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Development Services Department

With a service-first approach, Development Services satisfies regulatory requirements for development through the review and processing of District and tenant projects for compliance with the District’s policies, CEQA, the Port Master Plan, and applicable laws and regulations.

looking towards Portside pier - a building that sits on the water next to the Star of India

Initial Service Request (ISR)

  • Are you a current or prospective Port of San Diego (Port) tenant, subtenant, contractor, or Port Member City interested in submitting a request to discuss your proposed project or temporary event on Port Tidelands?
  • Are you currently considering any physical changes to Port Tidelands including land or water parcels? This includes considerations for minor improvements to major redevelopments, or temporary or permanent events or uses.
  • Has this proposed project been evaluated by a Real Estate Asset Manager? Proposed projects cannot be submitted to ISR without proper property rights.

Click Here To find your Real Estate Asset Manager 

If you answered YES to all three questions, the next step in the process is to complete the Development Services Request Form (ISR) below so that Development Services Department (DSD) staff can evaluate your project needs and advise you on the next steps.

This is not a project application. This is an initial service request to the Development Services Department.

To initiate the next step in the process, click here
 


Requestors may include:

  • Port Master Tenants/Subtenants
  • New Prospective Tenants
  • Member Cities
  • Special Events or Temporary Events (not Port-sponsored)

Once the ISR has been submitted, you will be contacted by a DSD representative.
 



An ISR may or may not ultimately lead to a requirement to complete a Project Application.  As part of the project review and approval process, other attachments and/or requirements may be requested.


DSD Forms, Policies and Reference Documents 

The following are forms, policies, and reference documents that may be applicable to your project as it moves through DSD's project review and approval process.


Project Approval Processing

Applicable Board Policies

Regulatory/Reference Documents

Development Services Department

  • Mission and Vision

    Mission and Vision

    Mission 

    With a service-first approach, Development Services satisfies regulatory requirements for development through the review and processing of Port and Tenant projects for compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), the Port Master Plan and the California Coastal Act, the Port’s development policies, and other applicable laws and regulations.

    Vision

    To guide development of a world-class waterfront through excellence in customer service, enhancement and protection of the environment, and furtherance of high quality public and private spaces on tidelands.

    Objectives

    • Continuously evaluate and improve the Port and tenant project review process
    • Attract visitors from all over the world through high quality development on San Diego Bay
    • Create and sustain positive relationships throughout the San Diego region
    • Recruit, retain, and prepare for advancement a highly skilled, diverse workforce
  • Project and/or Design Review, and Mapping Services

    Project and/or Design Review, and Mapping Services

    • Maintain records of submitted Port and tenant project plans
    • Perform Port and tenant project review and approval, design reviews, and design services
    • Conform Port and tenant project submittals to standards
    • Coordinate with other Port departments and other public agencies
    • Establish and maintain standards for project and design review
    • Update and comply with the Port’s Approval of Tenant Project Plans, BPC Policy No. 357
    • Prepare and provide lease exhibits including plat maps and legal descriptions
  • Current Planning

    Current Planning

    • Oversee preparation and processing of CEQA documents for Port and tenant projects
    • Prepare environmental review language for Board of Port Commissioner agendas
    • Prepare and process CEQA and Coastal Determinations for Port and tenant projects
    • Prepare and process Coastal Development Permits for Board review
    • Coordinate project reviews and information as needed with the California Coastal Commission
    • Coordinate as needed with Planning & Green Port to ensure consistency with the Port Master Plan
    • Prepare and process Port Master Plan Amendments (except those which are processed by Planning & Green Port for comprehensive Port Master Plan updates and location-specific planning initiatives)
    • Coordinate with other Port departments and other public agencies
  • Enforcement

    Enforcement

    • Monitor and enforce conditions of approval in project reviews and CEQA/Coastal documents.
    • Coordinate with the Real Estate department to ensure lease obligations reflect conditions of approval.

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Brigantine Seafood & Oyster Bar at Portside Pier on San Diego Bay's North Embarcadero.

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Waterfront Development

The Port is pursuing potential redevelopment of the Central Embarcadero. The site is ideally located at the center of the Embarcadero area and is unlike any other along San Diego Bay. It presents a special opportunity for a defining “centerpiece”…

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