These FAQs address general use of SJePlans and the plan review process in SJePlans for permits from Building, Planning, Public Works. See the SJePlans Applicant User Guide for further details, including how to respond to comments from the plan reviewer. 

1. What is sjeplans and when do i use it? 

SJePlans is an online portal that enables you to submit development plans and documents to the City of San José without an appointment. Applicants and City staff can communicate directly in SJePlans. Applicants — and their project team — can see the plan reviewer's markups to the plans and respond to comments.

Underpinning SJePlans is ProjectDox, a software application that can be accessed via a network, cellular, or Wi-Fi connection. It supports Apple, Android, and Microsoft tablet devices. 

You'll need to use SJePlans for certain project types that are processed by the City's Building, Fire, Planning, and Public Works departments. Each department's webpages direct applicants as to when to upload plans to SJePlans; you can alo see the qualifying projects listed at www.sanjoseca.gov/SJePlans. 

Users of SJePlans enjoy the following benefits:

• No submittal appointment is needed.
• You can view and respond to the City plan reviewer’s comments.
• Your project team may participate in the SJePlans portal.
• You'll know the required actions and status of your project at all times.

2. How do I create an SJePlans account?

Your account will be created in one of two ways: 

• When you submit an application at SJPermits.org that requires plan review, the system may automatically create your account.
• If you have a project intake appointment, City staff may create your account.

Either way, you will be listed as the Applicant/Contact in the SJePlans portal and you'll receive an email with an invitation to log in. Your login will be your email address; if it’s your first time using SJePlans, you will receive a temporary password.

3. When and how do I use SJEPLANS for a building permit? 

Effective Oct. 30, 2023, applicants who use ADU Service, Residential Service, or Commercial Service will self-start their application at SJPermits.org and upload plans to SJePlans. The online Application Wizard at SJPermits.org will also guide you.

See Building Permits with Plan Review - Instructions for the steps.  

4. When and how do I use sjeplans for a Planning Permit?

The Planning projects that qualify for using SJePlans continually evolve and are listed at www.sanjoseca.gov/SJePlans. To see all types of Planning applications, including those not using SJePlans, please visit the Planning Applications webpage.

For a Planning application that uses SJePlans:

• Start by scheduling an appointment. Before the appointment, City staff will create your SJePlans account and name you as the Applicant/Contact.
• You will receive an email with your SJePlans login, which will be your email address. First time users of SJePlans will also receive a temporary password.
• Follow the instructions in the SJePlans Applicant User Manual to upload your plans, forms, and documents to SJePlans before your appointment. Be sure to save all forms, documents, and plans as PDF files and follow the Planning File Naming Conventions.
• During the appointment, staff will review your application package submittal, and as appropriate, may also review your submittal and provide initial comments for your response. 

5. when and how do I use SJeplans for a Public Works Permit?

Most permits issued by Public Works are processed through SJePlans, including Major Utility encroachment permits and Small Cell permits. The only permits not processed using SJePlans are Parkland Agreement, Transportation Analysis, and Minor Public Utility Permits (see Major-Minor Permit Criteria), which do not involve plan review.

For a Public Works project that uses SJePlans:

• Start by submitting the appropriate Public Works Application with any supporting documents. 
  • If related to a Planning permit/entitlement - Submit the application to the email address of the Project Engineer that provided the Final Memo.  
  • If not related to Planning permit/entitlement - Submit the application electronically to: PWGeneralInfo@sanjoseca.gov
• Staff will create your SJePlans account and name you as the Applicant/Contact.
• You will receive an email with your SJePlans login, which will be your email address. First-time users will also receive a temporary password.
• Follow the instructions in the SJePlans Applicant User Manual to upload your plans and documents to apply for the permit. Staff will review your submittal and provide comments for your response. 

6. WHEN and How do I use SJEplans for a Fire Permit?

Fire permits that qualify for using SJePlans continually evolve and are listed  on the Fire accordion file at www.sanjoseca.gov/SJePlans. 

For a Fire permit that uses SJePlans: 

• Begin by scheduling either a virtual or in-person appointment at  Fire's Submittal Appointments webpage. 
• During the appointment, staff will review your application, create a permit file, and direct you to pay the permit fee. 
• You will receive an auto-email with instructions to log in to SJePlans. Your login will be your email address. First-time users of SJePlans will also receive a temporary password.
• Follow the instructions in the SJePlans Applicant User Manual to upload your plans and documents to apply for the permit. Staff will then review your submittal and provide comments for your response.

7. What if my project needs multiple types of permits?

If your project needs permits from multiple departments, then treat these as separate projects at the SJePlans portal.

For example: If you need a Site Development Permit from Planning, a Hazardous Materials Permit from Fire, and a Grading Permit from Public Works, these stand as three separate projects within the SJePlans portal. The good news is that it’s easy to upload the same digital plans to each department.

If you need multiple Building permits and are just getting started with SJePlans, then start with just one permit application, and one SJePlans project to upload your files. Your Permit Technician will assist you with any additional permit applications that you need.

8. Can I add team members to help with tasks?

Yes. See the SJePlans Applicant User Guide on how to add team members and how to reassign tasks.
Note: Only one member of the Applicant group may handle the Upload or Resubmittal task. This member is the person who is required to respond to comments and to complete the task to send back to the City for review.

9. Can I upload some files now and some later?

Yes, you can upload some plans or documents, click Save, and come back at a later time to finish the uploading task. However, once you click “Upload Complete” as the final step in completing the submittal, you will not be able to continue uploading documents. See also the SJePlans Applicant User Guide.

Note: SJePlans require plan sets to be complete prior to submittal. If for some reason you need a partial submittal, please consult with your City contact. 

10. How do I check the status of the City’s review?

From SJePlans, run the report called “Department Review Status Report.”  This report shows the status of the Department reviews for the current and previous review cycles. You can also email or call your City Project Coordinator for questions about project status or other questions.

11. What about documents that require wet signatures or stamps?

• Fire - We accept electronic stamping for approved plans. If a wet signature is required, we will request a hard copy at that time.
  
  
• Planning - We accept digital signatures and electronic stamping for approved plans. In the event that we need a document with a wet signature, we will request a hard copy at that time.
  
  
• Public Works: Where wet-signed documents are required, such as Tract Maps or Parcel Maps, after project approval, you will need to submit a final hard copy set.  

12. How do I access approved plans and permits?

Find approved permits at www.SJPermits.org or access the Approved folder at the SJePlans portal to access approved plans. 

13. WILL PERMIT SUBMITTALS PRIOR TO THE LAUNCH OF SJEPLANS CONVERT TO USING SJEPLANS?

No.