This virtual service is available for a premium fee for qualifying projects on single-family properties. The permit is issued during an online meeting.

Premium Fee. The fee is 1.5 X the Plan Review fee for a Single-Family Residential Addition/Alteration. For example, if the Plan Review fee is $1,137, the Residential Express fee will be $1,137 x 1.5 = $1,705.50. For current fees, see page 3 of the Building Fee Schedule.

QUALIFYING CRITERIA

The property:

• Cannot be in a Planned Development Zoning District; check Zoning Map.
• Cannot be in Flood Zone A, AE, AH, or AO; check Flood Hazard Zone Map or call 408-535-7803 or email floodzoneinfo@sanjoseca.gov.
• Cannot be in a Geohazard or Seismic Hazard Landslide Zone; view property information at www.SJPermits.org.
• Cannot be in a Wildland Urban Interface area (WUI Conformance Policy, page 3)
• Cannot have a code enforcement case or have code violations.

For properties on the City’s Historic Resources Inventory - Obtain a clearance from the Planning Division before using the Residential Express Service. Residential Express will not issue a building permit without this clearance.

Tree removal permits are not issued through this service. If an ordinance-size tree needs removal to accomplish the project, obtain the tree removal permit separately and before using Residential Express. 

If the project does not meet each criterion, use Standard Plan Review Service.

QUALIFYING PROJECTS

Additions and Remodels to a 1-story Single-Family Home

Residential Express differs from Over-the-Counter in that it accommodates addition/remodel projects with engineered trusses and simple lateral loads. To qualify for Residential Express Service, the project:

• Must be located at a 1-story single-family residence
• Cannot be located in an easement that prohibits construction; learn more at Design Considerations.
• Additions - Must be less than 500 sq. ft.
• Remodels - Must be 750 sq. ft. or less
• Addition plus Remodel - Must be 750 sq. ft. or less and the addition component must be less than 500 sq. ft.
• Must comply with applicable California Residential Code (CRC) requirements.

If the project meets the above criteria but entails any of the following, you must instead apply through Standard Plan Review:

• Projects with irregular layouts or discontinuous load paths such as multiple wings, large openings that eliminate shear walls, or unusual geometry 
• Projects requiring advanced lateral analysis such as torsional design, diaphragm irregularities, or hillside conditions
• Designs using non-conventional structural systems such as steel, concrete, or those requiring special inspection 
• Any two-story residence or projects involving basements or complex foundation conditions
• Any project that cannot be reviewed within a single appointment 

Detached Accessory Building or Structure

Detached accessory buildings or structures are non-livable and include tool sheds, storage shed, playhouses, or similar use. To qualify for Residential Express, the project:

• Must be a single-family property. 
• Project must be less than 500 sq. ft. A permit is not required for an accessory project under 120 sq. ft. unless it includes electrical or plumbing features. 
• No engineered designs or calculations are allowed; the project must comply with the prescriptive wall framing and braced-wall requirements of CRC Chapter R602.
• Cannot be located in an easement that prohibits construction. If there is an easement, you must identify it on the site plan. The title report to your home will identify easements (you can contact a title company for a copy of the title report). Tract and parcel maps at the County Surveyor Record Index may show easements but may also be less accurate than a title report.
• Must comply with zoning setbacks and rear yard coverage rules as outlined in Municipal Code Chapter 20.30.500 and 20.30.510.

PREPARE YOUR PERMIT APPLICATION pACKAGE

Prepare a submittal package that includes the following items. Your submittal must be complete and accurate for a permit to be issued. 

1. Form 310 Building Permit Application - We recommend that the contractor complete and sign the building permit application. Whoever pulls the permit bears the liability for the construction work. An agent signing on behalf of the licensed contractor must bring a signed authorization letter with current date OR correctly complete the authorization on page 2 of Form 310.
   
   
2. Form 311 Owner-Builder Acknowledgement and Verification of Information Form - To be completed and signed by the property owner.
   
   
3. Drawings showing the proposed changes - Include scope of work, square footage of area, site plans, floor plans and construction details as applicable.
   
   
4.  Single-Family & Duplex Projects Submittal Checklist - Completing this ensures you submit a complete package.

HOW TO APPLY 

Follow these steps: 

Step 1. Prepare your project files for uploading. Carefully follow the Electronic Plan Review - File Format Requirements. For signing forms digitally, see the Digital Signature Instructions.

Step 2. Book an appointment. Appointments are available Tuesday through Thursday mornings and can be booked up to two weeks in advance.

BEFORE YOU CLICK: Be ready to provide the Project Address and Scope of Work in the Notes section of the appointment window.

** CLICK TO SCHEDULE A RESIDENTIAL VIRTUAL MEETING **

Step 3. Upload project files immediately after you book the appointment. Follow the instructions at Upload Your Project Files.

IMPORTANT: You must upload project immediately after you book your appointment; if not uploaded that day, we'll cancel your appointment.

We look forward to serving you.