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1. What requires a permit?

Any California State licensed contractor, property owner or authorized agent who intends to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish, or change the occupancy of a building structure, or facilities or to erect, install, enlarge, alter, repair, remove, convert or replace any electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing system, the installation of which is regulated by this code, or to cause any such work to be done, shall first make application to the building official and obtain the required permit. You can access a list of projects that are exempt from the building permit requirements here.

2. How do I apply for a permit?

To apply for all building permits, applicants must first create a Citizen Self-Service Account in the Citizen Self-Service (CSS) portal (link). City Hall is open Monday through Thursday 7:30 A.M. to 5:30 P.M. Staff will be available during non-inspection hours to assist with permit help from 7:30 A.M - 9:00 A.M and 3:30 P.M. - 5:00 P.M. Kiosks are available for applicant use. Provided below are instructions on how to create a CSS Account and apply for a building permit: 

Instructions for the Online Building Permit Submittal Process

3. How do I schedule an inspection?

Inspections are conducted between 9 am to 3:30 pm. Monday through Thursday. Building Inspections can be requested by calling the inspection hotline at 619-628-1360, Citizen Self-Service (CSS) portal, or via email. Staff will reach out on the morning of inspection with a detailed time frame for inspection.

If you are a California-licensed Contractor, Architect or Engineer, you may be able to self-certify select minor residential building permits without Building Division inspections. To see if you qualify for this program, please refer to the Building Self-Certification Program Procedures, Application, and Checklist (PDF). If you are unable to meet these requirements in order to obtain your required inspections, please do not hesitate to contact us to discuss other alternative inspection measures.

Please keep in mind that building inspections will not be conducted on Fridays.

4. How do I confirm what time my inspection is scheduled for today?

If you left a voicemail on our inspection request line or scheduled an inspection online through the citizen self-service portal, on the morning of your scheduled inspection you can confirm that your inspection has been scheduled, the estimated timeframe for your inspection, and the name and contact number for your inspector by accessing the "Today's Inspection" page located here. 

Please keep in mind that building inspections will not be conducted on Fridays.

5. How do I request permits for my property?

Building permits are available through the City’s Customer Self Service portal. Click on this link and select “Search Public Records” to get started. To request additional building permits not found in the portal, please follow the instructions provided for a Public Records Request on the City Clerk’s webpage found here.

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1. Where do I apply for a business license

Business license applications are processed solely through our online Citizen Self-Service (CSS) portal. Link here.

You will be receiving emails from svc.CSSSMTP@tylerhost.net. Please check your spam filters to allow our business licensing emails to be delivered to your inbox.

If you do not have access to a personal computer, you are welcome to use our self-service kiosk located at Imperial Beach City Hall. 

2. What type of business license do I apply for?

It is very important to apply for the correct category of business license. First, determine which one of the following categories apply to you:

Is your business located in Imperial Beach? - IB Commercial 
Is your business operated out of your home? - IB Home Based 
Is your business located out of Imperial Beach? - OUT of City 
Are you a Contractor located outside of Imperial Beach? - OUT of City - Contractor 
Is your license for a long-term (30 days +) rental property? - Property Rental 
Is your license for a short-term (less than 30 days) rental property? - Property Rental - Short Term

Type the license category in the search bar to view all license type options. Select the one that applies to your business (for example IB Commercial - Retail for a retail business with location in Imperial Beach).

Apply for a business license here.

3. Can I apply for a business license on my mobile phone?

No, unfortunately our Citizen Self-Service (CSS) portal is not currently supported on mobile devices. 
Please submit your application on a desktop computer.CSS Portal link here.
Feel free to stop by Imperial Beach City Hall during our business hours and use our self-service workstations to complete your application.

4. What fees are listed on the rental property business license?

You may have noticed a change in the look of your residential rental business license invoice. Our newly implemented financial management software is now itemizing your residential rental business license renewal. The total amount on the invoice has not changed unless you added or subtracted dwelling units associated with this rental license. The new invoices indicate how fees are calculated for each specific item included in the total statement. These specific items include the rental business license itself, state required disability fees, and the fees for annual rental property fire safety inspection. 

5. How do rental property inspections work?

To maximize the safety of our citizens, the City is required by the city code to inspect rental properties for fire prevention purposes. By providing regular routine inspections, the City desires to prevent fires before they happen. Rental fire inspection fees are collected as part of the business license billing system. To determine compliance with state fire regulations, residential rental properties are inspected by both Imperial Beach Fire-Rescue Department staff and Housing Department staff. Owners of rental properties found in violation will receive a correction notice by mail. For rental properties where no violations are identified the information is noted internally and the process is complete until the next inspection. 

