Residential Occupancy Permit

Per San José Municipal Code 17.20.520, an active Residential Occupancy Permit, renewed annually, is required for all apartments, hotels, motels, fraternities, sororities, emergency shelters, and residential service facilities. Additionally, residential care facilities with seven or more persons must have an active permit.

The permit fees are used to fund the inspections conducted by Code Enforcement and the Fire Department. Inspections are conducted to ensure buildings are in compliance with codes concerning safe, decent, and sanitary conditions.

ONLINE Permit Renewal

Visit SJPermits.org and click on the "Pay Fees" button. You will need to provide your RSN number as listed on your invoice.

Tier 1 Buildings - You will need to complete the self-certification affidavit during the online renewal process. Watch our Self-Certification Video and PowerPoint for instructions for Tier 1.

Tier 2 & 3 Buildings - Watch our Invoice Payment Video and PowerPoint for instructions for Tiers 1, 2 and 3.

Visit the Inspection Service Tiers page for details on tier assignments. Buildings with no permit violations are automatically moved from Tier 3 to 2. Buildings that had a permit violation are moved down one tier. Reassigned buildings appear on the Yearly Tier Update list, and the current invoice reflects the change in service level.

Fees

Fee Description	2024-25 Amount		Applicability
Housing Fee Per Unit by Tier	Tier 1 (self-certification, six-year cycle)	$37.99	Required for all buildings on the Multiple Housing Roster.
	Tier 2 (five-year cycle)	$52.55
	Tier 3 (three-year cycle)	$180.65
Ownership Transfer Fee Per Permit	$ 49.00 per transfer		Transfer fee is applied when the Santa Clara County Assessor’s Office notifies Code Enforcement about an owner name change. Applies to each permit held by the owner.
Reinspection Fee	$ 283.00 per reinspection		Charged for each reinspection after the first one if violations are not corrected by the due date.
Reinstatement Fee	$ 1,122.00 per building		Charged to reinstate permit after revocation pursuant to San José Municipal Code 17.20.640.
Delinquency Fee	If paid within 31-60 days after due date: 25% of the amount of the unpaid permit fee. If paid within 61-90 days after due date: 25% of the amount of the unpaid permit fee PLUS interest on the unpaid permit fee from the due date at a rate of 1.5% per month. If paid after 90 days after due date: Interest continues to accrue each month until the principal is fully paid.

Invoice Change in Tier Service

Change in Tier Status

Prior to invoice issuance, all buildings on the Multiple Housing Roster were checked for a record of permit violations. Buildings with no permit violations moved up from Tier 3 to Tier 2. Buildings that had a permit violation moved down one tier.

The current invoice reflects any change in service level. You can view the reassigned buildings on the list of Yearly Tier Update.

For more information about Tiers, view the Inspection Tier Service webpage.

Payment Method Options

You can renew your permit with one of the following payment options:

Pay online with credit card or eCheck. With a credit card payment, you are agreeing to a transaction service fee of 2.4% that will be collected by a third party. To avoid this fee, use an eCheck or other method of payment below.
Pay by wire transfer. Instructions: Email PermitCashier@sanjoseca.gov and provide this info: a) Wire amount; b) Wire date; and c) Invoice #
Pay by check. Make payable to “City of San Jose Multiple Housing.” Please write the permit number on the check and mail it with payment slip.
Pay in-person. You may pay at the Cashier Window of City Hall, first floor. Appointments are required. Schedule your appointment through this Cashier Appointment link or visit www.sanjoseca.gov/Finance.

If you need assistance, email MHProgram@sanjoseca.gov or call 408-535-7770.

FAQs - Residential Occupancy Permit

When will I receive the annual invoice?
Invoices are mailed in October and payment is due by early December.
Is the Residential Occupancy Permit transferable to a new property owner?
Yes, the permit remains in effect for the calendar year. A transfer fee is automatically sent to the new property owner after the information is received from the Santa Clara County Assessor’s Office.
How do I request that Code Enforcement use an alternate mailing address?
Please email CEAddressUpdate@sanjoseca.gov Include the contact name, preferred mailing address, telephone number, and Residential Occupancy Permit numbers.
If I have multiple buildings or locations, do I need separate permits?
Yes, a Residential Occupancy Permit is required for each building with three or more units. A separate invoice is mailed for each required permit.
Can I receive an exemption from this permit?
No, San José Municipal Code 17.20.520 requires the annual renewal of the Residential Occupancy Permit to legally maintain or occupy a residential unit in the types of buildings covered by this ordinance.
What types of buildings must obtain a Residential Occupancy Permit?
Apartments, hotels, motels, fraternities, sororities, emergency shelters, residential care facilities with seven or more persons, and residential service facilities are required to have an active Residential Occupancy Permit.

For questions about Tiers, please see the Inspection Service Tiers webpage.

For more information, please also view the Inspection Tier Service webpage.

CONTACT

To update property owner or manager information, please email Code Enforcement: CEAddressUpdate@sanjoseca.gov
For questions, email the Multiple Housing Program: MHProgram@sanjoseca.gov

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