Information may be inaccurate or out of date. Always confirm permit requirements with the official city, county or state website before you start work. Read our disclaimer

Building Permits in San Jose, California

Part of Santa Clara County.

We have not yet verified rules published by San Jose itself. Below are the California rules that apply, and where to ask.

Where to apply

Permits in San Jose are issued by the city's building or planning department. If the city does not run its own permit office, Santa Clara County handles applications.

California statewide rules

State defaults apply everywhere in the state; cities and counties may add stricter local rules.

Issued by
California Building Standards Commission (CBSC), Department of General Services source: dgs.ca.gov
Local changes allowed
Limited source: leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
Building code
2025 California Building Standards Code (Title 24), effective 2026-01-01 source: dgs.ca.gov

Pool

Conditions
When a building permit is issued for a new or remodeled pool or spa at a private single-family home, at least two of seven drowning prevention safety features are required. source: leginfo.legislature.ca.gov

Solar Panels

Conditions
Review is limited to whether the system meets health and safety requirements of local, state, and federal law. source: leginfo.legislature.ca.gov

Permit guides