Online Building Permits

You can download a building permit for 56 types of simple projects at SJPermits.org.

Most of these projects do not require plans. Some, such as solar installations and earthquake retrofits, require plans that the City Inspector will review in the field during inspection of the project.

Who can apply? Only property owners and qualified contractors may apply for an online building permit. Contractors must be licensed and have a valid City of San José Tax Certificate; contractors are restricted to applying for building permits that align with their California Contractor’s License classification type.

AVAILABLE building Permits you can download at SJPERMITS

In the table below:

"Yes" - Means you can go to SJPermits.org to download a permit.

"No" or if the project is not listed - Means you cannot use SJPermits for obtaining the permit. However, the Building Wizard at SJPermits can help you identify the right permit service for your project. Or, at Building Permit Services you can select the permit service that fits your type of property and project.

Do not attempt more work than is allowed under a specific online permit. Work must be limited to the type of permit that is pulled. If the City inspector finds any “scope creep,” you will be required to pull the additional permit/s.

Need help with an online permit? Watch this short Video.

Building-Structural Permit	Single-family / Duplex	Multifamily	Commercial / Industrial
Brace and Bolt Earthquake Retrofit	Yes	No	No
Damage Survey	Yes	Yes	Yes
Stationary Storage Battery System	Limited	No	No
Solar Photovoltaic System	Yes	No	No
Reroof	Yes	Yes	Yes

Minor Kitchen/Bath Remodel	Single-family / Duplex	Multifamily	Commercial / Industrial
Kitchen/Bathroom Minor Remodel (see bulletin at link) and view instructional video on using SJPermits	Yes	Yes	No

Electrical Permit	Single-family / Duplex	Multifamily	Commercial / Industrial
Air Conditioning	Yes	No	No
Appliance - New	Yes	No	No
Appliance - Single Replacement	Yes	Yes	No
Appliance - Multiple Replacement	Yes	Yes	No
Electric Vehicle Charging Station	Yes	Yes Assigned Parking Only	No
Light Fixtures - New	Yes	No	No
Light Fixtures - Replacement	Yes	Yes	No
Kitchen/Bathroom Minor Remodel	Yes	Yes	No
Receptacles/Switches - Replacement	Yes	Yes	Yes
Rewire	Yes	No	No
Service Change/Survey up to 400 Amps	Yes	Yes	Yes
Subpanel - New	Yes	No	No
Temporary Power Pole	Yes	Yes	Yes

Mechanical Permit	Single-family / Duplex	Multifamily	Commercial / Industrial
Air Conditioning	Yes	No	No
Appliance - New	Yes	No	No
Appliance - Single Replacement	Yes	Yes	No
Appliance - Multiple Replacement	Yes	Yes	No
Decorative Gas Appliance	Yes	Yes	No
Duct/Flue Alteration	Yes	No	No
Evaporative Cooler	Yes	No	No
Exhaust Fan	Yes	Yes	No
Furnace Replacement	Yes	Yes	No
Gas Line (Rough & Final)	Yes	No	No
Gas Line Re-test	Yes	Yes	Yes
Heat Pump including condensate	Yes	No	No
Kitchen/Bathroom Minor Remodel	Yes	Yes	No

Plumbing Permit	Single-family / Duplex	Multifamily	Commercial / Industrial
Backflow / Vacuum Breaker	Yes	Yes	No
Dry Well/French Drains	Yes	Yes	No
DWV (Drain-Waste-Vent) / Water Alteration	Yes	No	No
Fixture, Multiple Replacement	Yes	Yes	No
Fixture - New	Yes	Yes	No
Fixture Single Replacement	Yes	Yes	Yes
Gas Earthquake Valve	Yes	Yes	Yes
Gas Line Rough & Final (includes mechanical and plumbing permits)	Yes	No	No
Gas Line Extension (Final Only)	Yes	No	No
Gas Line Retest (includes mechanical & plumbing permits)	Yes	Yes	Yes
Kitchen/Bathroom Minor Remodel	Yes	Yes	No
Property Line Cleanout	Yes	Yes	Yes
Repipe	Yes	No	No
Repipe, Gyp & Shear Repair	Yes	Yes	Yes
Repipe, Gyp Repair	Yes	Yes	Yes
Repipe, Shear Repair	Yes	Yes	No
Sanitary Sewer Replacement	Yes	Yes	Yes
Water Heater - New Electric Heat Pump	Yes	No	No
Water Heater - New Tankless Gas	Yes	No	No
Water Heater - Replacement	Yes	Yes	Yes
Water Service Replacement	Yes	Yes	Yes
Water Softener Installation	Yes	Yes	No
Water Treatment Equipment	Yes	No	No

Questions? Contact our Customer Success Team.