Public Improvements
National City's Engineering Division has a permit form for public improvements. It lists residential driveways, sidewalk, curb and gutter, alley aprons and retaining walls, each as new or remove and replace.
Bond and Deposit
The same form asks for a bond equal to 100 percent of the cost estimate before a permit is issued. It also asks for a deposit of 3 percent of the cost estimate or $5,000, whichever is greater.
That money is a big part of the cost of street work. Ask the contractor if their price includes it.
What We Could Not Find
We did not find a National City page on permits for patios or slabs on private land, the encroachment fee, or a height rule for retaining walls. Ask the city about those before work starts.
Near the Bay
National City borders San Diego Bay. Under Public Resources Code 30610, many improvements to an existing single family home need no coastal development permit, but some work does. Ask the city to check your parcel.
Digging
State law says the person digging must notify the regional notice center at least two working days, and not more than 14 calendar days, before the dig. The notice day does not count. Call 811.
Questions
What deposit does National City ask for on permit work?
Its Engineering application asks for a deposit of 3 percent of the cost estimate or $5,000, whichever is greater.
Is a driveway apron a public improvement in National City?
Yes. The Engineering permit application lists residential driveways as public improvements.