Most common fire violations include exposed or damaged electrical, unpermitted additions or alterations, illegal dwellings, incorrectly placed or missing address numbers and issues with smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. 

Safety inspections are performed without notice however a scheduled inspection can be requested by the property owner by calling 619-423-8223. 

To maintain program efficiency, inspection reports are not issued if no violations are noted at the time of inspection. A no violation noted report can be sent upon request.

6. Can I request a rental property inspection on a specific date?

Safety inspections are performed without notice however a scheduled inspection can be requested by the property owner by calling Fire Prevention Division directly at 619-423-8223. 

To maintain program efficiency, inspection reports are not issued if no violations are noted at the time of inspection. A no violation noted report can be sent upon request.

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1. Where do I file my Complaint?

• For immediate hazards dial 911.
• For violations of the Imperial Beach Municipal Code contact the Community Development Department, Code Compliance Division, 825 Imperial Beach Blvd, Imperial Beach, CA 91932, you can file online at this link.
• For violations regarding motor vehicles in the public right of way, noise, etc. contact San Diego County Sheriff, or call their non-emergency number 858-565-5200.
• For violations regarding licensed animals contact San Diego Humane Society, if it is an emergency call 619-299-7012 ext.1. For Lost and Found Pets check here.

The city does not address neighbor disputes or similar civil matters.

Filing a Municipal Code Violation Complaint

Complaints are filed with the city using one of the following methods:

• In person at Imperial Beach City Hall, Community Development counter during city business hours Monday through Thursday 7:30am to 5:30pm.
• Online 24/7 using the form on the city website.

• Via the phone with an Imperial Beach Code Compliance Officer. 

• Via email to an Imperial Beach Code Compliance Officer. 
• Via US mail to an Imperial Beach Code Compliance Officer at the City of Imperial Beach, Community Development Department, Code Compliance Division, 825 Imperial Beach Blvd, Imperial Beach, CA 91932.

Required Information

• Complete contact information for the reporting party.
• Address of the violation
• Date and time of occurrence (if the violation is not ongoing)
• Details specific to the violation.
• What action the reporting party has taken with the violating property to address the concern.

Anonymous complaints are not accepted by the city. Any complaint received by the city without reporting party information will be deemed unfounded and not pursued.

2. What happens after my complaint has been filed with the city?

If the alleged violation is visible from the public right of way it will be reviewed by a Code Compliance Officer to determine if there is a violation of the Imperial Beach Municipal Code. If the alleged violation is NOT visible from the public right of way a request to inspect letter will be sent to the property owner to conduct a review. 

Case status updates

Once the complaint has been filed the interaction between the reporting party and city have concluded. All remaining interaction regarding the violation will be between the city and the alleged violator.

If a violation of the Imperial Beach Municipal Code is found

The property owner will have a reasonable amount of time to correct the violation, this may be 30 days. A compliance inspection will be scheduled and once the Code Compliance Officer deems the corrective action is sufficient the case is closed. 

If a violation of the Imperial Beach Municipal Code is not found 

The case is determined to be unfounded and the case is closed. 

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1. How does Community Choice Aggregation work?

CCAs are established by local communities, either through the creation of a joint powers authority or enterprise fund. While CCAs are locally operated, they work in partnership with the existing investor-owned utility (IOU). Through this partnership, CCAs determine the source and procure the electricity while the existing IOUs continue delivering the energy, maintaining the grid, and providing billing services.

2. How is a San Diego Community Power (SDCP) funded?

SDCP is a self-funded, not-for-profit entity created to ensure that financial benefits directly serve community members. SDCP is completely funded by program revenue. Because SDCP is a locally managed, not-for-profit entity, excess revenue is reinvested into the community through innovative energy programs, job training, employment programs, and more.

3. What are the benefits of a CCA?

Potential benefits of CCAs include:

• Increased customer choice
• Local control of resource decisions and rates
• Competitive electricity costs
• Opportunities for innovative new energy programs (energy efficiency, distributed generation, economic development, etc.)
• Support for local infrastructure investment

4. What is Community Choice Aggregation?

Community Choice Aggregation (CCA) is a model that allows communities to purchase power to meet their electricity needs, offering an alternative choice to the local incumbent utility (San Diego Gas & Electric). CCAs can provide the communities they serve with competitively priced, clean energy choices while reinvesting revenues into projects and programs, supporting the local economy.

