Termite & Dry Rot Repairs | City of San José

For all types of properties
Updated: 04/14/2026

Repairing termite damage or dry rot requires a building permit if the work involves structural components, such as replacing wall studs, floor joists, window framing, or roof framing. Nonstructural cosmetic repairs or replacing drywall does not require a permit.

A report by a licensed contractor that outlines the damage is required with the building permit application.

Why a permit is vital - To protect your safety and property, 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.

> Termite/Dry Rot Report prepared by licensed contractor who is performing the work

> 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

Plans are generally not needed for small areas of repair. For larger projects, provide drawings on minimum 18” x 24” sheet that 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 repair work will be performed and detail scope of work

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

Qualifying single-family and duplex properties may use Over-the-Counter (OTC) Service. All other projects 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.

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 will 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.

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.