FIND THE RIGHT PERMIT SERVICE FOR YOUR PROJECT
| SERVICE | HOW TO USE IT | QUALIFYING PROJECTS | IMPORTANT NOTES |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online Building Permits | Apply online at SJPermits.org | There are 56 types of simple projects that qualify for an online building permit that you can download. See available Online Building Permits. If your project isn't listed as an online permit, see if it qualifies for Simple Project Service, Over-the-Counter Service, or Residential Service. | Only licensed contractors and property owners may download an online building permit; always ask your contractor to pull the permit as whoever pulls the permit holds liability for the work. Should you bother with a permit? Yes! Not having a building permit for a home improvement may invalidate your insurance coverage. Protect your investment! Reroof permits may not be obtained online for properties listed on the City’s Historic Resources Inventory. A building permit isn’t required for every project; see what types of work you can do without a permit. |
| Simple Project Service | Walk-In Service | * Reroof of a property listed on the City’s Historic Resources Inventory. Applicants must have their Reroof Requirements and Project Worksheet and required Planning documents completed at the time of submittal. * Chimney Repair – No plans needed. * Safety Assessment of Standby Generator Installation: For Emergency Backup Power. To proceed with a project that does not pass the safety assessment, you must first obtain Planning Division approval of a Special Use Permit or Planned Development Permit, entailing a public hearing process. * Skylight Replacement - There must be no changes to the roof. If changes are involved, instead use the Residential Permit Service. Learn more about Skylight Requirements. * Swimming Pool Demolition for Future Non-Buildable Area - A site plan is required. Read our Swimming Pool Demolition bulletin to understand other requirements. If you intend to build on the former pool area, you must use the Residential Permit Service. * Window Replacement – No plans needed. There must be no changes to walls for this service. If you are changing walls, or if your property is on the Historic Resources Inventory or in a Planned Development (PD) zoning district, you must first obtain a Planning permit approval. Learn more about window replacement requirements. | To use Simple Projects Service, the property must NOT be:
If the property is within any of these criteria; then instead use Residential Permit Service. |
| Over-the-Counter (OTC) Service | Walk-In Service - Save time! Prior to your visit, we highly recommend that you self-start the application at www.SJpermits.org and upload the plans to SJePlans. | * Additions & Remodels to One-Story Single-Family Residences – projects must meet the following criteria:
* Detached Accessory Building used as tool shed, storage shed, playhouse, or similar use where the floor area is greater than 120 sq. ft. (a building permit is not required for under 120 sq. ft.) * Engineered ICC or IAPMO current Code approved patios and screen rooms – Contingent on prior Planning approval. * Fire or auto damage to a structure – Contingent on providing a damage survey report. * Swimming pool and septic tank removals – Contingent on approved Public Works clearance (see linked bulletins). * Swimming pool construction – Only with approved Master file using the 2022 building codes. * Like-for-Like Siding or Stucco Replacement * Termite and Dry Rot repairs; must provide a report from the company performing the work. | Property must not be:
The project must not entail removal of an ordinance-size tree; follow the Tree Removal Permit process if removing an ordinance-size tree. There cannot be a code case or code violation on the property. If you are unable to use the OTC Permit Service due to one or more of the above limitations, please self-start your building permit application at SJPermits.org. You will be instructed to submit your plans through SJePlans. |
| Residential Express Service | Virtual Appointment | * Additions & Remodels to One-Story Single-Family Residences – projects must not involve major roof framing modifications and meet the following criteria:
NOTE: All projects that qualify for OTC Permit Service can be accommodated under Residential Express Permit Service for customers who want a virtual appointment and are willing to pay an increased fee | Property must not be:
There cannot be a code case or code violation on the property. The project does not entail removing any ordinance-size tree. The project cannot be located in an easement that prohibits construction. If there is an easement, you must identify it on the site plan; The title report to your home will identify easements (you can contact a title company for a copy of the title report). Tract and parcel maps at the County Surveyor Record Index may show easements but may also be less accurate than a title report. |
| ADU Service | Self-Start Application at SJPermits and plan upload to SJePlans | * Construction of a new ADU or JADU * Garage Conversion to ADU or JADU * Project Scopes with Additions or Alterations to an Existing Residence plus construction of an ADU or JADU | |
| Residential Service | Self-Start Application at SJPermits and plan upload to SJePlans | * Any project that does not qualify for one of the permit services listed above * Additions > 500 sq. ft. * Remodels involving Major Structural Changes or Roof Framing Modifications * New Construction * Code Compliance Cases | Residential Permit Service may also be used for projects eligible for any other Permit Service listed on this page. |
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