Also see the SJePlans Applicant User Guide for detailed instructions. 

1. What is sjeplans and when do i use it? 

SJePlans enables you to submit permit applications, project plans, and other documents to the City through an online portal. Applicants and City staff directly communicate with each other through SJePlans. Project team members can be granted access to see the comments made by City staff and can respond to comments.

Underpinning SJePlans is ProjectDox, a software application. It supports Apple, Android, and Microsoft tablet devices. 

You will use SJePlans for certain projects that are processed by the City's Building, Fire, Planning, and Public Works departments. Each department's webpages provide the specific instructions for their respective types of projects. The qualifying projects are listed at www.sanjoseca.gov/SJePlans. 

Users of SJePlans enjoy the following benefits:

• No submittal appointment is needed.
• You can view and respond to the City staff comments at any time.
• Your project team may participate in the SJePlans portal.
• You can check the required actions and status of your project at any time.

2. How do I create an SJePlans account?

An account will be created for you in one of two ways: 

• When you submit an application at SJPermits.org that requires the use of SJePlans, the system will automatically create your account.
• If you have a project intake appointment, City staff may create your account.

Either way, you will be listed as the Applicant/Contact in the SJePlans portal and you will receive an email with an invitation to log in. 

• Your login: your email address
• Your password: a temporary password if generated for first-time users. Thereafter, you can set your password.

3. When do I use SJEPLANS for a building permit? 

Applicants who use ADU Service, Residential Service, or Commercial Service will self-start their application at SJPermits.org and upload plans to SJePlans. The online Application Wizard at SJPermits.org will also guide you.

See Building Permits with Plan Review - Instructions for the steps.  

4. When do I use sjeplans for a Planning Permit?

Planning projects that use SJePlans are evolving and current projects are listed at www.sanjoseca.gov/SJePlans. To view all types of Planning applications, go to Planning Applications.

For a Planning application that uses SJePlans:

• Start by scheduling an appointment. Before the appointment, City staff will create your SJePlans account and name you as the Applicant/Contact.
• You will receive an email with your SJePlans login, which will be your email address. First time users of SJePlans will also receive a temporary password.
• Follow the instructions in the SJePlans Applicant User Manual to upload your plans, forms, and documents to SJePlans before your appointment. Be sure to save all forms, documents, and plans as PDF files and follow the Planning File Naming Conventions.
• During the appointment, staff will review your application package submittal, and as appropriate, may also review your submittal and provide initial comments for your response. 

5. when do I use SJeplans for a Public Works Permit?

Most permits issued by Public Works are processed through SJePlans, including Major Utility encroachment permits and Small Cell permits. The only permits not processed using SJePlans are Parkland Agreement, Transportation Analysis, and Minor Public Utility Permits (see Major-Minor Permit Criteria), which do not involve plan review.

For a Public Works project that uses SJePlans:

• Start by submitting the appropriate Public Works Application with any supporting documents. 
  • If related to a Planning permit/entitlement - Submit the application to the email address of the Project Engineer that provided the Final Memo.  
  • If not related to Planning permit/entitlement - Submit the application electronically to: PWGeneralInfo@sanjoseca.gov
• Staff will create your SJePlans account and name you as the Applicant/Contact.
• You will receive an email with your SJePlans login, which will be your email address. First-time users will also receive a temporary password.
• Follow the instructions in the SJePlans Applicant User Manual to upload your plans and documents to apply for the permit. Staff will review your submittal and provide comments for your response. 

6. WHEN do I use SJEplans for a Fire Permit?

Fire permits that qualify for using SJePlans continually evolve and are listed at www.sanjoseca.gov/SJePlans (open the Fire Permits drop-down accordion). 

For a Fire permit that uses SJePlans: 

• Begin by scheduling either a virtual or in-person appointment at  Fire's Submittal Appointments webpage. 
• During the appointment, staff will review your application, create a permit file, and direct you to pay the permit fee. 
• You will receive an auto-email with instructions to log in to SJePlans. Your login will be your email address. First-time users of SJePlans will receive a temporary password.
• Follow the instructions in the SJePlans Applicant User Manual to upload your plans and documents to apply for the permit. Staff will review your submittal and provide comments for your response.

7. What if my project needs multiple types of permits?

For a project needs permits from multiple departments, treat these as separate projects.

For example, if you need:

• a Site Development Permit from Planning; 
• a Hazardous Materials Permit from Fire; and
• a Grading Permit from Public Works,
• Then enter these as three separate projects in SJePlans.

It is easy to upload the same digital plans to each department.

If you need multiple Building permits and are just getting started with SJePlans, then start with just one permit application and one SJePlans project to upload your files. Your Permit Technician will assist you with any additional permit applications that you need.

8. Can I add team members to help with tasks?

Yes. See the SJePlans Applicant User Guide on how to add team members and how to reassign tasks. Note: Only one member of the Applicant group may handle the Upload or Resubmittal task. This member is the person who is required to respond to comments and to complete any tasks. 

9. Can I upload some files now and some later?

Yes. You can upload some plans or documents, click Save, and come back at a later time to finish the uploading task. However, once you click “Upload Complete” as the final step in completing the submittal, you will not be able to continue uploading documents. See the SJePlans Applicant User Guide.

Note: SJePlans require plan sets to be complete prior to submittal. If for some reason you need a partial submittal, please consult with your City contact. 

10. How do I check the status of the City’s PLAN review?

From SJePlans, run the report called “Department Review Status Report.”  This report shows the status of the Department reviews for the current and previous review cycles. You can also email or call your City Project Coordinator for questions about project status or other questions.

11. What about documents that require wet signatures or stamps?

• Fire - We accept electronic stamping for approved plans. If a wet signature is required, we will request a hard copy at that time.
  
  
• Planning - We accept digital signatures and electronic stamping for approved plans. If a wet signature is required, we will request a hard copy at that time.
  
  
• Public Works - Where wet-signed documents are required, such as Tract Maps or Parcel Maps, after project approval, you will need to submit a final hard copy set.  

12. How do I access approved plans and permits?

Find approved permits at www.SJPermits.org or access the Approved folder at the SJePlans portal to access approved plans. 

13. WILL PERMIT SUBMITTALS PRIOR TO THE LAUNCH OF SJEPLANS CONVERT TO USING SJEPLANS?

No.