reviews.
• Step 7: Once plans are reviewed, the applicant will be notified.
  • If there are no revisions, a permit will be issued. If revisions are required, return to Step 4 until the applicant complies with all city standards and building codes.

After a Building Permit is obtained, you can schedule an inspection by calling 858-668-4646 and leaving a message on the automated line or schedule online through the portal. For inspection requests received before 4 p.m., the inspection will be scheduled for the next business day unless you request a different day in your message. Building inspections are performed Monday through Friday, including the Fridays that City Hall is closed.

The number of inspections varies by project but is generally 5 to 6 inspections for residential projects.

Standard plans, guidelines and Development Resources are available on the City’s website. This includes information on Solar, Pools, Retaining Walls, Re-roofing, and Remodels.

If you have questions about building permits, please contact the Building Division at 858-668-4644.

• One-story, detached accessory structures such as tool and storage sheds, playhouses and similar structures, with a floor area of 120 square feet or less, unless in the Very High Fire Severity Zone. These structures cannot be within the front or street side yard setback areas and the eaves cannot overhang adjacent properties
• Fences and non-retaining walls not more than 6 feet tall. Solid fences and walls over 4 feet in height cannot be located within the front yard setback area.
• Kitchen counters and cabinets.
• Retaining walls 3 feet in height or less measured from the top of the footing with no surcharge.
• Water tanks supported on grade that do not exceed 5,000 gallons.
• Painting, papering and similar finish work.
• Flatwork (concrete slabs) on private property does not generally need a Building Permit but may need a Right-of-Way Permit from the Engineering Division. Parking and driveways in the front yard area cannot constitute more than 50% of the front yard setback area.
• Prefabricated swimming pools that are less than 24-inches deep.
• Widow awnings supported by an exterior wall that do not project more than 54-inches from the exterior walls and do not require extra support.
• Decks not exceeding 200-square-feet that are not more than 30-incheas above grade at any point, are not attached to a dwelling and do not serve the exit door required by Section R311.4.