New or modified wireless facilities often need a planning permit before construction can begin. Projects are reviewed under one of three permit types depending on the project’s scope and potential impacts: Permit Adjustment, Wireless Administrative Permit, or Conditional/Special Use Permit. For wireless facilities within the right-of-way, visit the Small Cell Deployment Website for further information as no planning permit is needed.  

To assess which permit your project qualifies under, complete the Wireless Permit Decision Tree  

Projects that Require a Permit Adjustment 

Generally, a wireless project is eligible for a permit adjustment if it meets the following criteria: 

• Mounted to an existing building or structure 

• Antenna and related alterations project no more than 10 feet above the roofline, or up to 15 feet with setback allowances 

• The antenna and its associated mechanical equipment is attached to an existing monopole or other utility structure with no increase to the overall height of either the monopole or other utility structure 

A Permit Adjustment is an administrative process. The Director of planning will review the application and make a decision. This decision cannot be appealed. To proceed with a Wireless Permit Adjustment: 

• Fill out the Permit Adjustment Application 

• Email the Permit Adjustment Application and all the required submittal materials listed on the first and second pages to planningtechs@sanjoseca.gov 

• A Digital signature is required 

• For additional information such as timelines, please refer to the Planning Applications and Appointments webpage 

Projects that Require a Wireless Administrative Permit 

Generally, a wireless project is eligible for a Wireless Administrative Permit if it meets the following criteria: 

• Modifications to an existing tower or base station that increase height by 10% or less (or up to 10 feet) from the original approval 

• Width increases are 20 feet or less (or less than the existing tower width). 

• Adds four or fewer new equipment cabinets, none significantly larger than existing ones 

• No new ground equipment or excavation beyond 30 feet from the current site boundary 

• Changes would be inconsistent with the design of the baseline condition concealment 

A Wireless Administrative Permit is an administrative process. The Director of planning will review the application and make a decision. This decision cannot be appealed. To proceed with a Wireless Administrative Permit: 

• Fill out the Wireless Administrative Permit 

• Email the Wireless Administrative Permit and all the materials listed on the first and second pages to planningtechs@sanjoseca.gov 

• A Digital signature is required 

• A Letter of Authorization from the property owner is required 

• For additional information such as timelines, please refer to the Planning Applications and Appointments webpage. 

Projects that Require a Conditional/Special Use Permit 

Generally, a wireless project requires a Conditional/Special Use permit or amendment if it does not qualify for the two categories above or meets the following criteria: 

• New wireless tower or major structural expansion. 

• Increases height by more than 10% or over 10 feet, whichever is greater. 

• Increases width by more than 20 feet or more than the tower’s existing width at the level of the new appurtenance. 

• Adds more than four new cabinets, or installs ground cabinets larger than 10% of the existing ones. 

• Requires new excavation or deployment outside existing site boundaries (beyond 30 feet). 

A Conditional/Special use permit will go through a public hearing process. This involves more time and an additional fee to cover public notification of the hearing. Public notification is outlined in the Public Outreach Policy for Development Proposals. The neighborhood up to 500 feet around your project site will be notified of the hearing date. The Director of Planning will allow for public testimony as part of the decision-making process. To proceed with a Conditional/Use Permit application: 

• Fill out the Development/Use Permit Application 

• Fill out the Stormwater Evaluation Form 

• Schedule a Submittal Appointment with the 3rd Floor Planning Division 

• Prior to the date of your submittal appointment, you will be prompted to upload your plans and documents to the City’s online project review portal.   

• See the Planning Fee Schedule for applicable fees.  

• For additional information such as timelines, please refer to the Planning Applications and Appointments webpage. 

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

• Email: Planningtechs@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 and 1:00-4:00pm 

Tuesday-Friday:  9:00am-Noon and 1:00-4:00pm