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California

These resources – like the public health crisis itself – are constantly evolving and are only current as to the date of publication. This page was last updated on September 25, 2020.

For more up-to-date information on the relief programs available in California, we recommend that you visit the Secretary of State's website or the California COVID-19 portal.

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Description of Program and Relief

Small Business Relief Measures

San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer announced a number of measures to support small businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

This includes a Tax Certificate Deferral Program, under which all fees associated with Business Tax Certificates, and any business-related fees, permits, and assessments, will be deferred for up to 120 days. This program also includes a one-year forgiveness period for business tax certificate penalties and surcharges when reestablishing delinquent accounts.

San Diego is also assisting business owners with water utility payments by suspending water and sewer billing fees and late payment penalties and will not shut off any commercial accounts.

San Diego is also automatically extending all building permits for 180 days. This extends the time to use existing building permits and the time that building permit applications will remain open.

Government or Lead Agency

Office of the Mayor of San Diego

Dates Available

Beginning March 30, 2020, the Tax Certificate Deferral Program will defer fees associated with Business Tax Certificates and any business-related fees, permits, and assessments for up to 120 days.

Also beginning March 30, 2020, building permits will be automatically extended for 180 days.

The suspension of water and sewer shut offs for non-payment and the waiver of late payment fees for delinquent bills are effective until further notice.

Eligibility Requirements/Restrictions

Eligibility for the extension of time for utilization of a building permit is based on eligibility for extensions under the San Diego Municipal Code. The San Diego Municipal Code states that a permit holder for the relocation of a structure may not be extended.

The Commercial Utility Deferral program will immediately suspend water billing fees, remove penalties for late payments, and ensure no commercial accounts are shut off. Limitations or requirements on the operation of the program have not been announced.

The Tax Certificate Deferral Program applies to all fees associated with Business Tax Certificates and any business-related fees, permits, and assessments. The one-year forgiveness period mentioned above—for business tax certificate penalties and surcharges when reestablishing delinquent accounts—applies to businesses in need of reestablishing their accounts.

Application Deadlines (If Applicable)

N/A

Contact for More Information

Office of the Mayor of San Diego

Phone: (619) 236-6330

Email: kevinfaulconer@sandiego.gov

List of Additional Information

https://www.sandiego.gov/economic-development/resources/relief

Press release announcement available here.

The March 30, 2020 Executive Order is available here.


© 2021 Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP. This does not constitute legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship. In some jurisdictions, this publication may be considered attorney advertising. Past representations are no guarantee of future outcomes.

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