Here’s a new service for those within the San Diego city limits – you can check for permits/complaints/violations online:

http://www.sandiego.gov/development-services/opendsd/

The scope of the data published exceeds that of any other city. The breadth of the release is intended to cover land development permit application, issuance, inspection, and completion. A variety of information including timelines, scope, decisions, and costs will all be provided online. In addition, Code Enforcement case activity is also provided. This data includes permit information dating back to 2003 as well as code enforcement cases since 2011. Personal identifying information such as phone numbers about individuals doing business with the City is not provided.