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Building Division

Welcome to the Building Division. We work to ensure the safety of buildings on private property as we apply the state of California's current building codes and laws to our review and inspection of projects.  We also oversee the Development Services Permit Center and online permitting at www.SJPermits.org.

  • Get started. View Start Your Project and with a click of a button, you will find instructions for your specific type of project.   

  • Plan Review is taking a little longer. Due to a high volume of applications and staff vacancies, the time frame for an initial review and subsequent reviews are currently longer than normal. See Plan Review Time Frames for the average time required and please add 2 to 3 weeks to these time frames for your project planning purposes. We appreciate your patience as we seek additional staff support. 

NEWS & announcements

As of Jan. 1, 2026, the 2025 Building Codes are in effect. View the codes at Building Standards Commission.

Begin your building permit journey at the new Start Your Project. We want your permit journey to be as easy as possible. Now you can click a button that matches your project to find clear instructions for when your project requires a building permit, how design considerations affect your permit pathway, how to apply, and tips for a successful inspection. Discover the button that matches your project at Start Your Project! 

Attention Building Professionals! Enroll in our new Best Prepared Designer Program and you'll get building permits in as little as 3-5 days for your projects. Learn about who can apply and how the program works at www.bit.ly/SJ-BPDProgram. 

connect with us

 Service  Contact
Accessory
Dwelling Units
(ADUs) 

Visit www.sanjoseca.gov/ADUs for the ADU Universal Checklist that helps you prepare your project. You can also learn about the speedy Preapproved ADU program.

 

Visit ADU Permit Service when you are ready to submit your ADU plans. 

 

Email ZoningQuestions@sanjoseca.gov for a brief, no-cost consultation on how your ADU concept complies with zoning rules (you must have site and ADU dimensions ready). 

 

Submit a Question

Building Permits
Plan Review, and 
Online Building
Permits

Go to Start Your Project and select your type of property and then click the button that matches your project.

 

If you have challenges with computer processes and your project is a single-family home or duplex, call 408-535-3555 for an in-person appointment at the City Hall Permit Center. 

 

Find information and forms for types of projects that are subject to a building permit at Building Bulletins & Forms.

 

For many simple projects, it's fastest to download the building permit from SJPermits, saving half of the regular permit fee. Find instructions at Online Permits. For help with an online permit, submit a question,

 

For general questions about building permits or plan review, email BuildingPermits@sanjoseca.gov or call 408-535-3555.


To check on the status of your permit; pay fees; find property info; or schedule an inspection, go to SJPermits.org.

Building Permits
for Restaurants
and Food/Beverage
Services

Qualifying restaurants and food/beverage businesses may use our award-winning Streamlined Restaurant Program. 

Building
Inspections
& Building
Codes

Schedule an inspection at www.SJPermits.org or call 408-535-3555 for assistance with scheduling an inspection.

 

For questions about building codes and inspections, email: InfoInspector@sanjoseca.gov or call 408-535-3555  

Building
Fee Payment

For fees & methods of payment, visit our Building Fees webpage.

To find permit information from other Development Services partners, see 

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