Land-use glossary
Site development permit
Also: SDP · Development permit · Development review
A discretionary permit reviewing a project's site design against a city's development regulations.
Many cities require a discretionary review of larger or sensitive projects: building near environmentally sensitive lands or historic resources, deviating from standard regulations, or building in a planned district. The City of San Diego calls this a Site Development Permit; other cities use names such as development permit, design review or plot plan.
Depending on the city and the project, a hearing officer, the planning commission or the council decides, after a public hearing. In coastal areas the same project may also need a coastal development permit.
What to look for on the agenda
- Why the permit is required: sensitive lands, deviations or the project's size
- Requested deviations from development regulations
- The environmental determination
Recent examples in San Diego County
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Carlsbad · Oct 7
Love Shack - CDP 2025-0005 (DEV2024-0053) -
San Marcos · Oct 5
San Elijo Hills Town Center Multifamily - Request Entitlements for a 31-UNIT Residential Condominium Density Bonus Project -
Del Mar · Sep 23
DRB25-027 / LC26-004 – 535 Serpentine Drive Design Review and Land Conservation Permits -
Imperial Beach · Sep 17
De Bartolo Rimanic Design Studio Seeks Approval to Construct Two New Three-Story Residential Detached Triplexes and 12 Off-Street Parking Spaces Located at 620-630 Seacoast Drive, and a California Environmental Quality Act Categorical Exemption. -
Imperial Beach · Sep 17
Stars and Stripes Seeks Approval of Modifications to the Exterior FaÇAde of the Existing Convenience Store and New Signage Associated with the Fuel Station Canopy Located at 681 Highway 75 (Apn: 626-250-12-00).
Where the rules come from: Each city's development code (for example, San Diego Municipal Code ch. 12, art. 6). Each city's own code adds its details.
Related terms
A general explainer, not legal advice. How we work.