Help for SJPermits & SJePlans

SJPermits Guides & Videos

Table 1 - Steps to applying for an online building permit.
Table 2 - Help with other functions of SJPermits.
Summary List - A listing of all SJPermits guides and videos.
SJPermits FAQs address a range of common questions and tips.

Table 1 - Building Permit Application Steps in SJPermits

Step Guide/Video		Description
Step #1	Account Setup Guide Video	You must set up an account if you are applying for an online permit at SJPermits or starting a plan review process using SJePlans.
Step #2	Select Permit Type	Select the correct Permit Type, Sub Type, and Work Type. Learn more about available Permit Types: Building, Fire, Planning, Public Works
Step #3	Add Properties Guide Video	Each permit must have an associated property where the project is taking place.
Step #4	Add Collaborators Guide	You may add members of your project team to your online permit process. They each must have an SJPermits account. You can pause your online application and have them create one or you may request your assigned San José staff member to create an account for them.
Step #5	Add Project Information	Add information to your permit application. Fields are based on the Permit Type (Building, Fire, Planning, or Public Works).
Step #6	Upload Attachments Guide	If required for your permit, you may need to upload plans and documents. See Building, Planning, Public Works or Fire for what the type of project requires.
Step #7	Pay Fees Guide	Select Pay Fees to open a payment screen where you can pay by credit card or money order.

Table 2 - Other Functions of SJPermits

Guide	Description
SJPermits FAQ Help for SJPermits & SJePlans	Find answers to the most frequently asked questions.
Building: Self Start an Application with Plan Review Video	Here are the steps for submitting a building permit application that includes the submittal of plans through SJePlans.
Check Your Permit Status Link	Learn how to check your permit status using SJPermits.
Find Inspection Records Link	Learn how to find and print inspection records using SJPermits.
Minor Kitchen and Bath Online Permit Demonstration Video	If you’re renovating your bathroom or kitchen with only minor changes (no structural changes or moving fixtures), this video shows how to get your online permit.
Get an Online Permit for Plumbing, Electrical or Mechanical Subtrades Video	A Subtrade Permit is a permit pertaining only to plumbing, electrical, and mechanical improvements and fixtures, such as an electrical upgrade or a water heater or furnace replacement.
Upload Files to FTP Site Link Video	Here is how to upload files to our File Transfer Portal (FTP) site, which is used for files that are too large to submit at SJPermits.org. At SJPermits, be sure to add a note in your attachments description that some files are being uploaded to the FTP.
Schedule Building Permit Appointment Video Link	For Building permit customers, watch this video on how to book your appointment online.
Construction and Demolition Diversion Program Link	The Construction and Demolition Diversion (CDD) Program incentivizes the recycling and salvaging of construction debris.
Residential Occupancy Program (ROP) Link	For multifamily property managers, learn how to renew your ROP permit.
ROP Tier 1 Self Certification Link	For Tier 1 ROP permit holders, learn how to self-certify at SJPermits.org.
Development Services Claim for Refund Request Form	For a refund request, email this completed and signed form to: DevelopmentServicesRefund@sanjoseca.gov

Summary of SJPermits Videos

Summary of SJPermits Guides

SJPermits Account Setup Guide
How to Search for a Property & How to Add/Delete a Property
How to Add Project Collaborators in SJPermits
How to Upload or Delete Attachments in SJPermits
How to Pay Permit Fees Online
How to Check Your Permit Status
How to Extend or Refile a Building Permit
How to Find Inspection Records on SJPermits
How to Upload Project Files (not for SJePlans)
How the CDD Deposit Works for Building Waste Materials
User Guide for a Fire Permit Submittal Through SJPermits
Renewing a Residential Occupancy Permit Through SJPermits
SJPermits FAQs address these topics:
- Browser requirements
- Contractor account setup for more than one contractor class
- Change account login email address
- Check permit application statuS
- Complete a Residential Occupancy Permit Renewal
- Confirm property is in San José jurisdiction
- Schedule an inspection
- Use the Property Search feature
- Tips for applying online for Solar Photovoltaic System
- Which building, planning, public works, and fire permits are available online

SJPermits FAQs

Here are frequently asked questions about using SJPermits.org:

1. Which permits are available online at SJpermits.org?

For Building permits, see Online Building Permits.
For Planning Permits, see Planning Online Permits.
For Public Works permits, see Public Works Online Permits.
For Fire permits, see Fire Online Permits.

2. Who can apply for a permit at SJPermits.org?

Fire Prevention: The permit subtypes available on SJPermits will be filtered by the contractor’s license class.

Building Permits: Only property owners and qualified contractors may apply for an online building permit at SJPermits.org. Contractors may apply only for building permits that align with their state license classification. Contractors must also have a current City of San José Tax Certificate.

3. Which browsers and mobile devices work with SJPermits?

Browers. SJPermits.org works with most browsers. However, as possible, Internet Explorer is best for inspection scheduling. Minimum browser versions are:

IE 10+
Edge 13+
Firefox 42+
Chrome 48+
Safari 7.1+
Opera 37+

Mobile Devices: SJPermits works with most mobile devices. Minimum operating system versions are:

iOS Safari 7.1+
Android Browser 4.4+
Chrome Mobile 48+

4. Must I set up an account to apply for a permit?

Yes. Before applying, you must first register and create an account. Visit the SJPermits Login page to get started. For help, see the SJPermits Account Setup Guide.

5. I’m a licensed contractor with more than one license class. How do I set up my account?

You can designate more than one license class on your account. Either designate the multiple license classes during the account setup or for an existing account, use Update Personal Info. If you have a B Class license, that enables the full range of available Online Permits.

