NOW IN EFFECT
This is a walk-in service only at the Permit Center, no appointment needed. Virtual appointments are no longer offered for this service.   

Simple projects are residential projects that require a quick review by staff. The Simple Projects Service is faster and lower cost than the Residential Service, so be sure to use it if your project qualifies.

Simple projects do not involve structural changes such as opening up walls, moving wall studs, or moving beams — but they still need a building permit. See the list of qualifying projects below.

Learn more about the difference between simple projects and cosmetic projects which do not require permit.

CRITERIA FOR THIS SERVICE

To qualify for 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. See Flood Hazard Zone Map or call 408-535-7803 or email floodzoneinfo@sanjoseca.gov.
  
  
• In a Geohazard or Seismic Hazard Landslide zone; determine this by viewing the property information at www.SJpermits.org.
  
  
• In a Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) area – See page 3 of the WUI Fire Conformance Policy. 

If any of the above apply to your property, instead use the Residential Service.

QUALIFYING PROJECTS

• Reroof of a single-family, duplex, or multifamily property that is listed on the City’s Historic Resources Inventory. Applicants must have their reroof worksheet Reroof Requirements and Project Worksheet and required Planning documents completed at the time of submittal. 
  
  
• Chimney Repair – Single-family/duplex only. No plans needed.
  
  
• Safety Assessment of Standby Generator Installation: For Emergency Backup Power - Single-family/duplex only. 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 - Single-family/duplex only. To qualify, there must be no changes to the roof. If roof changes are involved, instead use the Residential Permit Service. Learn more about Skylight Requirements. 
  
  
• Swimming Pool Demolition for Future Non-Buildable Area (single-family/duplex only)
  • 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 must use the Residential Permit Service. 
    
    
• Window Replacement – single-family, duplex or multifamily property - No plans needed.
  • There must be no changes to walls for this service. If you are changing walls, or if your property is on the Historic Resources Inventory or in a Planned Development (PD) zoning district, you must first obtain a Planning permit approval. Learn more about window replacement requirements. 

NOTE: Projects that change the exterior of a building may require a site plan, building elevations, or photos for review by Planning staff, and may require a Permit Adjustment or Single-Family House Permit. Find these planning permit forms and find contact information to speak with a Planner at the Planning Applications page. If applicable, you will need to secure the Planning approval first and bring the approved plans when you come to the Permit Center to use the Simple Projects Service.

Step 1
Design your project and prepare a submittal package using this Submittal Checklist: 

The items listed below must be complete and accurate in order for a permit to be issued. Please bring the following:

1. Form 310 Building Permit Application - We highly recommend that the contractor complete and sign the building permit application as whoever pulls the permit bears the liability for the construction work.
   
   If you are an authorized agent on behalf of the licensed contractor, you must bring a signed authorization letter with current date OR correctly complete the authorization on page 2 of Form 310.
   
   
2. Form 311 Owner-Builder Acknowledgement and Verification of Information Form - To be completed and signed by the property owner.
   
   
3. For a pool or solar roof system that uses a master file, please provide the master file.
   
   
4. As noted above, if your project requires a Planning approval, be sure to bring the plans as approved by Planning staff.
   
   
5. Be ready to provide fee payment. See the Building Fees webpage for applicable fees.

Step 2
Use our Walk-In Service. At the Permit Center, 1st floor of City Hall, go to the Qmatic Kiosk and select "Building Walk-in Service." The kiosk will issue you a numbered ticket and staff will call your number when they can serve you.

 City Hall Permit Center Hours
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 
8:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. &  1:00-5:00 p.m.
Wednesday: 
9:00a.m.- 12:00 p.m. & 1:00-5:00 p.m.
Service tickets cannot be issued from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and after 3:00 p.m.
Take the bus or park under the City Hall Tower; parking validation is available.