Single-Family and Duplex Properties

Find the right permit service for your project

For an accessory dwelling unit project, go to ADU Service. For other projects on a single-family or duplex property, view the table below.

Service	how to use it	Qualifying Projects	important notes
Online Building Permits	Apply online at SJPermits.org	There are 56 types of simple projects that qualify for an online building permit that you can download. See available Online Building Permits. If your project isn't listed as an online permit, see if it qualifies for Simple Project Service, Over-the-Counter Service, or Residential Service.	Only licensed contractors and property owners may download an online building permit; always ask your contractor to pull the permit as whoever pulls the permit holds liability for the work. Should you bother with a permit? Yes! Not having a building permit for a home improvement may invalidate your insurance coverage. Protect your investment! Reroof permits may not be obtained online for properties listed on the City’s Historic Resources Inventory. A building permit isn’t required for every project; see what types of work you can do without a permit.
Simple Project Service	Walk-In Service	* Reroof of a property listed on the City’s Historic Resources Inventory. Applicants must have their Reroof Requirements and Project Worksheet and required Planning documents completed at the time of submittal. * Chimney Repair – No plans needed. * Safety Assessment of Standby Generator Installation: For Emergency Backup Power. To proceed with a project that does not pass the safety assessment, you must first obtain Planning Division approval of a Special Use Permit or Planned Development Permit, entailing a public hearing process. * Skylight Replacement - There must be no changes to the roof. If changes are involved, instead use the Residential Permit Service. Learn more about Skylight Requirements. * Swimming Pool Demolition for Future Non-Buildable Area - A site plan is required. Read our Swimming Pool Demolition bulletin to understand other requirements. If you intend to build on the former pool area, you may use the Over-the-Counter (OTC) Service. * Window Replacement – Retrofit windows do not require a permit. For a detailed definition of a retrofit window, refer to the window replacement requirements. However, if your property is listed on the Historic Resources Inventory or is located within a Planned Development (PD) zoning district, you must obtain Planning permit approval before proceeding. Please review the window replacement requirements for all relevant guidelines and procedures.	To use Simple Projects Service, the property must NOT be: In a Planned Development Zoning District (check zoning map) In Flood Zone A, AE, AH, or AO. For questions, call 408-535-7803 or email floodzoneinfo@sanjoseca.gov In a Geohazard or Seismic Hazard Landslide zone In a Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) area – see page 3 of the WUI Fire Conformance Policy. If the property is within any of these criteria; then instead use Residential Permit Service.
Over-the-Counter (OTC) Service	Walk-In Service - Save time! Prior to your visit, please upload your plans and documents using the non-SJePlans electronic plan submittal process instructions Upload Your Project Files.	* Additions & Remodels to One-Story Single-Family Residences – projects must meet the following criteria: No changes to weight-bearing walls or roof framing. No engineered designs – plans must use conventional framing and codes only. Additions must be < 500 sq. ft. Remodels must be ≤ 750 sq. ft. and cannot involve major changes to weight-bearing walls or roof framing Addition + Remodel ≤ 750 sq. ft. where the addition component is < 500 sq. ft. * Detached Accessory Building used as tool shed, storage shed, playhouse, or similar use where the floor area is greater than 120 sq. ft. (a building permit is not required for under 120 sq. ft.) * Engineered ICC or IAPMO current Code approved patios and screen rooms – Contingent on prior Planning approval. * Fire or auto damage to a structure – Contingent on providing a damage survey report. * Swimming pool and septic tank removals – Contingent on approved Public Works clearance (see linked bulletins). * Swimming pool construction – Only with approved Master file using the 2022 building codes. * Like-for-Like Siding or Stucco Replacement * Termite and Dry Rot repairs; must provide a report from the company performing the work.	Property must not be: Listed on the City’s Historic Resources Inventory. In a Flood Zone A, AE, AH, or AO; see Flood Hazard Zone Map. In a Planned Development Zoning District; check Zoning Map. In a Geohazard or Seismic Hazard Landslide zone; determine at www.SJpermits.org. In a Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) area - See page 3 of the WUI Fire Conformance Policy. The project must not entail removal of an ordinance-size tree; follow the Tree Removal Permit process if removing an ordinance-size tree. There cannot be a code case or code violation on the property. If you are unable to use the OTC Permit Service due to one or more of the above limitations, please self-start your building permit application at SJPermits.org. You will be instructed to submit your plans through SJePlans.
Residential Express Service	Virtual Appointment	* Additions & Remodels to One-Story Single-Family Residences – projects must not involve major roof framing modifications and meet the following criteria: Additions must be < 500 sq. ft. Remodels must be ≤ 750 sq. ft. Addition + Remodel ≤ 750 sq. ft. where the addition component is < 500 sq. ft. Detached Accessory Building or Structure used as tool shed, storage shed, playhouse, or similar use – must be < 500 sq. ft. NOTE: All projects that qualify for OTC Permit Service can be accommodated under Residential Express Permit Service for customers who want a virtual appointment and are willing to pay an increased fee	Property must not be: Listed on the City’s Historic Resources Inventory or on the California Historical Resources list for Santa Clara County. In a Flood Zone A, AE, AH, or AO; see Flood Hazard Zone Map. In a Planned Development Zoning District; check Zoning Map. In a Geohazard or Seismic Hazard Landslide zone; determine at www.SJpermits.org. In a Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) area - See page 3 of the WUI Fire Conformance Policy. There cannot be a code case or code violation on the property. The project does not entail removing any ordinance-size tree. The project cannot be located in an easement that prohibits construction. If there is an easement, you must identify it on the site plan; The title report to your home will identify easements (you can contact a title company for a copy of the title report). Tract and parcel maps at the County Surveyor Record Index may show easements but may also be less accurate than a title report.
Residential Service	Self-Start Application at SJPermits and plan upload to SJePlans	* Any project that does not qualify for one of the permit services listed above * Additions > 500 sq. ft. * Remodels involving Major Structural Changes or Roof Framing Modifications * New Construction * Code Compliance Cases	Residential Permit Service may also be used for projects eligible for any other Permit Service listed on this page.