A building permit IS NOT required for cosmetic improvements such as paint, new flooring, and new countertops.

A building permit IS required for structural changes, new construction, demolitions, and most plumbing, mechanical, and electrical improvements. 

Learn more: When Is a Building Permit Required?

To see the status of a permit, view the instructions at Check Your Permit Status. 

To see the status of the review of plans that are going through Standard Plan Review, there are two options:

1) At www.SJPermits.org

> Click  Search Permits, Property & Zoning  

> Scroll to  Search By Project Reference Number . Enter the plan check Reference Number assigned to your project. Information on the status of your project will appear.

2) If you are the authorized SJePlans user: 

In SJePlans, run the “Department Review Status Report," which 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 status info.

How to Extend a Building Permit

A building permit will expire either:

• 12 months from the date it was issued or
• 180 days from the date of the last inspection approval

If possible, request an extension BEFORE it expires:

• Call the Permit Center at 408-535-3555 or
• Email BuildingPermits@sanjoseca.gov

Ask for assistance with a permit extension. If approved, another 180 days will be added to the original expiration date.

If the permit has already expired or if a second extension is needed, follow the instructions on Bulletin #203, How to Extend or Refile a Building Permit.

How to Extend a Plan Review Submittal

A plan review submittal will expire if the application is suspended or abandoned 180 days from the date that plan review commenced. To avoid this expiration, before180 days pass from the date of plan submittal, you need to either:

• Pay for and pick up the building permit, or
• Apply for and receive approval for an extended plan review submittal.

Ask for assistance with a plan review extension by:

• Calling the Permit Center at 408-535-3555, or
• Emailing BuildingPermits@sanjoseca.gov

Approval of the extension is at the sole discretion of the Chief Building Official and the decision may not be appealed. If approved, another 180 days will be added to the original expiration date

If a second extension is needed, or if the project involves multiple buildings or a foundation permit has been issued, then follow the instructions on Bulletin #204, How to Extend a Plan Review Submittal.

Find step-by-step instructions - Building Permit Application - Instructions

Find inspection notices - View Find Inspection Records 

Replace a permit card

Permit cards are NOT available at SJPermits.org. If you have lost a Permit Card, you must pay for a replacement. Come to the Permit Center at City Hall first floor. Go to the round Permit Center desk for assistance.

IF POSSIBLE, BRING:

• The permit number
• Inspection records -- put them in chronological order to save time
• Project documents 

Fees will apply: 

• Replacement permit card + up to first 30 minutes of staff time: $93.00
• For every 30 minutes thereafter: Additional $93.00 
• Reduce your fee by bringing any records or documents that you have.

To request a refund, use this form: Development Services Claim for Refund

To view City-approved plans

• Go to the Self-Help computers at the Permit Center.
• Plans are converted to optical images and are filed electronically under the number of the associated permit or address. 

Copies of plans for an active permit - We will provide copies of plans to replace those lost for an active permit to the permittee or property owner.  This may take up to 10 days. Fees apply, see below.

Copies of plans for a finaled project - Copies of finaled plans may NOT be used for design purposes, but only for maintenance and operation of the structure. Written authorization is required:

• The requestor must obtain written permission from the original or current owner, or if the building is part of a common interest development, from the governing association.

• After the above documentation is received, Building Division staff will send a certified letter by registered mail to the appropriate architect or engineer to request permission to duplicate the plans. This process may take up to 60 days.

To obtain copies:

• Follow the instructions on the Development Service Document Duplication Request. Fees are outlined on the request form.
• For help with computer-fillable forms, see Digital Forms & Signatures. 
  

Our small business coaches will help you obtain the permits that your small business may need. Other services and workshops are available. Learn more at Small Business Coach.