Stucco & Siding Projects | City of San José

For all types of properties
Updated: 03/23/2026

A building permit is required to replace the stucco or siding on the exterior of an existing home or building. For qualifying properties, the permit for like-for-like replacements may be obtained during a quick visit to the Permit Center.

A permit is not required for small repairs of less than 10 square feet of wall area.

Stucco projects in San José must comply with the newer requirements for a water-resistive barrier and drainage plane, see "Installation Requirements" below.

Why a permit is vital – Improperly installed stucco can lead to moisture intrusion, cracking, bulging, water stains, mold, rot, termite attraction, and hazards. It is vital that the work complies with current California building codes. A City inspector will check for code compliance. Note: Insurance companies may deny claims related to unpermitted work.

Permit Process

Design Considerations

Important: Read the common Design Consideration s before you create any 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 - Select the plan instructions according to the type of property:

- Single-Family & Duplex Projects - Plan Set Instructions

- Commercial, Industrial, Multifamily - Plan Review Submittal Package

> For the Floor Plan – Draw to scale (1/4” to 1’) on minimum 18”x24” sheet, show:

- Entire exterior perimeter of the home or building
- Mark all windows, doors, and any opening
- Label uses of rooms with exterior walls
- Indicate area/s where stucco or siding work will be performed

IF APPLICABLE

> Planning clearance for properties listed on the City’s Historic Resources Inventory - For assistance, Submit a Help Ticket to Planning or speak with a City planner.

> 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

If the project is a like-for-like replacement of the stucco and the property meets the criteria for Over-the-Counter (OTC) service, then use this faster service. Otherwise, use Standard Plan Review.

Over-the-Counter Service

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

TO QUALIFY

The project:

Must be on a single-family or duplex property.
Must be like-for-like replacement, replacing an area of stucco with a similar-type material.

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
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

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.

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!

Standard Plan Review Service

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.

Installation Requirements

Adhere to the relevant adopted building codes including the following requirements:

Siding Replacement Requirements

The installer is responsible for adhering to all relevant building codes.

Key code requirements

Adhere to manufacturer installation instructions and to associated ESR reports.
Install a weather-resistive barrier with the proper horizontal (2” typical) and vertical (6” typical) laps; it must be integrated with flashings at doors, windows, roof-to-wall intersections, horizontal trim breaks and deck attachments. [Section R703, California Residential Code]
Attach siding to sound structural members in accordance with the manufacturer installation instructions.
Fastener type, corrosion resistance, size, penetration and spacing must be installed per the manufacturer instructions. If not specified by the manufacturer, minimum siding attachment shall be per Section R703 of the California Residential Code.
Siding must maintain proper minimum clearances above grade (6” typical), roof surfaces (2” typical) and decks (2” typical).
Sealing - Siding butt joints, joints at trim, flashings and penetrations shall be properly sealed.
Applied finishes and sealants shall be in alignment with the manufacturer installation instructions.

Provide to the inspector

Siding Installation instructions

Stucco Installation & Marine Climate Requirements

San José was reclassified as a marine climate (Zone 3C) in 2023. Accordingly, California codes require a drainage plane between a water-resistive barrier (WRB) and cement plaster (stucco) when installed over wood-based sheathing.

WATER RESISTIVE BARRIER (WRB) OPTIONS

OPTION 1 - Two layers of minimum 10-minute Grade D or equivalent WRB complying with ASTM E2556 Type I.

The WRB shall consist of two layers of at least 10-minute Grade D paper. The individual layers shall be installed independently such that each layer provides a separate continuous plane. Between the layers, install window and door flashing in accordance with CRC Section R703.4.

Additional requirement: A space or drainage material not less than 3/16 inch in depth shall be added between the stucco and WRB.

OPTION 2 - Single layer of 60-minute Grade D or equivalent WRB complying with ASTM E2556 Type II.

The WRB shall be separated from the stucco by a non-water-absorbing layer or a designed drainage space.

Additional requirement: The drainage material must have a drainage efficiency of not less than 90 percent, as measured in accordance with ASTM E2273 or Annex A2 of ASTM E2925. This material shall be added between the stucco and WRB.

ILLUSTRATION

Complex illustration of two options for placement of water resistive barrier and drainage plane

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.