Building permits are required for a range of projects, including but not limited to:

• new construction
• electrical, plumbing, and mechanical installations and improvements
• structural changes to walls and window replacements
• installing new roofs or major appliances

See also When is a Building Permit Needed?  

Simple Building Permits That You Can Download
You can download a building permit at SJPermits.org for 56 types of simple projects, including solar installations, reroofs, minor kitchen/bathroom remodels, electrical work, and more. See the full list at Online Building Permits.

Building Permits With Plan Review - Self-Start Online
All ADU projects and many residential and commercial projects that involve plan review — with some exceptions — will self-start their application online at SJPermits.org and upload plans to SJePlans. 

Exceptions: You will NOT use SJPermits + SJePlans if your project is submitted through any of these permit programs: 

• Best Prepared Designer Projects
• Over-the-Counter (OTC) Permit Service 
• Residential Express Permit Service
• Streamlined Tenant Alteration Review (STAR) Service
• Streamline Restaurant Program (contact juan.borrelli@sanjoseca.gov) 

View the instructions for using SJPermits + SJePlans to self-start a building permit application that needs plan review. 

Skip making an appointment! You can apply for the following Planning permits online:

• Preliminary Review Request 
• Tree Removal Permit
• Zoning Verification Letters

For all other Planning permits, visit the Planning Applications webpage. 

Steps for using sjpermits for a planning permit

1. Create an SJPermits account. The system will guide you on setting up the account. If you need help, view SJPermits Account Setup Guide.
   
   
2. Complete the applicable form:
   
   Preliminary Review Request
   
   Tree Removal on Private Property Permit Application
   
   Zoning Verification Letters:
   Basic Zoning Letter, including Bingo Use
   Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) Letter
   DMV Letter
   Massage Use Letter
   Payday Lending Establishment Letter 
   
   
3. Upload the form to SJPermits. Review the application form's "What to Submit" section, which may list documents, photographs or plans that you need to attach to your online application. These attachments must be included for staff to deem your application as complete.
   
   
4. Fees. See the Planning Applications table for current fees. Staff will review your submittal for completeness and then send you an invoice for fee payment. Your receipt will be in your account at SJPermits.org.
   
   
5. Finalized application. SJPermits will generate a File Reference Number for your application. You will know your submittal process is complete when you see the SJPermits screen with the File Reference number followed by Post Submission Instructions.

Most Public Works permits can be applied for online, including:

• Development Services Permits – These are permits, such as a grading permit, either associated with an approved development project or as required for a project involving work in the public right-of-way.
  
  
• Public Utility Permits – These are permits issued to public utility companies such as PG&E, AT&T, Comcast, etc.
  
  
• Inter-Agency Permits – These are permits issued to other public agencies for construction work or closures in the City of San José right-of-way.

Visit the Public Works Online Permits page for details and instructions on getting started.

For more information about Public Works permits, please visit the Public Works Development Services page.

We offer two types of Fire permits online, enabling you to self-start your application:

• Fire Sprinkler permit
• Fire Alarm System permit

Visit the Fire Online Permits page for instructions on getting started with these online permits.

For other types of Fire permits, including HazMat permits, please visit the 
Fire Prevention & Permits webpage.