Light Pole Support Base | City of San José

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

Referenced Codes
California Electrical Code (CEC)
California Building Code (CBC)
Title 24 – Energy Code

An electrical permit is required for the installation of an exterior light pole support base. Light poles taller than 25’ also require a building permit. Height is subject to zoning standards; see "Design Considerations." Depending on the project, other Planning requirements may apply.

Permit Process

Design Considerations

Important: Read the common Design Considerations before you create 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.

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 as appropriate to the type of property:

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

Show on the plans:

Pole foundation
Connection of the pole to the foundation
The foundation/connection shall be designed, stamped and signed by a California-licensed civil or structural engineer.
If the pole is taller than 25', include structural calculations.

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

How to Apply

Use Simple Projects Service if the property is single-family, the light pole does not exceed 25', and the project meets the service qualifications. Otherwise, use the Standard Plan Review Service.

Simple Projects Service - Pole ≤ 25' on single-family property

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

TO QUALIFY

The property:

Must be a single-family residence.
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 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

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.
Single-Family & Duplex Projects Submittal Checklist
Foundation/connection plan as outlined under "Prepare the Permit Application Package."
If a historical property, bring the required Planning clearance or permit.

We look forward to serving you.

Standard Plan Review Service - Pole > 25' or other type of property

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.

Exterior pole base installations - The City inspector checks for compliance with the submitted design, the adopted building codes, and all applicable regulations. Have the project plans available to the inspector.

Questions?

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