Equipment Suspended or Mounted on Roofs, Floors or Walls

For all types of properties
Updated: 04/14/2026

Referenced Codes
California Building Code, Engineering Principles
Manufacturer’s Specifications

Installing or replacing equipment that is suspended or mounted to a roof, floor or wall may require a building permit, depending on its weight. Other permits may also be needed:

If the roof structure will be modified to support the equipment, e.g., installing purlins, beams, joists, or other support members, then plans and a building permit will be required for such modification.
Equipment also typically requires an electrical, plumbing, and/or mechanical permit; the building permit application allows for requesting these subtrade permits.
Some installations may require a Planning clearance as well.

BUILDING PERMIT REQUIREMENTS

If suspended from a roof or floor If mounted on a wall	If mounted on a roof or floor	Requirements
Less than 50 lbs.	Less than 100 lbs.	No building permit or plans are required.
51 - 100 lbs.	101 - 200 lbs.	Building permit - required; see "How to Apply" Plans - not required
101 - 200 lbs.	201 - 400 lbs.	Building permit - required; see "How to Apply" Plans - required but professional design is not required
Over 200 lbs.	Over 400 lbs.	Building permit - required; see "How to Apply" Plans & Calculations - required and must be prepared by a licensed engineer or architect
In all cases		Equipment must be positively attached.

PLANNING CLEARANCE REQUIREMENTS

Regardless of weight, equipment that is installed on the exterior of the building — either on the roof or on an exterior wall — will require a clearance from the Planning Division UNLESS the installed height of the equipment is lower than an existing parapet or roof screen.

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

Equipment Replacements

When equipment is being replaced in a like-for-like manner, the requirements of the above still chart apply.

For similar weight equipment, use the original plans - If plans were submitted for the original equipment, simply resubmit the original approved plan set and show the listed weight of the replacement equipment.
For heavier weight equipment, new plans may be needed - New plans may be needed if the weight of the replacement equipment triggers requirements, as outlined in the chart, that did not apply to the original equipment.

Permit Process

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

> Building Permit Application - See instructions.

> 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 - Use 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
> Historic property clearance
> Owner-Builder Acknowledgement and Verification of Information Form - Submit if the property owner is the permit applicant.
> This project may be subject to a refundable Construction and Demolition Diversion Deposit (CDDD).

How to Apply

Use the Simple Projects Service if no plans are required and if the property is residential and qualifies for the service. Otherwise, use the Standard Plan Review Service.

Simple Projects Service - for qualifying residential projects

A permit is issued during your visit if documents are accurate.

TO QUALIFY

The property:

Must be a residential property (single-family, duplex, or multifamily)
Cannot be in a Planned Development Zoning District (check Zoning Map)
Cannot be in Flood Zone A, AE, AH, or AO. See 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 the property information at www.SJPermits.org.
Cannot be in a Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) area (WUI Policy, page 3)
Cannot have code violations or a code enforcement case
For properties on the City’s Historical Resources Inventory - Obtain a clearance from the Planning Division before using this service. A building permit will not be issued without this clearance.

The project:

The weight of the equipment proposed for installation falls in the category for no plans being required (chart on main page)

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

TO APPLY

Come to the Permit Center at City Hall. No appointment is needed.

Allow at least 30 minutes 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.
Be ready to pay the fees for Simple Permit Service; see Building Fees.

Bring:

Completed Building Permit Application - See instructions.
Form 311 Owner-Builder Acknowledgement and Verification of Information Form - Bring only if the property owner is the permit applicant.
If a historical property, bring the required Planning clearance or permit.

We look forward to serving you.

Standard Plan Review Service - for all other projects

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.

City of San José

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