Online Permitting Services

The City of Carlsbad Community Development Department now accepts submittals online for new projects for a select number of permits. The online permit feature is the latest enhancement to Carlsbad’s Customer Self Service Portal. The portal allows residents and contractors to obtain simple development permits online, saving them a visit to the city or emailing applications to the Community Development Division. 

During the first phase the portal will accept applications for permits that generally do not require plan review. Customers will upload electronic applications and required documents to the Customer Self Service Portal and will select from seven different permits types, which include:

• Building: Commercial Sign Permit
• Building: Commercial EV Charger Permit
• Building: Misc. Plumbing, Mechanical, or Electrical 
• Building: Residential Deck (City Standard)   
• Building: Residential Re-roof            
• Building: Residential Patio (City Standard)
• Building: Residential Pools
• Building: Commercial Photovoltaic Systems
• Building: Residential EV Charger Permit
• Building: Residential Photovoltaic Systems (SolarAPP+)
• Building: Residential Photovoltaic Systems (SolarAPP+ ineligible)
• Engineering: Construction Water Meter
• Planning: Sign Permit

Before using the Customer Self Service Portal customers must register for an online account. Once the online account is approved, customers will be able:

• Submit minor permit applications
• View basic permit information
• View and pay permit fees
• View Building Permit Plan Check status
• View Building Plan Check comments
• Resubmit Plans on minor permits
• Apply for a Business License.

Once fully developed, the portal will allow you to apply, view, update and monitor the progress of a permit through its lifecycle. Interested in how to use the online permit portal?  Please see the CSS Help Guide. 

Other Submittals

If you would like to explore submittal options for other permits not presently available on the self-service portal, please visit the submittal information sections on the department pages below or contact the division at the following numbers:

• Building 442-339-2719
• Land Development Engineering 442-339-2750
• Planning 442-339-2610

Have a question about the development process?

Before starting a building or remodeling project, we encourage you to check out the city's helpful how-to guides for homeowners and contractors. Still looking for guidance or assistance? You can access the city’s appointment system to make a development inquiry appointment with our helpful staff.