Before you start building, making improvements, or sign a lease, research your property. The City's Zoning tells you the rules which land may be used. You are encouraged to contact staff to verify if a permit is required or not before starting any construction activities or opening your business.

What Permits Do You Need?

You may need one or more permits to open a business or for any construction activities related to a business.  

Change of the business use

If your new business is different than the former business that was in the space — for example, you want to open a retail store in a space that was previously an office, you will need to verify the new use with our Planning Staff. In some cases, a Conditional Use Permit might be needed to locate on the property.  To open a new business in Chula Vista, you will need to have a Chula Vista business license to operate.

Building Permits

Building permits are required when a project involves a new or changed use of the property or you are doing work that physically changes or adds structures to a property— even if you can’t see the alteration from the outside. Chula Vista Municipal Code Chapter Chapter 15.06.080 ensures that minimum construction standards are in compliance to safeguard life and property. 

For work exempt from building permits, see Form 4551.

Before a Building Permit Can Be Issued all other permits and approvals must be in place and before the project is ready to begin construction.

Planning Permits

All new, altered or expanded structures must first be reviewed by the Planning Division to ensure the structure meets the requirements of the zone. Please check a property's zoning or talk with our Planning Staff to ensure your proposed construction activities meet all development standards, such as setbacks from property lines and adjacent structures, allowable height, and lot coverage.

Projects requiring discretionary approvals (Design Review, Conditional Use Permit, etc. ) must be approved before applying for a building permit. For some projects, property owners cannot construct by right and approval is required by the Zoning Administrator, the Planning Commission or the City Council.

Most residential and commercial development (new, altered or expanded structures) in the R3 zone, commercial and industrial zones requires Design Review.

Planning also reviews work in historical districts/buildings and the proposed demolition of buildings older than 50 years.

Land Development Permits

Projects that require grading will need a grading permit and a building pad certified prior to the issuance of the building permit.

Construction within city rights-of-way, including infrastructure improvements, may also require review and a permit.

Land Development permits may also needed for curb cuts, driveways, planting in the right-of-way, and paving streets and alleys.

Other City/Agency Permits and Approvals

For some projects, you will need to coordinate with other City Departments and other agencies to obtain additional permits and approvals. Some agencies you may need to work with:

• Fire Department  – for sprinklers, fire alarms, and emergency access to some types of properties
• Public Works Department  – to confirm you have an adequate water supply to add drainage and waste water connections, or for access to new garbage containers
• Environmental Services Department - for the mandatory construction and demolition debris recycling for tenant improvements and new housing developments
• Finance Department  – to open a new business in Chula Vista or to conduct business in Chula Vista (even if your office is  not within the city)  
• SDG&E – to install temporary power connections or permanent electrical service (which may include a vault requirement)
• County of San Diego Hazardous Materials Division 
• County of San Diego Food Plan Check and Construction Unit  – for change in menus, business ownership and alterations and additions to the building for any food service business 

• Sweetwater Authority - Verify that existing service and meter size are adequate or obtain new water service for your project. 

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