Gas Cooktops and Stoves - Gas stoves release nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, and formaldehyde and must be vented. Improper installation can lead to dangerous gas leaks. Part of the City inspection is to double-check that there are no gas leaks.  

Electric Oven or Cooktops - A permit is required to install an electric oven or cooktop if it involves new wiring or circuit installation. A City inspector will ensure that the installation meets electric codes and is properly connected to the breaker box.

Range/Cooktop Vent or Exhaust Hood - Vents are required for all ranges and cooktops and are subject to California mechanical codes. Venting is vital to the health of occupants. Pertinent codes include but are not limited to:

• A mechanical permit is required to replace a kitchen exhaust hood that includes an outside air vent. The vent must terminate on the building exterior at least 3 feet from other openings into the building [CMC502.2.1]. Flexible (corrugated) ducting is not allowed for exhaust hoods [CMC 504.3].
  
  
• Hoods must vent to the outdoors, never into the attic or crawlspace. An exception is ductless or recirculating hoods that are listed (certified) and have a carbon filter that helps catch smoke. 
  
  
• The duct should be smooth metal, airtight, and with minimal turns. Under certain conditions, a downdraft type of vent may use PVC plastic piping.
  
  
• A backdraft damper is required.
  
  
• The exhaust duct needs to be independent and not connect to any other ducting.

New installations require a permit. Replacements require a permit if the installation alters the electrical, plumbing, or mechanical systems, or if switching types such as from gas to electric.

Venting and Exhaust - California Mechanical Code (CMC)

1. Compliance is critical - Venting requirements are critical for fire safety and moisture control.
   
   
2. Termination: Exhaust must terminate on the building exterior with a backdraft damper. It cannot vent into an attic, crawlspace, or garage.
   
   
3. Duct Material: Must be rigid metal with a smooth interior and a minimum 4-inch diameter.
   
   
4. Length Limits: The standard maximum length is 14 feet (including two 90-degree elbows) unless otherwise specified by the manufacturer's instructions. A 2-foot deduction is required for each additional 90-degree elbow.
   
   
5. Prohibitions: You cannot use screens at the termination point or sheet metal screws that protrude into the duct, as these trap lint.
   
   
6. Transition Ducts: Flexible "transition" ducts connecting the dryer to the wall must be listed (UL 2158A) and are generally limited to 6-8 feet; they cannot be concealed within walls.

Electrical Requirements - California Electrical Code (CEC)

1. Dedicated Circuits are required:
   Electric dryers - Dedicated 240-volt, 30-amp circuit
   Gas dryers - Dedicated 120-volt outlet for the drum and controls
   
   
2. GFCI Protection: Required for all receptacles in laundry area.
   
   
3. 4-Prong 240-volt outlet: Since 2000, new installations must use a four-prong 240-volt outlet to ensure a separate grounding pathway.

Energy Code Mandates (Title 24)

1. Electric Ready: New homes or additions with gas dryer plumbing must be "Electric Ready" to facilitate future heat pump dryer transitions.
   
   
2. Pre-wiring: A dedicated 240V, 30-amp circuit must be installed within 3 feet of the dryer location, even if a gas dryer is currently used.
   
   
3. Panel Space: The main electrical panel must have reserved and labeled space for a future double-pole circuit breaker.

Location Specifics

1. Garages: If installed in a garage, the dryer must typically be elevated so its heating element is at least 18 inches above the floor to prevent the ignition of flammable vapors.
   
   
2. Closets: Dryers installed in closets require a minimum of 100 square inches of makeup air (often via a louvered door).

New installations require a permit. Replacements require a permit if the installation alters the electrical, plumbing, or mechanical systems, or if switching types such as from gas to electric. 

Plumbing Requirements - California Plumbing Code (CPC)

1. Standpipe (Vertical Drain Pipe) Dimensions:
   Diameter: Minimum 2 inches
   Height: 18 inches to 30 inches above the trap weir 
   
   
2. Trap Placement: The standpipe must connect to a P-trap located between 6 and 18 inches above the floor.
   
   
3. Venting: Every washer trap must be properly vented to prevent siphoning and sewer gas intrusion.
   
   
4. Backflow Protection: Water supplies must be protected by an air gap or a backflow preventer.
   
   
5. Multifamily Housing: New multifamily construction must provide private laundry in each unit or a common facility with at least one washer for every six units.

Electrical Code Compliance (CEC)

1. Dedicated Circuit: At least one 20-amp branch circuit must be provided specifically for laundry appliances. This circuit cannot serve any other outlets in the house.
   
   
2. GFCI and AFCI Protection: All receptacles in the laundry area must be GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) protected. These circuits also require Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter (AFCI) protection.
   
   
3. Placement: At least one receptacle must be installed within 6 feet of the intended washer location.

Graywater System 

See Plumbing Projects.

