Development Services

A group photo of SJFD's Bureau of Fire Prevention.

As a Development Services partner, the San José Fire Department reviews construction projects and provides deficiency comments and approvals in coordination with the Planning, Building and Code Enforcement and Public Works departments.

We also provide plan check directives for project approvals. These directives indicate the required Fire or Hazardous Materials System Permits for new construction, alterations, and repairs. Please see the project workflow process below for fire protection system types that require a permit.

Project Workflow

Electronic Submittal
Resubmittals
Plan Approval
As-Built Plan Revisions

Fire & Hazmat Systems Permits

SJFD's Bureau of Fire Prevention is responsible for issuing and inspecting Fire and Hazardous Materials Systems Permits. Customers can schedule appointments to submit applications for these permits and to ask for assistance. You can submit your application virtually or in-person via appointment. If you're submitting your application in person, you are required to bring your own electronic device, such as a laptop.

Schedule an appointment: Fire Development Appointments

Getting an online permit Started

Please be ready with accurate plans, applications, and documents that are formatted and named according to the SJePlans standards

  1. Register or sign into www.sjpermits.org.
    • New users will need to register to open an account.
    • Active users can log in to apply for a fire permit.
  2. Select "Apply for new permit."
    • Add the application group “Fire Prevention-Development.” The application type is “Fire Engineering.”
    • Select a “Fire Permit Sub-Type."
  3. Add a location.
    • A project property address is required to start a fire permit.
  4. Confirm the applicant.
    • A qualified contractor with an active City and State license will automatically be added as an applicant when they log in to apply for the new permit.
  5. Review your information to proceed with payment.
    • Payment is required in order to initiate SJePlans. 
    • Review your application carefully because the permit type will determine your permit fees.
  6. Register for SJePlans.
    • Once the application is completed, you’ll receive an email asking you to sign up for SJePlans. This service is required for uploading plans and documents to complete the fire permit process.

For more information about SJFD's SJPermits submission process, please see our SJePermits User Guide. If you have any other questions about online fire permit applications, please email us at SJFDPermitSpecialist@sanjoseca.gov.

additional workflow information

System Permit Approval
Inspections
Expirations and Extensions
Cancellations

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