Oceanside, CA
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IMPORTANT NOTICE:
Commencing January 2, 2025, all applications with plan submittals must be made through our web based process. Paper plans will no longer be accepted.
Building Permit applications with plans must be submitted via the electronic Building Permit Application or through the eTRAKiT portal. No exceptions will be made.
Web based submittals eliminate customer printing costs, conserve valuable parking and office space at City Hall, and contribute to our city-wide goals of reducing paper waste.
For assistance with your web based submittal, please email Development_Services_Technicians@oceansideca.org.
For comments or concerns related to this policy change, please email DSCStaff@oceansideca.org.
The City of Oceanside has established minimum standards for new submittal applications, plans and documents, including a minimum plan size. Currently the minimum size paper plan submittal for additions, renovations, and new construction is 24" x 36". For certain minor alterations, an 11" X 17" sheet may be used. Be sure to consider the time saved and money saved by not printing by submitting your plans to us online. We currently accept online submittals for all building division reviews.
Commercial Projects
Tenant improvement and new commercial projects both require five complete sets of plans to be submitted. In general, a licensed design professional is required for all commercial projects. The plans are required to be stamped and wet signed. Two copies of soils reports, structural calculations, truss calculations, and energy calculations are required as applicable. Please see the Commercial TI Requirements.
Residential Projects
New residential buildings require five complete sets of plans to be submitted. If prepared by a licensed design professional the plans are required to be stamped and wet signed. Unlicensed design professionals may only submit plans for up to 4 dwellings on one lot, of wood framed construction, and of not more than two stories and basement in height. Two copies of soils reports, structural calculations, truss calculations, and energy calculations are required as applicable. Please see the New Single Family Requirements.
Residential additions and remodeling projects require three sets of plans to be submitted. The plans must be well prepared and provide enough detail for the builder to build and the inspector to inspect the work in accordance to the approved plans. Projects that involve the removal of walls must adequately show on a framing plan if they are bearing walls or not. Please see the Residential Code Requirements Checklist.
Plans are not required for repairs/replacement of residential plumbing, electrical and mechanical systems and re-roofing permits. Permits for these items can be obtained on the Web Permits page or by walk-in counter service.
Submittal Requirements
Prior to submitting plans to the Building Division for review, plans will be routed, by the applicant, to other departments depending on the scope of work. Therefore, it is important to check with the Building Division as to which departments you will be routed to, and checking with those departments regarding their submittal requirements.
Please see the following handouts for submittal requirements:
- IB 124 Permit Issuance and Submittal Requirements
- Submittal Requirements
- Commercial Tenant Improvement Submittal Requirements
- Demolition Plan Submittal Requirements
- Expedited PV Submittal Requirements
- Minimum Plot Plan Checklist
- IB 133 Deferred Submittals
Checklists are provided below as a quick reference for convenience. Checklists may not be inclusive of every item.
- IB 115 Residential Bathroom Remodel Checklist
- Expedited EV Checklist
- Expedited PV Permitting Checklist
- IB 104 Residential Graywater and Rainwater Catchment Systems
- IB 114-Kitchen Remodel Checklist
- Minimum Plot Plan Checklist
- Tenant Improvements Checklist
- Heating & Cooling Systems in New Const. Dwellings Checklist
- Patio Cover Checklist
- Residential Code Requirements Checklist
- Swimming Pool Checklist
Standard Plans
- IB 112 Residential Deck w/Stairs
- IB 113 Patio Cover Standard Plan
- Mobile Home Standard Plan (Must be printed on 11" x 17" paper for permit issuance)
- IB 125 Retaining Wall -Level Backfill
- IB 126 Retaining Wall -Sloping Backfill
Plan Review Process
Once the plans are accepted for review, they are placed in line for the initial review based on a first-come, first-served basis. When the plans are reviewed an itemized correction list is prepared by the plan checker.
The Building Division notifies the applicant to pick up the corrections. Once the applicant has addressed the corrections, the plans will need to be resubmitted. Again, the plans are put in line on a first-come, first-served basis.
At the second review, if the plans are in compliance with the corrections identified, they will be approved. However, if there are still outstanding corrections, a second, itemized correction list will be generated by the plan checker, and the process will repeat until all corrections have been addressed.
Plan Review Target Dates
A "Target Date" is an estimation of the approximate time for the initial plan review to be completed. Target dates may fluctuate based on the volume of plans. Electronic plan submittals typically require 1-2 days for processing and 1-2 days for the return to customer.
| Plan | Target Date |
|---|---|
| New Commercial Buildings | 21 calendar days |
| Commercial Tenant Improvements | 14 calendar days |
| New Residential Buildings | 21 calendar days |
| Residential Additions | 14 calendar days |
| Residential Interior Remodels | 14 calendar days |
| Accessory Dwelling Units | 14 calendar days |
| Photovoltaic (Residential) Systems | 1 business day |
| Photovoltaic (Commercial) Systems | 14 calendar days |
| Re-submittals | 7 calendar days |
| Revisions | 7 calendar days |
Plan Review/Permit Application Expiration
Plan review expires two calendar years from the date of submittal. To request an extension, the applicant must submit a written request, prior to expiration. One six-month extension may be granted. To request an extension, complete the Permit Extension Request form and submit to: DSCstaff@oceansideca.org
If the plans have expired beyond the extension, the plans may be renewed by written request. Renewal procedures may vary depending on Building Code adoptions. Plan check fees may need to be collected, and new plans may need to be submitted.
Please see the City of Oceanside Municipal Code for a more detailed version of the Plan Review expiration code.
Revising Approved Plans
Once plans are approved and the Building Permit has been issued, changes and/or clarifications may need to be made to the approved plans. The best way to avoid delays is to submit these changes as soon as possible.
To submit a revision, the Building Division requires two copies of the plan sheets that have been affected by the change(s). Full sheets are required in most cases. Application for plan revision form will need to be filled out as well. It is important to be as detailed as possible when describing the change(s) that are being submitted for review.
Plan Review Status
The applicant will be notified when plans have been reviewed. However, to check the status of plans, please contact the Building Division at: (760) 435-3950 or e-mail at: buildingstaff@oceansideca.org or view current status online using our - eTRAKiT portal.