Safety & Structural Considerations

1. Appliance Safety: Machines must have an interlock to stop the cylinder if the door is opened (standard on most modern models).
   
   
2. Upper-Floor Installation Requirements: To prevent water damage, a drain pan with a separate drain line is required.

A permit is required for a new installation of a dishwasher. Replacing a dishwasher requires a permit only if the plumbing or electrical system will be altered.

Improper dishwasher installation can lead to leaks, rot, electric shock hazards, and more. The City inspector will inspect for proper drain hookup, high routing of the flexible drain line connection, and proper electrical connections and grounding.

Key code requirements

• Dishwashers shall be connected with an approved drainage air gap device located above the flood level rim of the sink [CPC 807.3].
• GFCI outlet and breaker in the electric panel are required.
• Backflow prevention is provided by air gap and high drain loop.
• Drain lines are properly mounted and secured.
• Dishwasher is secured to surrounding cabinetry.

A permit is not required to install a standard plug-in refrigerator as it is considered portable equipment. A permit is required if the installation involves new electrical circuits, extensive plumbing for an ice maker, or structural modifications to the kitchen.

Electrical Requirements - California Electric Code (CEC)

1. Dedicated Circuit: Connected to a dedicated 120-volt, 60-hertz, properly grounded 3-prong branch circuit.
   
   
2. Circuit Rating: Dedicated 15/20A circuit, 3-prong grounded outlet
   
   
3. Outlet Location: Receptacles must be installed in accordance with standard kitchen layout rules, within 24 inches of the designated space to ensure proper reach.

Installation and Safety (CRC)

1. Seismic Restraints: High-end or large refrigerators might need to be secured, especially if they are built-in, to meet California seismic safety codes.
   
   
2. Ventilation: The unit must have sufficient clearance for ventilation to prevent overheating. Follow the manufacturer’s installation instructions.

Energy Efficiency

1. Energy Star: Energy Star-rated appliance may be necessary to meet the Energy Code.
   
   
2. Voltage Drop: Installations must adhere to voltage drop requirements to ensure efficiency, with a maximum combined drop of 5%.

A plumbing permit is required for a new installation of a water softener as it constitutes a modification to the plumbing system of the home.

Inspection helps to ensure that the water softener system is properly located and connected to the plumbing network.

• Water softeners are only permitted in residential occupancies and must discharge into the sanitary sewer system with a minimum 1” air gap.
• Two separate drain tubes must be available—one for brine discharge during regeneration cycles and another for general wastewater drainage.
• Water softeners shall be sized as follows:

California Plumbing Code
Table 611.4

Notes:

1. Installation of a kitchen sink, dishwasher, laundry tray, and automatic clothes washer is permitted without additional size increase.
2. For Bathroom Groups “Up to 2,” an additional water closet and lavatory permitted.
3. Over four bathroom groups, the softener size shall be engineered for the specific location.
4. See also Appendix A, Recommended Rules for Sizing the Water Supply System and Appendix C, Alternate Plumbing Systems.

• Go to SJPermits.org.
• Use the Application Wizard to be guided to the correct process and permit.
• You may secure multiple permits, if needed, with one application.
• SJPermits presents the fee and enables online payment; for more info, see Building Fees.
• After payment, you will be able to download the Permit Card.
• For help, first see Help for SJPermits. If you still need assistance, use Submit a Help Ticket.

PREPARE THE PERMIT APPLICATION PACKAGE   

Who can prepare plans? While some plans may be prepared by anyone, we recommend working with professionals. Inaccurate plans will require resubmittals and more fees. Accurate plans save time and money. See Plans That Require an Architect or Engineer.  

Forms may require digital signatures. See Digital Forms & Signatures for help.   

REQUIRED

• Building Permit Application - See instructions.
  
  
• Owner-Builder Acknowledgement and Verification of Information Form - Submit only if the property owner is the permit applicant. 
  
  
• Submittal Checklist - Select the appropriate checklist below. It also outlines relevant forms and plans to include in the permit application package.  
  Single-Family & Duplex Projects Submittal Checklist
  Multifamily Projects Submittal Checklist
  Commercial & Industrial Projects Submittal Checklist
  
  
• Project Plans - Draw relevant site and electrical plans following the appropriate instructions:
  Single-Family & Duplex Projects - Plan Set Instructions
  Commercial, Industrial, Multifamily - Plan Review Submittal Package

TO APPLY

This service uses online platforms. You will first apply at SJPermits and then upload documents through SJePlans. A City plan reviewer will review the plans and send comments to the ePlan Applicant through SJePlans. After the plans are approved and final fees are paid, then the building permit will be issued. Follow these instructions:

* Standard Plan Review Service *

We look forward to serving you.