Updated: 03/03/2026

Form link - Form 310-Building Permit Application
Find instructions for a specific type of project - Start Your Project

Helpful Tips

• When to use this form - Use Form 310 - Building Permit Application to apply for a building permit or any "subtrade" permit such as an electrical, plumbing, or mechanical permit. The form allows you to check multiple types of permits. For example, if a project requires both a plumbing and mechanical permit, you can check "Plumbing" and "Mechanical" on the form.

• Fill it out on your computer
  • Download and save the form to your computer before trying to complete it.
  • Use Adobe Acrobat to complete the form. For help, see Digital Forms & Signatures. 
  • Save the completed form as a PDF on your computer.
  • To submit the form, follow the instructions for your type of project at Start Your Project.    

• Who can sign the form? Only certain persons can legally sign a building permit application. See Who Can Apply for a Building Permit.

• Persons who cannot use a computer - A paper copy of the building permit application is available at the Permit Center at City Hall (see Contacts). For simple projects, a hand-completed form may be submitted at the Permit Center along with any required project information; see Simple Projects Service or Over-the-Counter Service.  

Form Instructions

PAGE 1 - PROJECT IDENTIFICATION SECTION

1 - PROJECT ADDRESS - This form is only for properties within the City of San José. If you are unsure, enter the project address at SJPermits.org. A screen will appear for the address. At the “Incorporated” form field, “yes” means the property is in San José; “no” means it is not in San José and you must apply to a different jurisdiction for a permit. There are unincorporated pockets within San José that are subject to the County of Santa Clara for permitting. Or the property may be in a city or county pocket that is adjacent to but not within the San José border.   

2 - APPLICANT NAME - See Who Can Apply for a Building Permit for qualifying applicants. We recommend that the application be signed by a state-licensed contractor or their authorized representative. See Owner-Builders Beware for the risks and requirements when a property owner or their authorized representative is the permit applicant. 

3 - APPLICANT ADDRESS - Enter the mailing address of the person who is signing the form.

4 - APPLICANT EMAIL - Enter the email address of the person who is signing the form.

5 - APPLICANT PHONE - Enter the phone number of the person who is signing the form. 

6 - LEGAL OWNER - If the applicant is not the legal owner of the property, then enter the name and contact info of the legal property owner.

7 - DESIGN PROFESSIONAL - Leave blank if the project does not use the services of a design professional. If there is an architect, engineer, or other design professional in charge, then enter their contact information and, if applicable, their professional license number.

8 - PERMIT TYPE - Check the boxes for the types of permits that the project will entail. In addition to any structural work that requires a building permit, this form can be used for any subtrade permit such as an electrical, mechanical, or plumbing permit. 

9 - SCOPE OF WORK - Provide details that adequately convey what is being built, added, or changed, including any subtrade work. During inspection, the City inspector will expect to see project work is consistent with — and limited to — this description of the scope of work.

PAGE 1 - DECLARATIONS SECTION

10 - WORKERS' COMPENSATION DECLARATION - If you have employees on the worksite, you are required to have workers’ compensation insurance and you must check (a) or (b). If you do not employ any person subject to workers’ compensation law, then check (c). In all cases, one of these must be checked. 

11 - DECLARATION REGARDING CONSTRUCTION LENDING AGENCY - If you are using a construction lending agency, enter the lender’s name and address. Enter “N/A” for “not applicable” if you are not using a construction lending agency. Note: Construction lending agencies are not the same as a mortgage company; do not provide mortgage information. Construction lending agencies provide short-term financing specifically for construction projects.

12 - SIGNATURE IS REQUIRED - Be sure to sign and date the Declarations section. For help, see Digital Signatures.

PAGE 2 - APPLICANT INFORMATION SECTION 

13 - On page 2 of the form: 

• Complete SECTION A if you are a licensed contractor or the contractor's authorized agent. IMPORTANT - Enter the state license number and City business tax certificate number as held by the licensed contractor; we will reject the form if these are not provided.  

• Complete SECTION B if you are the property owner or the owner's authorized agent. The property owner (not the agent) is also required to complete and submit Form 311-Owner-Builder Acknowledgement and Verification.    
  
  
• Complete SECTION C if an authorized agent is signing the form. The person authorizing the agent to represent them has a choice:
  • Complete and sign section C; OR
  • Provide a notarized letter stating the name of the authorized agent. The letter must be dated no earlier than 12 months before the date of the permit application. 

Leave blank the sections that do not pertain to you.

See Who Can Apply for a Building Permit to learn more.

Questions?

We are here to help — visit, call, or email us. See Contacts sidebar.