www.EarthquakeBraceBolt.com - Sign up to receive a grant!

For homes built before 1980, the State offers grants to help offset the costs of an earthquake retrofit. The grants are offered annually in a limited number, but many people succeed in obtaining the grant. 

State-certified contractor handles the project and permit. For this grant program, you must use a state-certified contractor as listed at the Earthquake Brace & Bolt (EBB) website. The contractor will take care of applying for the building permit and will use a standard plan set provided by the State. There is no need to invest in creating any plans. 

• Customer must have been accepted into the EBB Program to proceed.
• Meet the contractor requirements listed at Who Can Apply for a Building Permit, including having a San José Business Tax Certificate.   
• Obtain the building permit before commencing any work.
• Apply for the permit at SJPermits.org. Select the "Brace & Bolt Earthquake Retrofit Permit." 
• Use the State's plan set: Standard Plan Set A
• Schedule the inspection at SJPermits.org. 
• At the time of inspection, provide the following to the City Inspector:
  • A site-specific foundation drawing 
  • Standard Plan Set A, completed by the contractor; complete all tables and identify all required details for the project.

For more information:
Email: info@EarthquakeBraceBolt.com
Phone: (877) 232-4300

If you are not using the EBB program and are proposing an earthquake retrofit on a single-family home or duplex, then follow these instructions: 

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

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

REQUIRED

> Building Permit Application - See instructions.

> Single-Family & Duplex Projects Submittal Checklist - For project scope, check "Other" and enter "Earthquake Retrofit/Non-EBB"

> Plans - Either add the home's data to the state Standard Plan Set A template or provide a Site Foundation Plan. For the latter, use an 18"x24" sheet and draw to scale. Provide a clear scope of work and show:

• Length of linear footage being repaired.
• All dimensions, specifications, details, and instructions for the installation of foundation anchors and cripple wall bracing for walls shorter than 4'.
• Plans must be in accordance with CEBC Chapter A3.  

IF APPLICABLE 

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

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

TO QUALIFY 

The property: 

• 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 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.

The project:  

• Must be proposed for a 1- or 2-story wood-framed dwelling. 
• Must use the state-approved Standard Plan Set A. Add the home's data to the template.  

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!

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!