San Jose, CA Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

All properties within the incorporated City of San Jose.

Department

Planning, Building and Code Enforcement (PBCE) - Building Division, Development Services Permit Center

Website

https://www.sanjoseca.gov/business/development-services-permit-center

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

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.

Source: Planning, Building and Code Enforcement (PBCE) - Building Division, Development Services Permit Center

General Requirements

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.

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.

Fees

Plan check fee

Per the fee schedule

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

Payment note

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. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule (effective August 11, 2025).

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• 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

Important: 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.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• SJPermits.org (online)
• (408) 535-3555 (phone)

Typical inspection 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.

Additional Resources

• Building code: California Building Code
• Verify contractor license: CSLB License Lookup
• Building Permit Fees
• Permit Fee Estimator
• License lookup guide: California Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: California Homeowner-Contractor Agreement

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