5. What is the status of Imperial Beach's CCA efforts?

On October 2, 2019, Imperial Beach Council approved community choice aggregation through a regional CCA program called San Diego Community Power. Partners include the cities of Chula Vista, Encinitas, La Mesa, and San Diego. The Board meeting schedule as well as more information can be found on San Diego Community's Website.

Learn more:

• CCA 101: How does Community Choice Aggregation work? What you need to know. September 2018, San Diego Union Tribune.

6. What will energy bill look like with SDCP?

You will continue to receive one bill from SDG&E but it will look slightly different.

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1. If an event is on private property what type of permits do I need?

A special event permit is not required for events that take place on private property. Depending on the nature of the event, various permits may be required including the following:

• The Community Development Department may have requirements, please contact them at (619) 628-0858. 
• If you will have food sales please contact the San Diego County Health Department.
• If the food vendor is using open flame or cooking equipment, please contact Imperial Beach Fire-Rescue at (619) 628-1392.
• If you will have tents or canopies, please contact Imperial Beach Fire-Rescue at (619) 628-1392.
• If you are using amplified sound you must adhere to the City’s noise ordinance regarding hours of amplified sound and sound decibel limitations.

2. What kinds of events require a special event permit?

Events that are open to the general public and take place within the public right-of-way or are located within a park or on the beach would be coordinated through the special event permit process. Typically, these events require permits, licenses and approvals from several City departments depending on the size and nature of the special event. 

3. How do I get a permit to hold a special event in Imperial Beach?

To initiate the special event permitting process, please contact the Parks, Recreation & Community Services Department. Please note the acceptance of your application should in no way be construed as final approval of your event. The City of Imperial Beach requires a complete event application be submitted at least 90 days in advance of the proposed event date. We encourage applicants to submit their application 6 to 9 months in advance to ensure a complete application is submitted by the deadline and ready to take to the City Council for approval at least 60 days prior to the event.

4. What happens after I submit my application?

Once your application has been received you will be contacted to request any additional forms, permits and licenses that may be required. Copies of the application will be distributed to all city departments for review. A coordinating meeting may be held to clarify questions and ensure you are meeting all of the requirements of the special event permitting process. 

5. Is insurance required for a special event?

Yes. A certificate of general liability and additional insured Form CG2026 is required to hold event on City property. All vendors who participate in the event will need to be covered under the insurance and they must all obtain a business license or vendor fees will apply for a one day license. 

6. How do I get a beach wedding or park wedding permit?

You will need to visit the Park and Beach Reservation section to obtain a permit.

7. What kind of permit do I need for a private event with an air jump?

All private parties with air jumps will need to obtain a park use permit.

8. What kind of permit do I need for a birthday party or other type of private gathering?

A park use permit is required for groups of 25 people or more.

9. How do I get a permit to film or do a photo shoot in Imperial Beach?

Personal filming or photography, including students for class projects, does not require a commercial film permit, however professional photographers and videographers are required to have a business license and obtain a permit.

10. What kind of permit do I need to complete for a neighborhood block party?

Neighborhood block parties require a block party permit from the Parks, Recreation & Community Services Department. If the block party is being advertised and open to the public, you will require a special events permit.

No alcohol is allowed in the public right-of-way at any time.

11. Does the City Council approve permit applications?

The Imperial Beach City Council approves special event permit applications for any events held in Pier Plaza, Dunes Park, on the beach, and road closures. Applicants may apply to host four (4) special events per year, but are restricted to one permit per year in Pier Plaza, and one permit per year in Dunes Park.

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1. How do I pay my city water bill?

Answer goes here...

2. How do I get a new trash can lid?

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3. How do I apply for a job with the City?

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4. My trash didn't get picked up, what should I do now?

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5. How do I get a garage sale permit?

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6. How can I see the agenda for an upcoming City Council or Board meeting?

Answer goes here...

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1. At what times are lifeguards on duty? What parts of the beach are guarded?

The Imperial Beach Lifeguard Service is on duty from 7 am to dusk every day of the week, including holidays. We are responsible for lifeguarding from Carnation Avenue to the south end of Seacoast Drive.

2. Are there separate surfing and swimming areas?

Swimming and surfing are allowed on any part of the beach. There are no separated areas. The only areas that are closed are near the pier and jetties.

