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). 

For general help, Submit A Question 

Building Permits, Plan Review, and Online Building Permits

Visit Building Permit Services to be directed to the right process for your ADU, simple project, residential, commercial, or STI/ITI building permit and plan review process, including resubmittals.  

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, first floor. 

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

For many simple projects, its fastest to download the building permit from SJPermits and save $48. Find instructions at Online Permits.

For help with an online permit, email: OnlinePermits@sanjoseca.gov

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

Restaurants and food/beverage service businesses may use our award-winning Streamlined Restaurant Permit Program. Email either of the small business allies:

Juan.Borrelli@sanjoseca.gov  or Xuan.Ha@sanjoseca.gov for assistance.

Inspectors wear safety gear and practice social distancing.

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 

For inspection concerns, contact:

• Bruce Campbell at Bruce.Campbell@sanjoseca.gov or 408-353-7815

• Michael Davis, Michael.Davis@sanjoseca.gov or 408-535-7651 

Email: ZoningQuestions@sanjoseca.gov, or: 

Call 408-535-3555. Press 1. Then press 1 again to speak with a Planner during these hours:

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

 There may be a wait as we get many calls. We appreciate your patience.

For general Environmental Review or Mitigation Monitoring questions, email: David.Keyon@sanjosecagov

For Mitigation Monitoring assistance, email: Cassandra.VanDerZweep@sanjoseca.gov

For Santa Clara Valley Habitat Conservation Plan questions, email: Kara.Hawkins@sanjoseca.gov

View all types of Planning Applications. At this page, you can self-schedule your submittal appointment. Or get assistance with appointments by emailing: ZoningQuestions@sanjoseca.gov 

Services that qualify for an in-person appointment are marked on the chart at Planning Applications, including permit adjustments, sign permits,  single-family house permits, tree removal permits, outdoor vending facility permits, and zoning verification letters.

Go to Online Permits to apply for the following Planning permits; no  appointment needed:

• Historic Preservation Permit Adjustment
• Outdoor Vending Facility Permit
• Parking Analysis
• Permit Adjustment
• Sign Permit
• Single-Family House Permit (administrative only, not public hearing)
• Taproom or Tasting Room Permit
• Zoning Verification Letters

To apply, complete the Tree Removal Permit Application. You can submit it by email or submit it through an in-person or virtual appointment. 

By email: Send it to ZoningQuestions@sanjoseca.gov.

By appointment:  Schedule an in-person or virtual appointment at PlanningAppointments 

For fees and methods of payment, visit: PlanningApplications

For details on Fire Permit services, please visit FirePermits.

For questions, email SJFDPermitSpecialist@sanjoseca.gov

The Fire Prevention Bureau provides all types of fire permit service virtually or in-person. Now two types of fire permit can be applied for online, see Fire Online Permits.

For information, please visit FirePermits.

For questions, please call 408-535-7750.