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Tenant Improvement
For office and commercial properties
For other properties, see Start Your Project
Updated: 03/30/2026
To obtain a building permit for a tenant improvement project, you must submit plans. Staff will review these for compliance with zoning, building, and fire codes prior to issuing a building permit. Our STAR service provides an option for quick permit issuance — see "How to Apply."
If applicable, instead go to:
Remodels & Additions - for standard remodels or additions
Restaurants & Food/Beverage Services - for remodels of restaurants/cafés/bars.
Permit Process
Design Considerations
Important: Read the common Design Considerations before you create any plans or start a project. These can affect the design, location, and permitting of the project.
Get Ready to Apply
Who can apply? We recommend that the applicant be a licensed contractor. See Who Can Apply for a Building Permit for others who may apply. Whoever signs the building permit application is responsible and potentially liable for all activity under the permit. See Owner-Builders Beware!
SJPermits can help. At SJPermits.org, you can pay fees, schedule inspections, check the status of a permit, and find permit records and property information. An SJPermits account is required only if you are applying for an online permit or for projects that require Standard Plan Review.
Permit Fees
Find fee information and payment methods at Building Fees.
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.
REQUIRED
Forms may require digital signatures. See Digital Forms & Signatures for help.
> Building Permit Application - See instructions.
> Commercial & Industrial Projects Submittal Checklist - This outlines relevant forms and plans to include in the permit application package and the checklist must be included in the submittal package.
> Tenant Improvements - Plan Checklist - Also use this checklist for creating plans if the project is a tenant improvement.
> Plan Review Submittal Package - Commercial, Industrial, Multifamily - This is both instructions for the plans and a form that must be submitted.
> This project is subject to a refundable Construction and Demolition Diversion Deposit (CDDD).
IF APPLICABLE - per Design Considerations
> Geologic Hazard Clearance
> Historic Preservation Permit, Adjustment, or Amendment
> Owner-Builder Acknowledgement and Verification of Information Form - Submit if the property owner is the permit applicant.
- CALGreen Building Standards Code
- EPA Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule
- Equipment Suspended or Mounted on Roofs, Floors, or Walls
- Generator Permit Requirements
- Temporary Certificate of Occupancy
- Tenant Improvement (includes Business Use or Occupancy change)
- Speculative Space Permit
- Permit Adjustment Application
- Special Inspection Existing Building Form
How to Apply
If the project qualifies, use the STAR service. A premium fee will be charged but this service provides a significant savings in time. Otherwise, use the Standard Plan Review Service.
Inspections
You will be issued a Permit Card that lists required inspections. Schedule inspections at SJPermits.org or call 408-535-3555 for assistance.
Be ready — read Inspection Success.
- The Permit Card must always be on-site and available to the inspector.
- Have plans and manufacturer instructions, if any, available.
- Ensure there is access to all areas of the project work; provide a ladder if one is needed.
Questions?
We are here to help — visit, call, or email us. See Contacts sidebar.