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

TO QUALIFY

The property: 

• Must be a single-family or duplex residence (townhouses use Standard Plan Review) 
• 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.

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
  
  
• If a historical property, bring the required Planning clearance or permit. 

We look forward to serving you.

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.

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

> Single-Family & Duplex Projects Submittal Checklist

> Plans - Follow the Single-Family & Duplex Projects - Plan Set Instructions. Plans to include are dependent on the type of repair. Typical chimney repair plans include:

• Detailed Drawing/Scope of Work: A detailed, scaled drawing showing exactly how the repair will be made, including materials and methods.
  
  
• Structural Details: If the repair involves rebuilding the chimney or firebox, structural details (e.g., footings, reinforcement, connection details to the existing structure) are required.
  
  
• Site Plan (Plot Plan): A drawing indicating the property lines, the building perimeter, and the location of the fireplace in relation to these boundaries.
  
  
• Engineering Calculations: Often required if the repair is structural or if the chimney is being replaced rather than just repaired.
  
  
• Compliance with Codes: The plans must demonstrate compliance with the 2025 California Residential Code (CRC), particularly Chapter 21 regarding masonry chimneys.

TO APPLY

You will submit the project forms and plans online using SJPermits and 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.