Online Building Permits

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

Most of these are projects that do not require plans. For a few projects, such as solar installations and earthquake retrofits, the City inspector will review the plans at the property.

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 Contractor’s License classification type.

AVAILABLE building Permits you can download at SJPERMITS

In the table below, "Yes" means the permit can be downloaded for this type of property; "No" means it is not available online and cannot be downloaded for this type of property. For projects marked "No," please see instructions after the table.

If you're looking for information on the new self-start Building Permits with Plan Review process, visit our Building Permits with Plan Review page.

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
Minor Kitchen/Bathroom 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, Multiple Replacement	Yes	Yes	No
Appliance, New	Yes	No	No
Appliance, Single Replacement	Yes	Yes	No
Electric Vehicle Charging Station	Yes	Yes Privately Assigned Parking Only	No
Light Fixtures - New	Yes	No	No
Light Fixtures, Replacement	Yes	Yes	No
Minor Kitchen/Bathroom Remodel	Yes	Yes	No
Temporary Power Pole	Yes	Yes	Yes
Receptacles/Switches, Replacement	Yes	Yes	Yes
Rewire	Yes	No	No
Service Change/Survey up to 400 Amps	Yes	Yes	Yes
Subpanel/s	Yes	No	No

Mechanical Permit	Single-family / Duplex	Multifamily	Commercial / Industrial
Air Conditioning	Yes	No	No
Appliance, Multiple Replacement	Yes	Yes	No
Appliance, New	Yes	No	No
Appliance, Single 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
Minor Kitchen/Bathroom 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 and Final (mechanical and plumbing permits apply)	Yes	No	No
Gas Line Extension (Final Only)	Yes	No	No
Gas Line Retest (mechanical and plumbing permits apply)	Yes	Yes	Yes
Minor Kitchen/Bathroom Remodel	Yes	Yes	No
Property Line Cleanout	Yes	Yes	Yes
Re-pipe	Yes	No	No
Re-pipe, Gyp & Shear Repair	Yes	Yes	Yes
Re-Pipe, Gyp Repair	Yes	Yes	Yes
Re-Pipe, Shear Repair	Yes	Yes	No
Sanitary Sewer Replacement	Yes	Yes	Yes
Water Heater - Heat Pump Electric	Yes	No	No
Water Heater - 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

If your project is marked "Yes" on the above list, go to SJPermits.org to get started on downloading a permit.

If your project is NOT listed or is marked "No," it may be more complex and involve plan review. Go to:

SJPermits.org and use the Building Wizard to help you identify the right permit service for your project; OR
Building Permit Services to select the building permit service that fits your project: ADU, Residential, Express Residential, Commercial, or STI/ITI.

Questions? Please contact our Customer Success Team.