For a demolition, you must obtain a job number from the Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD). This includes swimming pools and spas and is required whether or not the project involves asbestos.

This job number is required by the City when you apply for a building permit for a demolition.  

For assistance:
Call: 415-749-4900
Visit: www.baaqmd.gov/permits/asbestos

Is the pool and/or spa shared by a residential community? 

If yes, there should be an existing Planning permit for the construction of the pool or spa. You must obtain a Permit Adjustment or clearance from the Planning Division before you can obtain a demolition permit from the Building Division. 

For assistance:
Submit a Help Ticket to Planning
Or speak with a City planner — view Planning Division Phone Service. 

Is the house or site listed on the City's Historic Resources Inventory?

If yes, the Planning Division must approve the proposed demolition. This approval is required before issuance of a building permit.  

For assistance:
Submit a Help Ticket to Planning
Or speak with a City planner — view Planning Division Phone Service.

Demolitions often serve to enable new construction.

• If the demolition is part of a proposal for a new development, the Planning permit process for the new development will cover the pool or spa demolition. No further clearance is needed.

• If you are proposing only a demolition without a new development, then — unless exempted as outlined below — you must obtain a clearance from Planning.

Exemptions. Per Municipal Code 20.80.450 no development permit or Planning clearance is required for a demolition or removal of:

1. Residential accessory structures (sheds, detached garages, playhouses, swimming pools, spas, etc.) unless the property is listed on the City's Historic Resources Inventory. 
   
   
2. Commercial or industrial buildings no greater than 1,000 square feet unless the property is listed on the City's Historic Resources Inventory.
   
   
3. Single-family home, as defined by Section 20.80.420, where a single-family house permit is not required and a building permit has been approved for a replacement single-family home.

For assistance:
Submit a Help Ticket to Planning
Or speak with a City planner — view Planning Division Phone Service

Will the project entail storing demolition equipment or debris on sidewalks, streets, or parking strips?

If yes, you must obtain a Revocable Encroachment Permit. This permit can be obtained online at SJPermits.org.

For assistance:
Call 408-535-7803
Email PWGeneralinfo@sanjoseca.gov

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

TO QUALIFY

The project:

• Must be located on a residential property (single-family, duplex, or multifamily).
• The demolition area WILL NOT be used for future construction.

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.

Each criterion must be met. If not, use the Standard Plan Review Service.

TO APPLY

 Come to the Permit Center. 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 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 fee; 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.
• Site Plan - Follow the example site plan on the bottom of the page as well as the Site Plan instructions under "Prepare the Permit Application Package."
• If a historical property, bring the required Planning clearance or permit

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.  
• The demolition area may be used for future construction.
• Cannot include removal of an ordinance-size tree. If tree removal is necessary, obtain the tree removal permit prior to using 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.
• 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 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.

Each criterion must be met. If not, use the Standard Plan Review Service.

TO APPLY

REQUIRED PLANS/DOCUMENTS FOR OVER-THE-COUNTER SERVICE

• Completed Building Permit Application - See instructions.
• Owner-Builder Acknowledgement and Verification of Information Form - Bring only if the property owner is the permit applicant.
• Single-Family & Duplex Projects Submittal Checklist
• Site Plan - Follow the example site plan on the bottom of the page as well as the Site Plan instructions under "Prepare the Permit Application Package."
• If a historical property, include the required Planning clearance or permit

Come to the Permit Center at City Hall. No appointment is needed. Follow these steps:

Step 1. You can 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 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.