San Diego plumbing permits and rules
Source: California Plumbing Help (californiaplumbinghelp.com), part of the Local Help Stations network (localhelpstations.com). Last updated November 2, 2026.
Plumbing permits in San Diego
Homeowners, property owners and licensed contractors can get a Simple "No-Plan" Plumbing/Gas Permit for water heater replacements (except tankless types), water or sewer piping repairs, gas line repairs, drain repair or replacement, water softeners and pressure reducing valves. (source: City of San Diego Development Services)
San Diego's simple plumbing permit page says: "There are no exemptions." (source: City of San Diego Development Services)
Licensed contractors receive the permit as soon as they submit the application and pay the invoice. Homeowners normally receive it within two business days after submitting the Owner-Builder Verification Form DS-3042. (source: City of San Diego Development Services)
Statewide rules that apply here
Plumbing contractors are licensed by CSLB in the C-36 Plumbing classification. A C-36 contractor provides safe water supply and disposal of fluid waste, including piping, storage tanks and venting for gases and liquids. (source: Contractors State License Board)
The contractor license law does not apply to work under $1,000 in total (labor, materials and everything else) that is casual, minor or inconsequential and does not need a building permit. The exemption is lost if the job is split up to get under $1,000, if the person advertises as a contractor, or if they employ anyone to help (B&P 7048). AB 2622, approved in September 2024, raised this limit from $500 to $1,000, and the section was amended again effective January 1, 2026. (source: California Legislature) (source: California Legislature)
See water heater permits in other cities, doing your own work and checking a license.
Other cities: Los Angeles · San Diego · San Jose · San Francisco · Sacramento · Fresno · Long Beach · Oakland
On this site: Do I need a permit to replace a water heater in California? · California water heater strapping law · California water heater installation rules cities inspect · Plumbing permit costs in California cities · Plumbing jobs that need no permit in California cities · Can I do my own plumbing in California? · When does a California contractor need a license? · California home improvement contract and payment rules · How to check a California contractor and complain · Cities · FAQ · Sources
Sources
- City of San Diego Development Services: Simple Plumbing/Gas Permit (checked November 2, 2026)
- City of San Diego Development Services: Simple Permits (checked November 2, 2026)
- Contractors State License Board (CSLB): C-36 Plumbing Contractor classification (checked November 2, 2026)
- California Legislature (California Legislative Information): Business and Professions Code 7048 (minor work exemption) (checked November 2, 2026)
- California Legislature (California Legislative Information): Assembly Bill 2622 (2024), Chapter 240: Contractors: exemptions (checked November 2, 2026)
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