On this page 6
§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for San Jose
A building permit or trade permit is generally required for structural changes, new construction, alteration of walls, new plumbing or electrical wiring or reconfiguration, installation of major appliances, change of occupancy, and demolition.
Surface improvements such as cabinet refacing/replacement, countertop replacement, painting, floor finishes, tile work without structural change, and limited floor sheathing repair up to 10 square feet
Accessory structures of 120 square feet or less with no electrical wiring
Certain small awnings in Group R-3 or U occupancies
Certain detached decks for Group R-3 occupancy under the city limits for size/height/use
Certain driveways and walkways meeting city-listed grade/location limits
Certain fences on single-family/duplex property within height limits
Retaining walls not over 4 feet from bottom of footing to top of wall, not supporting surcharge or impounding specified liquids
Roof repair/replacement of less than 25% of the existing roof, with no framing work, no more than once in a 12-month period
Certain above-ground prefabricated pools less than 24 inches deep and up to 5,000 gallons at a single-family property
Swings and play structures accessory to single-family/duplex properties
Window replacements that do not alter framing, flashing, or the exterior wall
Limited plumbing, electrical, and mechanical repair/replacement items per Bulletin #201
- Exempt Surface improvements such as cabinet refacing/replacement, countertop replacement, painting, floor finishes, tile work without structural change, and limited floor sheathing repair up to 10 square feet
- Exempt Accessory structures of 120 square feet or less with no electrical wiring
- Exempt Certain small awnings in Group R-3 or U occupancies
- Exempt Certain detached decks for Group R-3 occupancy under the city limits for size/height/use
- Exempt Certain driveways and walkways meeting city-listed grade/location limits
- Exempt Certain fences on single-family/duplex property within height limits
- Exempt Retaining walls not over 4 feet from bottom of footing to top of wall, not supporting surcharge or impounding specified liquids
- Exempt Roof repair/replacement of less than 25% of the existing roof, with no framing work, no more than once in a 12-month period
- Exempt Certain above-ground prefabricated pools less than 24 inches deep and up to 5,000 gallons at a single-family property
- Exempt Swings and play structures accessory to single-family/duplex properties
- Exempt Window replacements that do not alter framing, flashing, or the exterior wall
- Exempt Limited plumbing, electrical, and mechanical repair/replacement items per Bulletin #201
Note: Refer to San Jose Municipal Code Section 24.02.110 and Bulletin #201 for the complete exempt-work list. Confirm edge cases with the Permit Center before proceeding.
Required documents
- Completed permit application through SJPermits.org
- Plans and documents uploaded through SJePlans (for plan review projects)
- Building code
- California Building Code
- Contractor requirements
- Only property owners and qualified contractors may apply for certain online permits; contractors must hold the appropriate California license and a valid City of San Jose tax certificate for online permit use.
§ 03
Application process
Application → plan check → issuance → inspection → final
- 01 For simple projects (56 types available), log into SJPermits.org, confirm eligibility, and download/pull the permit online. Most do not require plans.
- 02 For projects requiring plan review, create/log into an account at SJPermits.org, choose 'Apply for New Permit,' enter the property, scope, collaborators, and ePlan applicant.
- 03 Upload plans and documents in SJePlans. The ePlan applicant uploads files and responds to plan review comments.
- 04 Pay the required plan review / permit invoice(s). City staff begins review after fee payment.
- 05 Address correction comments and resubmit revised plans if needed.
- 06 After all reviews and approvals are complete, pay the final invoice. The permit card and approved plans are issued through SJePlans.
§ 04
Fee schedule
Effective August 11, 2025
Fee type
Amount
01
Plan check fee
Per the fee schedule
02
Permit fee formula
Per the Building and Structure Permits Fee Schedule; covers plan review and permit issuance fees collected by Building Division, Fire Protection Bureau, and Public Works Department
2.66% third-party service fee for online credit card payments. Additional charges may apply including development construction taxes, school fees, parkland fees, recycling deposits, and other department-specific fees.
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ (effective August 11, 2025) before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- SJPermits.org (online)
- (408) 535-3555 (phone)
Typical sequence: Required inspections depend on project scope and trade. Rough and final inspections are typically required where applicable. All inspection processes must be closed before a permit can be finaled.
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about San Jose permits
01 Do I need a building permit in San Jose, CA? ▸
A building permit or trade permit is generally required for structural changes, new construction, alteration of walls, new plumbing or electrical wiring or reconfiguration, installation of major appliances, change of occupancy, and demolition.
02 How much does a building permit cost in San Jose, CA? ▸
Building permit fees in San Jose, CA are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. Fees are calculated as: Per the Building and Structure Permits Fee Schedule; covers plan review and permit issuance fees collected by Building Division, Fire Protection Bureau, and Public Works Department. Plan check fee: Per the fee schedule.
03 How do I apply for a building permit in San Jose, CA? ▸
To apply for a building permit in San Jose, CA, follow these steps: 1. For simple projects (56 types available), log into SJPermits.org, confirm eligibility, and download/pull the permit online. Most do not require plans. 2. For projects requiring plan review, create/log into an account at SJPermits.org, choose 'Apply for New Permit,' enter the property, scope, collaborators, and ePlan applicant. 3. Upload plans and documents in SJePlans. The ePlan applicant uploads files and responds to plan review comments. 4. Pay the required plan review / permit invoice(s). City staff begins review after fee payment. 5. Address correction comments and resubmit revised plans if needed. 6. After all reviews and approvals are complete, pay the final invoice. The permit card and approved plans are issued through SJePlans.
04 What work is exempt from building permits in San Jose, CA? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in San Jose, CA. The following work is generally exempt: Surface improvements such as cabinet refacing/replacement, countertop replacement, painting, floor finishes, tile work without structural change, and limited floor sheathing repair up to 10 square feet; Accessory structures of 120 square feet or less with no electrical wiring; Certain small awnings in Group R-3 or U occupancies; Certain detached decks for Group R-3 occupancy under the city limits for size/height/use; Certain driveways and walkways meeting city-listed grade/location limits; Certain fences on single-family/duplex property within height limits; Retaining walls not over 4 feet from bottom of footing to top of wall, not supporting surcharge or impounding specified liquids; Roof repair/replacement of less than 25% of the existing roof, with no framing work, no more than once in a 12-month period; Certain above-ground prefabricated pools less than 24 inches deep and up to 5,000 gallons at a single-family property; Swings and play structures accessory to single-family/duplex properties; Window replacements that do not alter framing, flashing, or the exterior wall; Limited plumbing, electrical, and mechanical repair/replacement items per Bulletin #201. Note: Refer to San Jose Municipal Code Section 24.02.110 and Bulletin #201 for the complete exempt-work list. Confirm edge cases with the Permit Center before proceeding. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
05 How do I schedule a building inspection in San Jose, CA? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in San Jose, CA via: SJPermits.org, (408) 535-3555.
last verified April 2026
source Planning, Building and Code Enforcement (PBCE) - Building Division, Development Services Permit Center ↗
entry id permits/california/santa-clara/san-jose
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Planning, Building and Code Enforcement (PBCE) - Building Division, Development Services Permit Center before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.