For a demolition, you must obtain a "job number" from the Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD). This is required whether or not the project involves asbestos.

This job number is required by the City when you apply for a building permit for a demolition.  

For assistance:
Visit www.baaqmd.gov/permits/asbestos
or call BAAQMD at 415-749-4900

For all demolition projects, applicants must submit a completed PCBs Screening Assessment Form with the building permit application.

Download this computer-fillable form to your computer before completing and signing it. For help, see Digital Forms & Signatures.

The form has four parts:

• Part 1 - Collects owner and project information. If no consultant is involved in the project, leave this portion blank.
  
  
• Part 2 - Determines whether PCB testing is required. Wood-framed buildings/structures and single-family residences are among those EXEMPT from having to conduct any PCB testing. A completed form is still required with the permit application. 
  
  
• Part 3 - The requirement to complete this section depends on the answers in Part 2.
  
  
• Part 4 - In all cases, be sure to sign and date the form.  

Find more information at www.sanjoseca.gov/ManagingPCBs.

For assistance with the form:
Call: 408-945-3000
Email: WSPinbox@sanjoseca.gov

Will fire alarms or fire sprinklers in spaces adjacent to the demolition be affected?

If yes, this project must get a clearance from the Fire Department.

For assistance:
Call 408-535-7750
Email SJFDPermitSpecialist@sanjoseca.gov

Many demolitions of buildings and structures serve to enable new development.

• If the demolition is part of a proposal for a new development, the Planning permit process for the new development will cover the demolition. No further clearance is needed.

• If you are proposing only a demolition without a new development, then — unless exempted as outlined below — you must obtain a clearance from Planning. Certain projects are exempt from this requirement for a clearance:

Exemptions. Per Municipal Code 20.80.450 no development permit or Planning clearance is required for a demolition or removal of:

1. Residential accessory structures (sheds, detached garages, playhouses, etc.) unless the property is listed on the City's Historic Resources Inventory. 
   
   
2. Commercial or industrial buildings no greater than 1,000 square feet unless the property is listed on the City's Historic Resources Inventory.
   
   
3. A single-family home, as defined by Section 20.80.420, when a single-family house permit is not required and a building permit has been approved for a replacement single-family home.

For assistance:
Submit a Help Ticket to Planning
Or speak with a City planner — view the Planning Division Phone Service.

Is the house or site listed on the City's Historic Resources Inventory?

If yes, the Planning Division must approve the proposed demolition. This approval is required before issuance of a building permit.  

For assistance:
Submit a Help Ticket to Planning
Or speak with a City planner — view the Planning Division Phone Service.

Will the project entail storing demolition equipment or a debris box on sidewalks, streets, or parking strips?

For construction, demolition, and debris hauling - Only a City-approved hauler is authorized to haul temporary waste bins, and the hauler will typically take care of securing the necessary permit. Using a City-approved hauler helps to ensure safe, proper practices and disposal of your project materials. 

The necessary permit is a Revocable Encroachment Permit and it can be obtained online at SJPermits.org.

For assistance:
Call 408-535-7803
Email PWGeneralinfo@sanjoseca.gov

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!