3. Where are dogs allowed on the beach?

Dogs are allowed on a leash in two areas:

• South of Imperial Beach Boulevard
• North of Palm Avenue.

They are not allowed in between these two areas, and cannot be walked through these areas to where they are allowed.

Dogs are also not allowed on the pier.

4. Are alcohol or glass containers allowed on the beach?

Alcohol consumption and glass containers are not permitted on the beach.

5. Are bonfires allowed on the beach?

Bonfires are not permitted on our beach. Nearby beaches that allow bonfires and have fire pits include Silver Strand State Beach and Coronado City Beach.

6. Are beach wheelchairs available to use?

We have two Power Beach Chairs available to use that can be taken on the sand. See the Power Beach Chairs page for more information.

7. Can I organize and host a special event or school talk on the beach?

Special events and school talks can be done on the beach but must be coordinated with the Special Events Coordinator.

Call them at 619-423-8285 to contact the Special Events Coordinator.

8. Can I sell merchandise on the beach or near the pier?

A permit is required for temporary outdoor displays or sales. These must be obtained from the Administrative Services Department by calling 619-628-1365.

9. Where is fishing allowed?

Fishing is allowed on the pier without a fishing license, although all other regulations apply including size/bag limits and report cards. However, a fishing license is required to fish on the beach and in the surf. Fishing in the Tijuana River Mouth State Marine Conservation Area and all other marine protected areas is restricted.

If fishing in the surf, you must be 150 feet away from any swimmers and surfers. You must also be 300 feet away from either side of the pier. On the pier, you cannot fish between the posted signs.

Possessing a speargun that is armed, cocked, or drawn on the beach is also not allowed. You must be a thousand feet outside of the shoreline to use a speargun.

10. How can I get a fishing license?

Fishing licenses can be obtained online through the Department of Fish and Wildlife or through some stores that sell sporting goods. Validations and report cards must also be purchased if regulations require them.

For more information on fishing regulations and protected areas, visit the Department of Fish and Wildlife's website.

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1. When would I contact the Planning Division?

You should contact the Planning Division when you want to find out what improvements or land use (commercial, residential, short term rental etc.) can occur on a particular property. Zoning regulates setbacks, height or construction requirements as well as the type of business and/or development.

2. Do I need a coastal permit?

The first step would be verifying if you are located in the coastal zone. You can verify if you are located within the Coastal Zone by accessing the City map/GIS tool here or by contacting Planning staff. If you are located within the coastal zone, you would be required to obtain a Coastal Permit if your proposed project is not exempt per Imperial Beach Municipal Code Section 19.87.040. Additionally, you can contact a Planner for more information. 

3. What is the zoning of my property?

You can obtain zoning information in this website on the Land Use Map (PDF), if you know the street address or cross streets or you can search for your address and zoning on the City's mapping/GIS tool here. Imperial Beach Municipal Code Title 19 Zoning can be found here. Additionally, you can contact the Planning staff, the staff directory can be found here. 

4. Can I build a granny flat/second unit on my residential lot?

Second units or granny flats, otherwise known as Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU), are generally allowed in zones that allow for residential development within the City. The feasibility and number/type of ADU and/or Junior Accessory Dwelling Units (JADU) allowed on the lot are dependent on the existing configuration of the lot and the design of the proposed project. The City recently adopted an ADU ordinance that provides information regarding the development standards that can be found here. Additionally, you can contact Planning staff to further discuss your proposed project and/or questions, the staff directory can be found here. 

5. Can I subdivide my lot per Senate Bill 9?

Sites that are located within a Single-Family Residential Zone (R-1-6000 or R-1-3800) may be eligible to subdivide the lot per Senate Bill 9 (SB9) if they meet all of the requirements per Imperial Beach Municipal Code Chapter 18.54 Urban Lot Split Subdivision and Two-Unit Residential Requirements. You can verify the zoning of your lot by referencing the Land Use Map (PDF), if you know the street address or cross streets or you can search for your address and zoning on the City's mapping/GIS tool here. Additionally, you can contact Planning staff to further discuss the proposed project, the staff directory can be found here. 

6. How do I request plans for my property?

To request building plans, please download and complete the Application for Building Plans  and email it to, swagner@imperialbeachca.gov. 

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1. What is redistricting?

