Customers can now schedule an online appointment to apply for a Public Works permit. 

QUALIFYING PROJECTS

This service is available for any project that is (1) NOT currently assigned to a Public Works Project Engineer or (2) the applicant is NOT a Public Utility Company.

Public Works counter staff will process and review the following types of permits: 

• Driveway Permits
• Geologic Hazard Clearances
• Grading Exemptions
• Private Utility Trench Permits
• Revocable Permits for Storage Pod(s)
• Sewer Lateral Permits

Counter staff can also accept but need to forward the following applications to a Public Works Development Engineering team for review: 

• Geologic Hazard Clearances (associated with existing Planning Permits)
• Grading and Drainage Permits 
• Public Improvement Plans
• Revocable Encroachment Permits
• Sidewalk Seating and Parklets
• Street and Easement Vacation
• Subdivision Maps

If your project has an assigned Project Engineer, contact him/her directly to schedule an appointment for plan submittal. 

Permits to Public Utility Companies are issued by the Public Works Utilities Section (pwutilitypermits@sanjoseca.gov / (408) 975-7455).

SUBMITTAL CHECKLIST

Have the items listed below ready before your appointment. Staff will instruct you how to submit documents during your appointment.

• Completed Application
• Letter of Intent
• Site Specific Sketch or Plan
• Certificate of Insurance and Endorsements, if required

SCHEDULE VIRTUAL & In-Person APPOINTMENTs

We will accommodate only one project address in an appointment. If you have multiple projects, located at different sites, you must schedule one appointment per address. 

• Schedule an appointment at a time when you will have met the requirements of the above Submittal Checklist by the time of your appointment. 
  
  
• Do not schedule an appointment for a time that you won't be ready. If forms and plans are incomplete, staff will quickly end the appointment. You will need to reschedule to another time.  

• After initiating either an in-person or virtual appointment, you will receive email messages that instruct you on what to do next.  

For In-Person Appointments

• Click here to book your In-Person Public Works Appointment. 
• Please arrive within 10 minutes of your scheduled appointment.
• Please bring proof of your appointment (on phone or paper).

For Virtual Appointments

• Click here to book your Virtual Public Works Appointment. 
• View our video walk-through of the virtual permit appointment scheduling process.