Guidelines

Do I need a building permit San Jose?

Do I need a building permit San Jose?

Projects that change the configuration of walls, pipes, wiring, roofs, or major appliances typically DO require at least one type of building permit. Projects that DO NOT need a building permit are simple surface (cosmetic) projects; minor repairs and replacements; and minor site improvements or small structures.

How long does it take to get a building permit in San Jose?

Normal processing takes four to six weeks. Any remaining fees, including the building permit fee, are payable prior to issuance of the building permit, as well as school fees, if applicable. If needed, plumbing, electrical and mechanical permits can be issued with the building permit.

How do I check my permit in San Jose?

You can search your property’s permit history on the City of San José’s Online Permits website.

Are building permits public record in California?

“Access to information concerning the conduct of the people’s business is a fundamental and necessary right of every person in this state,” states the California Public Records Act. The Act gives the public the right to access a wide variety of state and local government information, including building permits.

Do you need a permit to remodel a bathroom in San Jose?

Any time you change the structural, electrical, plumbing or mechanical configurations of any part of a home or building, you need a permit and inspection.

What happens if you build without a permit in California?

Homeowners Could Be Fined If the city finds that you haven’t received the appropriate permit, they will likely assess a fine, which could be the original cost of the permit along with a small fine for not obtaining the permit in the first place.

Do I need a permit for bathroom remodel San Jose?

What requires a building permit in California?

PERMITS AND INSPECTIONS ARE REQUIRED FOR THE FOLLOWING: New Attached or Detached Buildings and Structures (Residential and Non-Residential) with a floor area greater than 120 square feet* Tenant Improvements. Roof and Ground Mount Solar Installation.

How do I check my house permits?

Online – Check if the city where the property is located has an online portal, most do. You can pull the home’s permits in the portal and determine if they are open or closed. Phone – If the city doesn’t have an online portal, call the correct department and ask how they prefer you pull the permits.

Do I need a permit to remodel my bathroom in California?

A permit is required for bathroom remodels that include the replacement of the tub/shower enclosure, relocation of plumbing fixtures or cabinets, or if additional plumbing fixtures will be installed.

Can unpermitted work be grandfathered in?

Unpermitted construction is never grandfathered in regardless of how many years have passed. In some cases, if the inspector finds that, while unpermitted, the work does meet the relevant codes, the property owner may be able to get away with just applying for a permit and paying the fines (which may be significant).

How common is unpermitted work?

It is not common, but from time to time city inspectors do come down on homeowners with unpermitted work. The difficulties could include being required to get the work permitted—which may consist of hiring an architect, making changes to meet codes, etc.

How to get a building permit in San Jose?

For more information, please visit the Planning Division Website and/or Building Division Website. You can look up property, permit or zoning information. You are also welcome to speak with an Office Duty Inspector by calling (408) 535-7770. Free viewers are required for some of the attached documents.

Where can I find out if my property has a permit?

You can also find property information, pay fees, and schedule inspections at SJPermits.org. “Yes” means the permit is available online for this type of property; “no” means it is not available for this type of property.

Where can I get a building permit online?

You can easily download a building permit for a range of simple projects at SJPermits.org. These are projects that either don’t need the review of plans OR the plans are reviewed at the time of inspection (such as done for certain solar installations and earthquake retrofits).

Where can I get a permit for a solar retrofit?

These are projects that either don’t need the review of plans OR the plans are reviewed at the time of inspection (such as done for certain solar installations and earthquake retrofits). You can also find property information, pay fees, and schedule inspections at SJPermits.org.