San Jose Building Permits What You Need to Know

San Jose building permits are a requirement for many types of construction, including building, renovating, and repairing homes. Obtaining the right permits ensures your construction adheres to safety standards and building codes in San Jose. It’s important to understand which building permits you need before beginning a home renovation. Continue reading to learn more about what a building permit is, when they’re required, how to obtain them, and more.

What Is a Building Permit?

Building permits provide legal authorization to perform major construction projects on your property. These permits ensure the safety of you and your home as well as the contractors performing the work and the surrounding neighborhood residents. Proceeding with construction plans without proper permitting can result in large fines, project delays, or even the inability to complete the plans all together.

San Jose permits are necessary if you plan to erect, install, extend, repair, or alter a building or structure. Any electrical, plumbing, or mechanical work also requires a permit. Minor remodeling jobs such as repainting your home or putting in a fencing that’s under 7 feet tall, don’t require building permits.

Cost of San Jose Building Permits

City of San Jose building permit costs vary depending on the scope of the project. Factors that influence the cost of a building permit include the square footage involved and the type of construction. There are also additional expenses associated with permits, including review, insurance, impact, and inspection fees. You will often have the option to pay online, by wire transfer, or with a check. Typically, permits cost anywhere from 6% to 9% of the total building costs. You can apply for either a standard or expedited permit plan review. If your project qualifies for an expedited process, you will need to pay an additional expense.

San Jose Permit Process

The San Jose building application process can last 10 to 40 weeks from start to finish. However, the permit approval alone may take as little as 2 weeks. There are a variety of reasons why the process may be longer or shorter for some people.

For example, if the application has any errors, if your building plan needs revisions, and whether the permit review office is backed up can impact the timeframe. Property owners and contractors with a valid license and City of San Jose Tax Certificate can apply for a building permit.

How To Obtain a Building Permit

Building permit application processes involve a few steps that must be followed in order to prevent delays or additional expenses. Review the 6 steps to obtaining a San Jose permit below:

Step 1: The first step is filling out a San Jose building permit application. Permitting forms can be found, filled out, and submitted online. You can also make an appointment at your local permit center and submit your application in-person.
Step 2: Develop a site plan that outlines the steps and timeline involved in your project. Some contractors will create and submit these plans for you.
Step 3: Next, it’s time to have your project plans officially reviewed. You’ll need to make an appointment with the San Jose permitting center. Reviews can take days, weeks, or longer depending on the scope of your plan and if you need to make revisions to your plan.
Step 4: Once you receive your building permit approval, you can move forward with your construction plan.
Step 5: Throughout the course of your project, you will need to schedule and undergo inspections. These inspections let the city know that your building project is going according to plan and that safety guidelines are being followed.
Step 6: The last step in the permit process is completing a final inspection and getting signed approval from the City of San Jose.

Start Your Home Remodeling Project Today

It’s vital to apply for the right San Jose building permits, otherwise, you risk encountering substantial fines, safety risks, insurance challenges, and problems selling your property in the future. Top Home Builders Inc. provides first-rate home remodeling services throughout San Jose.

We guarantee or clients a hassle-free experience as we identify and file the permits you need to ensure a safe and legal renovation.

FAQ

No, acquiring the proper building permits is not avoidable. However, not every type of home renovation or remodel requires you to obtain a permit. When the plan involves constructing or altering the structure of the building or working with electrical, plumbing, and mechanical systems, permits are necessary because safety is a top concern. Renovations such as re-carpeting your floor, painting the interior or exterior of your house, and building cabinets without changing the layout of the space can be done without a permit in San Jose.

Yes, San Jose permits are a part of public records. Building permits are filed by the municipality, which means anyone can view them through the San Jose public record directories. These records become available once you pass the final inspection in the permitting process. You can see details about the permit, inspection history, and site plans.

Obtaining a San Jose shed permit is necessary if you’re planning on building a shed or any other type of accessory building that’s over 120 square feet. If the structure will include electrical, plumbing, or mechanical systems, a permit is required regardless of its size.

Yes, and no. You do not need to acquire a building permit if you’re installing a fence that’s under 7 feet at the back or side of your home. Side yard fences that are built along the street can only be 3 feet in height. Front yard fences must be 3 feet or less to be built without a permit. If you’re building an interior or exterior retaining wall that’s greater than 4 feet tall, you will need a permit.