Before applying for a reroof permit from the Building Division:

• If the property is listed on the Historical Resources Inventory, obtain a clearance from the Planning Division.
• If the property is a City Landmark or within a City Landmark District, a Historic Preservation Permit is required.

Step 1. To obtain the clearance or permit, contact the Planning Division:

Step 2. Prepare the following: 

• Existing roof photographs - Copy and paste photos to a sheet in PDF format. State the roofing material of the existing roof on the PDF.
  
  
• Proposed roof specifications - Provide a PDF that outlines the manufacturer, style, and color of the proposed roofing; the manufacturer’s brochure downloaded or scanned as a PDF is acceptable.
  • The roof material should be a scale, color, and texture similar to those used historically. Black and dark gray colors are not appropriate.
    
    
• Reroof Project Worksheet - Complete the worksheet and save it as a PDF.
  
  
• Other - Planning staff may direct you to provide additional information.

Step 3. After securing the Planning clearance or permit, proceed to apply for a reroof building permit. Qualifying historical properties may use the fast Simple Projects Service. Nonqualifying historical properties must use Standard Plan Review Service. In all cases, provide the same documentation listed above with the building permit application.

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

TO QUALIFY

The project:

• Must be located on a single-family, duplex, or multifamily property.
• Must have been referred through SJPermits for a Planning review.
• Cannot include removal of an ordinance-size tree. If tree removal is necessary, obtain the tree removal permit prior to applying to this service.

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 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

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 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 a Simple Permit Service reroof permit; see the Building Fee Schedule. 

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.
• Completed Reroof Project Worksheet. 
• The required historical property clearance or permit from Planning and all documents submitted to Planning.

We look forward to serving you.

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

TO QUALIFY

The project:

• Must be located on a single-family or duplex property.
• Must have been referred through SJPermits for a Building Review.
• Cannot include removal of an ordinance-size tree. If tree removal is necessary, obtain the tree removal permit prior to applying to this service.

The property:

• Cannot be in a Planned Development Zoning District; check Zoning Map 
• Cannot be in Flood Zone A, AE, AH, or AO; check 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 property information at www.SJPermits.org
• Cannot be in a Wildland Urban Interface area (WUI Policy, page 3)
• Cannot have code violations or a code enforcement case

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

TO APPLY

PREPARE THE PERMIT APPLICATION PACKAGE

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
• A completed Reroof Project Worksheet, saved as a PDF 

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.

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'll be called to a numbered counter.  

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. 

> 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 - Select the plan instructions according to the type of property. These instructions also stand as a form that must be submitted:

TO APPLY

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.

This is not a listing of all applicable codes. The installer is responsible for adhering to the adopted building codes and any manufacturer instructions. See also the City's Residential Construction Guide at Inspections.

Code References
California Residential Code (CRC) Chapter 9
California Building Code (CBC) Chapter 15
Title 24 Energy Code for cool roof standards

1. Fasteners

• Nails or staples must extend at least ¾-inch into or through the sheathing, except where such penetrations would be visible at eaves or porch overhangs.
• Spacing and location of fasteners are to be according to the manufacturer’s installation instructions.
• Nail heads must be flush with shingles; DO NOT DRIVE HEADS INTO SHINGLES.

2. Flues

• Double-wall Type B flues require a 1-inch minimum clearance to combustibles.
• A separate mechanical permit and inspection are required if the flue is cut or altered in any way.

3. Fire Rating

• Class C minimum rating is required by California law, whether new or re-roof. 
• Wood shake and shingles must be a fire-resistant type.

4. Flashings

• Flashings may be re-used if in good condition.
• Exposed edges of wood sheathing are to covered with L metal or equal.
• Counter-flashing is required where the roof meets a vertical surface, such as a wall or chimney. 

5. Lightweight Tile

• Most tile reroof applications require EVERY tile to be nailed; follow the manufacturer’s specifications.

6. Overlays

• Maximum number of composition roof covers allowed: 2
• Use only metal tiles listed for this purpose to overlay wood shake roofs.
• A maximum of two built-up roofs is possible.
• An engineering analysis of the roof supporting structure is required if the total weight of all roof coverings exceeds 7 pounds per square foot.

7. Sheathing

• Solid sheathing is required for all roof covering materials except for wood shingle and shake.
• Plywood and OSB board exposed to weather (underside of eaves) must have exterior grade glue (Exposure 1)

8. Skylights

• Skylight installations require a separate building permit and inspection.

9. Minimum Slope Requirements

• Ashphalt/composition shingles:  2:12  (2" rise for every 12" run)
• Wood shake/shingles:  3:12
• Concrete tiles:  4:12

10. Underlayment

• Install according to the manufacturer’s instructions.