Redistricting is the regular process of adjusting the lines of voting districts in accordance with population shifts. In California, public agencies and other organizations must redivide (or redraw) the lines of their districts every ten years once the results of the Census are released so that each district is substantially equal in population. This ensures that each elected official represents about the same number of constituents.

All district lines must be reviewed to meet strict requirements for population equality,  voting rights protections, and in accordance with the California Fair Maps Act. With the California Voting Rights Act, more than 500 jurisdictions in California must redistrict in 2021 and 2022.

2. Why does redistricting matter to me?

Redistricting determines which neighborhoods and communities are grouped together into a district for the purposes of electing Council Members. The City Council will seek input in selecting the next district map for electing Council Members. You have an opportunity to share with the City Council how you think district boundaries should be drawn to best represent your community either during the public hearings or by emailing comments to our office.

3. What do the existing City Council districts look like?

View a map of the City’s current City Council districts.

4. What criteria will our City Council use when drawing district lines?

Criteria is as follows:

1. Federal Laws
   • Equal Population (based on total population of residents as determined by the most recent federal decennial census and adjusted by the State to reassign incarcerated persons to the last known place of residence)
   • Federal Voting Rights Act
   • No Racial Gerrymandering 
2. California Criteria for Cities (to the extent practicable and in the following order of priority)
   • Geographically contiguous (areas that meet only at the points of adjoining corners are not contiguous.  Areas that are separated by water and not connected by a bridge, tunnel, or ferry service are not contiguous.
   • Undivided neighborhoods and “communities of interest” (Socio-economic geographic areas that should be kept together for purposes of its effective and fair representation)
   • Easily identifiable boundaries
   • Compact (Do not bypass one group of people to get to a more distant group of people)
   • Prohibited: “Shall not favor or discriminate against a political party.”
3. Other Traditional Redistricting Principles
   • Minimize voters shifted to different election years
   • Respect voters’ choices/continuity in office
   • Future population growth
   • Preserving the core of existing districts

5. What are communities of interest?

A community of interest is a contiguous population that shares common social and economic interests that should be included within a single district for purposes of its effective and fair representation.

Per the Local Government Redistricting Toolkit by Asian Americans Advancing Justice - Asian Law Caucus (2020):

Communities of interest are the overlapping sets of neighborhoods, networks, and groups that share interests, views, cultures, histories, languages, and values and whose boundaries can be identified on a map.

The following elements help define communities of interest:

• Shared interests in schools, housing, community safety, transit, health conditions, land use, environmental conditions, and/or other issues
• Common social and civic networks, including churches, mosques, temples, homeowner associations, and community centers, and shared use of community spaces, like parks and shopping Centers
• Racial and ethnic compositions, cultural identities, and households that predominantly speak a language other than English
• Similar socioeconomic status, including but not limited to income, home-ownership, and education levels
• Shared political boundary lines from other jurisdictions, such as school districts, community college districts, and water districts

6. How will our City Council notify the public about redistricting?

The City Council will reach out to local media to publicize the redistricting process. Also, we will make a good faith effort to notify community groups of various kinds about the redistricting process. Our public hearings and workshops will be provided in applicable languages if residents email a request in advance.

The City Council will notify the public about redistricting hearings and workshops, post maps online before adoption, and maintain this dedicated web page for all relevant information about the redistricting process.

7. How can I get involved?

Share your specific thoughts or attend an upcoming public hearing to get involved!

• Submit written testimony about the process via email to our office.

At the hearings and workshops, we want you to:

• Share your story
• Define your neighborhood or community of interest
• Explain why redistricting is relevant to your community
• Share your opinions of the draft maps
• Talk to your neighbors and local organizations

8. What do the acronyms and categories mean on the demographic sheets?

Common acronyms demographic categories:

• NH: Non-Hispanic
• VAP: Voting age population
• CVAP: Citizen Voting Age Population
• CVRA: California Voting Rights Act
• FAIR MAPS Act: Fair And Inclusive Redistricting for Municipalities and Political Subdivisions
• NDC: National Demographics Corporation (the firm hired to produce the maps and provide demographic data)

9. Where can I learn more about redistricting?

Online Publications and Guides to Redistricting

• MALDEF, the NAACP and the Asian Justice Center - Redistricting Guide (PDF)
• Asian Americans Advancing Justice - Local Government Redistricting Toolkit (PDF)
• Brennan Center - Citizen's Guide to Redistricting (PDF)
• League of Women Voters - Redistricting California
• California Independent Redistricting Commission - Frequently Asked Questions