Water Heater Installation Permits in San Diego – What You Need to Know

When it's time to replace or upgrade your water heater, you need to be prepared to deal with the permitting process. Permits for water heater installations are required by the City of San Diego. We will go which type of permit you need based on your project. We'll also discuss the permit process in San Diego, including the permit application, water heater permit fees, and getting your permit approved.

Do You Need a Permit to Replace Your Water Heater in San Diego?

Yes, you need a permit—even for simple replacements. If you are not replacing a tankless water heater, then all you need is a Simple "No-Plan" Plumbing/Gas Permit. Licensed contractors, as well as homeowners, can apply for this permit online via the City of San Diego's online services portal. You can expect to receive your permit within 2 business days of applying.

Tankless Water Heater Permits: Simple vs. Plan-Required

Tankless water heaters unfortunately do not qualify for the Simple "No-Plan" Plumbing/Gas Permit. You will need to apply for a Plan (required) Plumbing/Gas Permit for both replacements and new installations.

Despite the name, this permit might not require you to submit plans. If you live in a single-family home or duplex, then plumbing plans are not required. For all other dwellings like apartment buildings or multi-family units, plumbing plans and calculations must be prepared and submitted by a licensed mechanical engineer.

Which permit type do I need?

Step-by-Step Permit Application Process

To apply for a Simple "No-Plan" Plumbing/Gas Permit online, you will need to create an account on the City of San Diego's online services portal. Once you've registered, navigate to the DSD Permits tab and select "Create an Application".

For the permit type, select "No-Plan - Residential - Combination Mech/Elec/Plum" under the "Simple no plan permits" section if your property is a single family home or duplex. For all other residential properties like apartment buildings or multi-family units, select "No-Plan-Nonresidential/Multifamily-Plumbing"

After selecting the permit type, you will be prompted to enter the address of the property and its parcel number. If you do not know the parcel number, then you can click the bottom "Search" button which will find the parcel number for the address you entered.

Under the Simple Permit Specific section, you will need to enter the following information:

• Is the property on a historical site?
• Does the installation constitute an emergency gas or electrical restoration? (usually not)
• The applicant (homeowner or contractor). For homeowner applicants, you will need to sign, notorize, and upload the Owner Builder Agreement which can be found here.

For the number of items that need a permit, input "1" next to the "Water Heater" label.

The next section will ask about contact information for the permit holder, inspection contact, and the property owner. Usually the homeowner will be the contact for all three.

If you selected a contractor as the applicant, then you will need to enter the contractor's information including their license type and number. If instead you selected a homeowner applicant, then you will need to attach the Owner Builder Agreement (DS3042). In either case, you will need to upload a General Application form which can be found here.

Once you have uploaded the required documents, you will be able to submit your application.

You can find a walkthrough of the permit process as a pdf document here.

Cost of Water Heater Installation Permits (May 2025 Rates)

Once your application has been submitted, you will be able to pay your permit fees online. You can navigate to the fee payment page by clicking the "View Record Details" button on the application page and then clicking on the "Fees" menu item under "Payments". As of May 2025, a Simple Permit for water heater installations costs $114.66. You can find the current rates for all permits here.

Once you have paid your permit fees, you will be able to schedule an inspection. If you chose a property owner applicant, then you will need to wait for the City of San Diego to approve your Owner Builder Agreement before you can schedule an inspection. This process usually takes 1-2 business days.

Scheduling a Water Heater Installation Inspection

After your water heater installation by a San Diego licensed contractor, you will need to schedule an inspection. You can navigate to the inspection scheduling page by clicking the "View Record Details" button on the application page and then clicking on the "Inspections" menu item under "Record Info".

After selecting the inspection date, you will be able to provide additional information for the inspector, such as alternate contact information and gate codes.

Completing Your Permit

At the inspection, the inspector will review the installation and determine if it is in compliance with the California Plumbing Code. These are the following items that will be inspected:

• Is the water heater installed in a compliant location?
• Has seismic strapping been installed?
• Has a compliant temperature and pressure relief valve been installed?
• Does the water heater have proper venting and combustion air draw?
• Does the water heater have the required insulation?
• Has an expansion tank been properly installed?

If there are any issues, they must be corrected and a new inspection will need to be scheduled.

FAQ

Q: Do I need a permit to replace a water heater?

A: Yes. The City of San Diego requires a plumbing permit for water heater installations and replacements.

Q: How much does a water heater installation permit cost in San Diego?

A: A Simple "No-Plan" Plumbing/Gas Permit costs $114.66 as of May 2025.

Q: How long does it take to receive a permit?

A: You can expect to receive your permit within 2 business days of applying.

Q: Can I schedule an inspection online?

A: Yes, you can schedule an inspection online by via the City of San Diego's online services portal.