See Services & Contacts for how to obtain services or use the links shown below with each of our divisions.

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Planning, Building and Code Enforcement Department

Director Christopher Burton oversees the department and represents it locally and nationally.

CUSTOMER SERVICE CHARTER

The Department is committed to providing excellent customer services for all our customers. To document this ongoing work the Department has created a Customer Service Charter which his dedicated to providing the public insights to our commitment to transparency, improvement, action and response.  Visit our Customer Service Charter page to learn more and see over 40 dashboards that provide insights to department operations.

The Planning Division entails the two key functions below. You can learn more about Planning's Work. 

• Development Review - This function reviews and engages the community on development proposals and supports the Planning Commission, Historic Landmarks Commission, and Planning Director Hearings. Review work includes Environmental Review, and review for historic resources.
• Citywide Planning - This function is focused on long-range planning and — with adoption by the City Council — entails updates, amendments, and public input on San José’s General Plan; the planning and public engagement process for urban villages; development of zoning and planning policies and amendments; and tracking development activity.

Building Division

The Building Division conducts plan reviews, issues building permits, and inspects projects for building code compliance. The division also oversees the Permit Center and online permitting at www.SJPermits.org.

Code Enforcement

The Code Enforcement Division manages programs to ensure compliance on private property with municipal codes that govern housing, building and neighborhood safety and health. 

Development Services Permit Center

The Development Services Permit Center on the First Floor of City Hall centralizes the permit and plan review services of the Planning Division, Building Division, Public Works Department, and Bureau of Fire Prevention. Visit the Development Services Permit Center page to learn more.