Damage Repair Projects | City of San José

For all types of properties
Updated: 04/13/2026

Was your property damaged by a vehicle, fire, water or other accident or catastrophe? We highly recommend that you obtain a Damage Survey before you commence with repairs.

What is a Damage Survey? A City Inspector will inspect the property and create a report that outlines the required building plans and permits for repairing the damaged property. Benefits include:

The report outlines the required permits and plans for conducting the repair.
The project will be exempt from construction taxes.
You will qualify for our fast Over-the-Counter permit service if you keep the project limited to damage repair—see "How to Apply." If your project requires the Standard Plan Review process, your project will be given priority for the review.
Inspection scheduling for your project will be given high priority.
If applicable, the City Inspector will inform you of the steps to reconnect utility meters.

The Inspector will leave a copy of the Damage Survey Report at the property site. The report will also post online at SJPermits.org (under Property Address information) by the afternoon of the next business day following the inspection.

To schedule a Damage Survey,
submit a Damage Survey Request Form and pay the fee.

APPLY FOR THE BUILDING PERMIT AFTER RECEIVING YOUR DAMAGE SURVEY REPORT

After obtaining the Damage Survey Report, to proceed with repairs, you must first obtain a building permit. Follow these instructions:

Design Considerations

If you decide to add a remodeling project to the damage repair effort, it is vital that you read the common Design Considerations before creating project plans. 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.

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

REQUIRED

> Damage Survey Report - Include the report in the submittal package. Find the report at SJPermits.org in the property records associated with the property's address.

> Building Permit Application - See instructions.

> Submittal Checklist - Select the appropriate checklist below, which outlines relevant forms and plans to include the permit application package. Under Project Scope, check either "Fire Damage" or "Other" and enter the cause of damage. If you are expanding the repair work to include remodeling, also check “Alteration” or “Addition.”

Single-Family & Duplex Projects Submittal Checklist
Multifamily Projects Submittal Checklist
Commercial & Industrial Projects Submittal Checklist

> Project Plans - The Damage Survey Report notes the plans that are required. If you expand the repair to include a remodel, then you must provide additional plans to address the remodel. Select the plan instructions according to the type of property:

Single-Family & Duplex Projects - Plan Set Instructions
Commercial, Industrial, Multifamily - Plan Review Submittal Package

IF APPLICABLE per Design Considerations

> Geologic Hazard Clearance

> Grading Permit Application

> Historic Preservation Permit, Adjustment, or Amendment

> Owner-Builder Acknowledgement and Verification of Information Form - Submit if the property owner is the permit applicant.

> Tree Removal Permit Application

> This project may be subject to a refundable Construction and Demolition Diversion Deposit (CDDD).

How to Apply

If repairing damage in a like-for-like manner - Use the fast, lower-cost Over-the-Counter Service if the project qualifies. Otherwise, use Standard Plan Review.

If adding remodeling to the damage repair project - Use the Standard Plan Review Service. By submitting a Damage Survey Report, your project will still be given priority. Remodeling includes altering walls; increasing the quantity of appliances from the original quantity; and changing (not just repairing) plumbing, electrical, or mechanical systems or equipment.

Over-the-Counter Service

The permit is issued during your visit if plans and documents are accurate.

TO QUALIFY

The project:

Must be limited to like-for-like repair work to the damaged area
Must be less than 500 sq. ft.
Must use conventional framing and codes; no engineered designs
Cannot include removal of an ordinance-size tree. If tree removal is necessary, obtain the tree removal permit prior to applying for OTC Service.

The property:

Cannot be in a Planned Development Zoning District; check Zoning Map
Cannot be in Flood Zone A, AE, AH, or AO; check Flood Hazard Zone Map or call 408-535-7803 or email floodzoneinfo@sanjoseca.gov.
Cannot be in a Geohazard or Seismic Hazard Landslide Zone; view property information at www.SJPermits.org
Cannot be in a Wildland Urban Interface area (WUI Policy, page 3)
Cannot have code violations or a code enforcement case
For properties on the City’s Historic Resources Inventory - Obtain a clearance from the Planning Division before using this service. A building permit will not be issued without this clearance.

If the project does not meet each criterion, use the Standard Plan Review Service.

TO APPLY

See “Prepare the Permit Application Package.”

Come to the Permit Center at City Hall. No appointment is needed. Follow these steps:

Step 1. Skip printing out the plans and forms and instead Upload Your Project Files any time before you visit the Permit Center. This is preferred as it speeds up your appointment.

OR bring 2 (two) copies of the plans and forms to the Permit Center.

Step 2. Allow at least one hour for this visit and arrive before 3:00 p.m. as counter tickets are not issued thereafter. Upon arrival, go to the self-serve ticket kiosk by the round reception desk and select "Building Walk-In Service." Take the ticket. You will be called to a numbered counter.

We look forward to serving you!

Standard Plan Review Service

For the submittal, see “Prepare the Permit Application Package.”

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.

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.