Written by Brett Williams, June 14th, 2024, San Diego, CA
In July 2019, local members of The North County Civil Engineers and Land Surveyors Association (NCCELSA) initiated discussions that culminated in a proposal aimed at enhancing local business appeal by streamlining permit processing times and costs, thereby promoting increased housing affordability in the region. This proposal was presented to The San Diego County Board of Supervisors during a public hearing on July 24, 2019, where it garnered unanimous approval. Subsequently, at a second meeting on February 12, 2020, the Board of Supervisors endorsed seven recommendations in support of the initiative, spearheaded by Supervisors Jim Desmond and Kristen Gaspar. This endorsement paved the way for San Dieguito Engineering, Inc. to emerge as a designated San Diego County Approved Self-Certification Permit Provider, marking a significant milestone in facilitating expedited and cost-effective permitting processes for local businesses and developers.
Officially titled “Options to Streamline the Discretionary Permit Process”, representatives of the San Diego county Planning & Development Services (PDS) met with the board to provide specific “ways to reduce the time and cost of discretionary permit processing” as well as “make the process more predictable and transparent” for San Diego County residents. The Self-Certification Grading Permit was one of many recommendations from County Staff to streamline the approval process. It was eventually introduced to qualified engineering firms to help implement this streamlined process, and the results have been highly effective for residents of San Diego County region.
San Dieguito Engineering, Inc. (SDE) was the first to become certified and is one of only two qualified engineering firms in the entire County of San Diego to provide this Self-Certification for residential development and homeowners under, Single-Family Minor Grading Permits. The impact of SDE’s ability to provide this certification, even as a local small business, has given a new light to saving incredible amounts of time and money to developers and homeowners.
This also services as a relief to SD County permitting resources, and a significant relief to taxpayers. Using SDE as a Self-Certifier, projects can now be certified for compliance in as little as 1-5 business days, not weeks and months. The San Diego County Board of Supervisors second public hearing can be viewed along with agenda and documentation here: https://sdcounty.granicus.com/player/clip/2682
Exciting News! As one of only two San Diego County Approved Self-Certification Professionals for Residential Minor Grading, SDE is proud to offer streamlined permitting services. With our expertise, projects can be certified for compliance in as little as 1-5 business days, saving you time and hassle. Let’s build efficiently together!
PROJECTS THAT QUALIFY:
- Requires a qualified and experienced CA registered Civil Engineer to self-certify – THAT’s SDE!!!
- County of San Diego Project
- Minor Residential Grading projects within the Building Department
- Must be accompanied with Building Plans
- Under 2,500 cubic yards of soil moved onsite
- Under 200 cubic yards (net) of import or export
- Obtain Building Permit within 24 Months
