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FAQ's

1. What does the Utilities Section do?
The Utilities Section is responsible for the review of utility companies' plans, issuance of permits for the construction of utility infrastructure in City streets, Underground Service Alert (USA) locating of city facilities, construction inspection of utility infrastructure, and construction of infrastructure by other public agencies on City streets. We also coordinate the formation of Rule 20A and 20B (In-Lieu-Fee) underground utility districts.

2. What is the permitting process?
A permit application must be completed and submitted to the Utilities Section with three copies of the plans and one copy of the specifications or scope of the project. Included in the application will be all of the pertinent contact and contractor information. The project will be reviewed by the Engineers and either accepted or returned with comments and corrections, providing guidance as to where the proposed project does not meet the City's specifications. The review typically takes 5 to 10 business days. At which time, the permittee will be notified of the completion and where to collect their permit.

3. What types of permits do you issue?
The Utilities Section issues two basic types of permits. First, Major, Minor, and Special Utility excavation permits are issued to utility companies placing infrastructure in City streets and sidewalks. Second, Revocable Encroachment permits are issued to transportation agencies, water districts, cities, counties, and other public agencies performing work in City of San José Right of Way.

4. What is the difference between a major and minor permit?
Major permits are for work done in Major Streets as listed here [List]. Minor Permits are for work done on Minor Streets or for emergency work in both Minor and Major Streets. See Permit Descriptions from Municipal Code Section 15.50.

5. How many copies of the plans should I submit when applying for a permit?
Three copies total: One for the office files, One for the City inspector, & One copy for the Utility Company Copy of the Permit.

6. What kind of traffic control plans do I need to submit and when do I submit them?
Any time you are working in Major Streets or on a Major Permit, a traffic control plan must be submitted that is based on the Standards of California Traffic Manual. Traffic control guidelines and sample traffic control plans can be found by clicking here.

7. How soon can I expect to receive my permit?
The permit review and issuance process typically takes two weeks for Major permits, two working days for Minor permits. The turnaround time for Revocable Encroachment permits varies on the scope of the work and its impact to City facilities and projects.

8. What is a Message Number and why do we need one?
All permits state that the permittee must call the Utilities Inspection Office at (408) 975-7455 when work begins, resumes after a break, before final restoration, and at the completion of the project. A Message Number is given to identify that you have notified the Utilities Section of these activities as required in the permit.

9. How can we reach the inspector assigned to our job?
If you do not have the inspector's phone number, call the main office number at (408) 975-7455 and you will be directed to your job's inspector.

10. How long is a permit valid?
Six months for both Major and Minor Permits. Major Permits may be extended for an additional six months, for a nominal fee. Minor permits may not be extended and a new permit application must be completed to continue work previously covered under a Minor Permit.

11. How do I get the City of San José specifications?
A copy of San José Standard Specifications and Standard Details may be purchased at the Public Works Central Files office, City Hall, Room 323 (ph. # (408) 277-5297).

12. How and when do we call the Utility companies?
If there is an emergency (power line down, gas leak, etc.) CALL 9-1-1. For a complaint or concern connected to ongoing work in the City Right of Way, call our office (408) 975-7455 and you will be directed to the utility company or the inspector assigned the project.

13. Can I see a sample of the permit requirements that will be issued?
See the Permit page of this web site for samples.

14. What will the area look like when the utility company completes their project?
Completed project areas should be restored to original condition or better. This includes restoration of concrete, asphalt, landscaping, and jobsite cleanup.

15. Why are they replacing the utilities? Everything was working fine.
Many factors play a role in the decision to replace existing facilities. Common reasons for replacement are upgrading system for greater capacity or replacing an aging system before damage occurs.

16. How long will this project take?
Project length is dependant upon many things. Scope of work, unforeseen difficulties, and weather play a major roll in the project completion time. Please contact the main office at (408) 975-7455 for project specific information.

17. What are the rules about parking in the no-parking zone during off hours?
Vehicles may park in a construction zone in off hours if it is safe and there is no signage to the contrary. The vehicles must be moved prior to the start of construction as stated on the no parking signs. Vehicles not moved will be towed at the owners expense by the City of San José, Police Department.

18. Who else issues permits if the Utilities Section does not issue the kind I need?

19. What are typical working hours?
8:15 AM to 4:15 PM - Monday through Friday on minor streets
8:30 AM to 3:30 PM - Monday through Friday on major streets
8:00 AM to 6:00 PM - Weekends if permitted
9:00 AM to 3:00 PM - When working within or near a signalized intersection.

20. How do I schedule reserve or off-duty police officers to direct traffic?
Officers shall be scheduled through SJPD Secondary Employment Unit only, five working days in advance. Call (408) 277-4980

21. Who is responsible if any damage done by a contractor during the course of work?
The permittee and contractor are liable for any damage that is the result of their work and must restore the damage to the pre-construction condition or better.

22. What are the acceptable means and extent of removing "USA" marks in PCC and AC surfaces?
All USA markings should be made with chalk based paint and are easily removed with high pressure water.