A slab that holds up a building is part of that building, so it goes through the city with the rest of the plans.
Pads Versus Foundations
A pad holds up something light, like a shed, a spa or an air unit. A foundation holds up walls and a roof. The two can look alike once they are poured, but a foundation is designed to carry a load.
Tell the contractor what will sit on the slab now and later. A shed pad that may one day hold a small room needs to be planned for it.
What the City Checks
Chula Vista says all new, altered or expanded structures go to the Planning Division first. Planning checks zone rules such as setbacks, height and lot coverage. Work that needs grading also needs a grading permit from Land Development. See the city's permit page for the full list.
Get a Soils Report
Expansive clay is a known hazard on the County's coastal plain. For a foundation, ask for a soils report before the design is set. It tells the engineer how the ground will move, and it shapes the footing and slab plan. Our clay soil guide has more.
Steps in a Slab Job
Most slab jobs go in this order. Plans and permits, layout, digging and base work, forms, steel and any pipes that run under the slab, inspection where it is required, the pour, then curing. Ask the contractor which steps need a city inspection.