What it costs, what's permitted, and what to ask before you hire.
Last verified: 2026-05-31 · Well-sourced
Panel / electrical
May require a panel upgrade
Permit likelihood
Confirm with your building department
Permit snapshot
plumbing + electrical permit
As of 2026-05-31, residential heat pump water heater (HPWH) installations in the City of San Diego typically require a plumbing permit (and an electrical permit when a new dedicated 240 V circuit is required) from the Development Services Department (DSD). Most like-for-like water heater replacements — including HPWH replacements where electrical capacity is already present and the unit is not tankless — qualify for a DSD Simple No-Plan Plumbing/Gas Permit, or a Simple No-Plan Combination Permit when paired with a new dedicated electrical circuit, filed online through the Accela-based permit portal. The Simple Combination Permit is normally issued within two business days for single-family or duplex projects. Installations that change equipment location, require structural seismic-strap or platform changes beyond standard practice, or trigger gas-line modifications beyond a simple cap route through traditional plan review. Verify current Simple Permit eligibility and scope with DSD before scheduling installation.