Only select, qualifying permits are available online.

1. Review and gather submittal requirements for your project. Sign forms as applicable.

2. Set up an account and sign in

Register for a Customer Self Service (CSS) system account. If you already have an account, skip this step.

Sign in to the Customer Self Service (CSS) online system.

3. Complete the online application, upload plans, and pay fees

The city will review your application to make sure we have everything. You will be notified separately by email when fees are due. Fees may also be paid via the portal.

4. Plan check (if applicable)

You will be notified by email if plan check is required. The plan check process can be monitored through the CSS portal.

5. Permit issued

Once your application is approved, you’ll receive an email that the permit is pending and fees are due. Within 24 hours of fee payment, your permit, inspection card and approved plans (if applicable) become available via the CSS portal for download.

Your next step is to schedule an inspection with Building.

A selection of minor permits (not yet available on the CSS portal) can be submitted electronically via email.

Permits available for submittal by email include:

Commercial PME’s (minor plumbing, mechanical & electrical

1. Review requirements

Please see submittal requirements on the building department's Permitting page.

2. Complete the respective application, gather supporting plans/documents

Residential submittals require a completed B-1 application, while Commercial submittals require a completed B-2 application.

3. Email completed/signed application, forms, and plans to building@carlsbadca.gov

4. Receive permit update and pay fees

Building staff will provide instructions for payment options.

5. Plan check (if applicable)

You will be notified by email if Plan Check is required. If required, the plan check progress can be monitored via the CSS portal.

6. Permit issued

Once all permit requirements are satisfied and fees are paid, your application will be approved. You’ll receive your permit, inspection card and approved plans by email. Your next step is to schedule an inspection with Building.

Questions about email submittals? Contact building@carlsbadca.gov or call 442-339-2719.

Verify your permit requires in-person service, as certain permits may be applied online or by email.

1. Review requirements

Please see submittal requirements on the building department's Permitting page

2. Complete the respective application, gather supporting plans/documents, have a form of payment ready

Residential submittals require a completed B-1 application, while Commercial submittals require a completed B-2 application.

3. Make a submittal appointment

Use the City's online scheduling system to make an appointment for your submittal. without physically waiting in the lobby of the Faraday Center. We encourage you to take advantage of this convenient scheduling option.

Want to know the amount of fees due before your appointment? To learn the costs associated with your permit, you can complete the Fee Estimate Form (B-40) submit to the Building Department by email.

4. Attend your submittal appointment, and pay fees

During your submittal appointment, Building staff will provide instructions for payment options.

5. Plan check

Once the application is processed, the plans will be routed for review. You’ll receive an email with a list of reviewing department(s). During the plan check process, you’ll receive email updates if resubmittals are required.

We encourage you to Register for a Customer Self Service (CSS) system account. Once registered, you’ll have access to monitor plan check progress.

6. Permit issued

Once your application is approved, fees paid, and all permit requirements are satisfied, you’ll receive an email update on how to pick up your permit, inspection card and approved plans.

Your next step is to schedule an inspection with Building.

Questions about email submittals? Contact building@carlsbadca.gov or call 442-339-2719.