6. As a contractor, do I need a separate account for my personal property?

Yes. To get a permit for your personal property, you should create a separate account without including your contractor’s license number/class. You must use a different email address for each of your SJPermits accounts.

7. Can I get an extension for my building permit?

If the permit has not expired and this is your first request to extend the permit expiration date, call the Permit Center at 408-535-3555 and request an extension. See also How to Extend or Refile a Building Permit.

9. Can I pay the permit fees online with a credit card?
Yes. Please watch the YouTube video.
10. Can I schedule an inspection online?

Yes, if you have a permit, you can use the Schedule Inspection feature at SJPermits. You will need your Customer Identification Number or Rapid Service Number (RSN), which is found on your Personal Information account page in SJPermits.org or on the Permit Record card; see illustrations below. Also read Inspection Success.

11. How do I verify if a property is in the City of San José?

Go to SJPermits.org and tap “Permits & Property Information.” Enter the address. On the next screen, click “Select” by the property address. A list of property descriptions will appear. At the “Incorporated” data field, “yes” means the property is in the city boundary; “no” means it is in a different jurisdiction. This data is based on information provided by the Office of the Assessor, County of Santa Clara.

Or go to the Office of the Assessor, enter your address, and view the data for “School District/Tax Rate Area.” Properties in San José are notated with 017, for example: “TAX RATE AREA INFORMATION 017-057.”

Customers may use Public Information Searches in Online Permit Services to look up this information. This data is based on what we receive from the Office of the Assessor, County of Santa Clara.

Steps to use Online Permits Public Search to determine City of San Jose Jurisdiction
1. Direct link to Public Information Searches
2. Use the Property Search function to locate and select the property you wish to review.
3. Review the PROPERTY INFO codes and locate the description “Other Jurisdiction”. Properties within the City’s jurisdiction will indicate “San Jose” or “No”, etc. Unincorporated areas are under jurisdiction of the County.

12. How do I change my Account Login email address?

If verifying your email account for the first time, you may update your email address while setting up your account. If your account is already set up, you cannot update your email address as it is the identifier for your account. The only way to change your account email address is by setting up a new account.

13. At "My Services," what do the status fields mean?

Application Status – This field indicates the status of your online application. The status options are In-Progress, Submitted, and Canceled:

In-Progress: Your application has not yet been submitted or paid for.
Submitted: Your application has been submitted. If you a Building Self-Served application, you will have this status when your permit is paid for and you have access to your Job Card, invoice, and inspection scheduling.
Canceled: You have opted to cancel your application prior to submission and payment.

Status – This field is the City’s processing status. The status and definition is dependent on the Permit Type and Division that is reviewing your application. See also How to Check your Permit Status.

14. How do I complete a permit application that is “In-Progress”?

If you have started the permit application and your status is “Pending” or “In-Progress”:

Go to My Services and select Folder Details.
Select the Detail button for the permit you wish to continue.
At the top of the My Services Details screen, select Continue to Submit Application. This will take you back to the permit application process and allow you to complete your permit.

Q9 - permit in progress

15. Where do I add Solar Photovoltaic System installations on a single-family home?

At My Services, click on Apply for New Permit.
Select Solar Installation or Stationary Storage Battery under Application Type. Then select 1 & 2 Family Residential under Sub Type and Photovoltaic under Work Type.

Q10 - solar

16. How do I complete my Residential Occupancy Permit Renewal and Certification?

See Code Enforcement's Guide for instructions. Read more about the Multiple Housing Inspection Program and the Residential Occupancy Permit Renewal.

17. Where is information on the business tax certificate?
Go to the Business Tax & Registration page.

18. I still have questions. Who can I contact?

For further information, submit a question here.

SJePlans Guides & Videos

SJePLANS GUIDES

SJePLANS VIDEOS

Prepare to Use SJePlans

Step #1- Disable Pop-up Blocker - SJePlans requires the use of pop-up windows. This video shows how to stop pop-up blockers that prevent full use of SJePlans.
Step #2 - Trusted Sites & Install Components - Make SJePlans a trusted site and install a few minor software components.
Step #3 - New Account Setup - After applying for a permit in SJPermits, if your project requires plan review, you will be invited to set up an SJePlans account.

How to Use SJePlan Features

Step #4 - Applicant Project Access & Navigation - How to access projects and navigate SJePlans.
Step #5 - Applicant Upload Tasks - How to upload documents.
Step #6 - Applicant Prescreen Corrections - How to make corrections to information that resulted from the intake process.
Step #7 - Respond and Resubmit - How to respond to comments from a plan reviewer and how to resubmit plans.
Step #8 - Permit Issuance - Tips on the final steps for permit issuance.

SJePlans FAQs - topics covered:

What is SJePlans & when to use it
How an SJePlans account is created
Links to SJePlans instructions for permits from Building, Planning, Fire, and Public Works
SJePlans enables permit/plan review by multiple departments
Can I add team members?
Can I upload files at different times?
Check status of plan review within SJePlans
Wet signatures
Finding approved plans

SJePlans FAQs

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.

The City's Building, Fire, Planning, and Public Works departments use SJePlans for certain projects. 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 is an SJePlans account created?

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?

The project instructions at Start Your Project outline the permit application process. Projects that are instructed to use the Standard Plan Review Service will use SJePlans. Additionally, the Application Wizard at SJPermits.org will guide you.

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

Planning projects that currently use SJePlans are listed at SJePlans Submittal & Review. For all types of Planning applications, see 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 SJePlans are listed at www.sanjoseca.gov/SJePlans. 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 my 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?

For approved plans - Access the Approved folder at SJePlans.
For approved permits - Locate them in your account according to the property address, APN, or permit number at www.SJPermits.org.

City of San José

Popular Searches