If you have questions about planning applications or permit processes, contact us:

• Email: ZoningQuestions@sanjoseca.gov
  
  
• Call 408-535-3555 (press 1 and then press 5) to speak with a Planner during these phone service hours:
  

  Monday - 10:30am-Noon; 1:00-4:00 pm
  Tuesday-Wednesday - 9:00 am-Noon; 1:00-4:00 pm
  Thursday-Friday - 9:00am-Noon; 1:00-2:30 pm

We get many calls and there may be a wait; we appreciate your patience. 

Below are the forms, fees, and appointment process to apply for a Planning permit or related process. Planning permits are required for: 

• New development
• Land use or business operations changes
• Changes to historical properties
• Subdivisions and lot line adjustments
• Signs, tree removals, and more

For Building Permit information, please visit Building Permit Services.

PLANNING WIZARD

Not sure which Planning permit you need? Answer the Planning Wizard’s questions and you'll be directed to the right process. The tool may not apply to all project scopes or sites. Upon your submittal of an application, if necessary, Planning staff will provide you with further direction about any required forms for your project.

Click to get started: Planning Wizard

SUBMITTAL REQUIREMENTS

Open the application forms in the table below to view the submittal requirements. Here are resources that may help you prepare your plans:

• Contents of Plan Sheets
• Annexation Map Example
• Legal Description Example
• Operations Plan Example
• Plat Map Example
• Title Report Example
• Other Illustrative Diagrams

FEES & METHODS OF PAYMENT

See the Planning Fee Schedule for base fees for different types of applications and hourly billing rates. After intake of your application, staff will send you an invoice. Some applications allow for a lower Initial Submittal Fee as outlined on the table below. Fees must be paid in full in order for staff to begin the review of your application.

Here are the methods of payment that we accept:

• Credit card or eCheck at www.sjpermits.org, only for amounts less than $100,000. NOTE: Credit card payments entail a third-party service fee of 2.66%. You may use an alternate payment method to avoid this fee.
  
  
• Wire transfer. Email PermitCashier@sanjoseca.gov and provide a) Wire Amount, b) Wire Date, and c) Invoice Number. Please also email the staff who provided the invoice to confirm payment.
  
  
• Check. Pay by check at City Hall at the 1st Floor Cashier Window. Write the invoice number on the check or provide a copy of the invoice. You can also mail your check to:

ATTN: PBCE Payments - 3rd floor
San José City Hall
200 E. Santa Clara Street
San José, CA  95113

Notice of Fees Due. If you receive a Notice of Fees Due, the fee balance must be paid within 14 calendar days from the date of your application submittal appointment or the application will be voided. A refund of any payment minus a record retention fee will be issued to you. A new application and full payment of fees will be required to restart a project. Remaining fees can be paid:

• Online with a credit card or eCheck at www.sjpermits.org
• By phone with a credit card: 408-535-3555
• By check; please email danielle.buscher@sanjoseca.gov for instructions.

PROCESSING TIME FRAMES 

The Plan Review Time Frames shows estimated application review times for a typical project. These time frames may vary based on current staffing levels. 

SUBMITTAL Instructions

The table below shows the option/s for submitting an application or form. Submittal instructions are also outlined on each application form.

• 1st Floor In-Person Appointments, Permit Center, City Hall 1st Floor - If your application type allows for an in-person submittal, click the "1st Floor In-Person Appointment" link to schedule the appointment. Then follow these instructions:

  • Arrive 10 minutes before your appointment start time
  • Bring proof of your appointment (on your phone or printout.) 
  • When you arrive: Check in with your mobile device or or got to the self-serve kiosk, select "I have an appointment", and enter your confirmation number or scan the QR code from your smart phone or printout.

• 3rd Floor Virtual Appointments - Several Planning applications require a virtual appointment that is handled by our 3rd Floor Planning Office staff. Click the "3rd Floor Virtual Appointment" link to schedule this type of appointment.  
  • If you must cancel or reschedule - Do so at least 24 hours prior to your appointment and contact your assigned Planner or Staff Technician by email or phone.
  • If you are more than 15 minutes late to your virtual appointment, we may ask that you reschedule to a later date.

• 3rd Floor City Hall Planning Office Drop-In - You may drop off an Appeal or Protest application to the 3rd floor Planning Office. Please only come by during these hours:
  Monday:  10:30am-Noon and 1:00-5:00pm
  Tuesday-Friday:  8:00am-Noon and 1:00-5:00pm

• SJPermits Submittal - Applications submitted on SJPermits.org may take 20 business days for assignment to a Planner for review. For potentially faster service, consider scheduling a first floor in-person appointment. For help with submitting through SJPermits.org, see Planning Online Permits.  

The applications are computer-fillable PDF forms. Download the form, save it to your computer, complete it, sign it, and save the file for uploading. See also Digital Forms & Signatures for instructions.

Links for "Submit To" open to different platforms so choose the link carefully.