New construction · San Jose
What permits are needed for new construction in San Jose?
New construction in San Jose requires building, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical permits through City of San José Planning, Building & Code Enforcement (PBCE) — Building Division, plus any entitlements (zoning / planning review) triggered by the project. Accela-based portal; plan check thorough on Title 24 and structural.
What changes the answer in San Jose.
Single-family Design Review applies in some districts; hillside permits require Planning Commission for larger projects. City inspectors; online scheduling.
- San José uses R-1 with detailed FAR/coverage rules; Hillside (HS) and Conservation zones in foothills add slope and biology constraints.
- Hillside lots constrained by slope, ridgeline protection, and biology. Flat infill mostly governed by FAR and setbacks.
- PG&E electric/gas; San José Water Company or San José Municipal Water for water; sewer through ESD.
- City sewer in developed areas; foothill parcels may still be on septic.
Source-backed note
Official source: City of San José Planning, Building & Code Enforcement (PBCE) — Building Division. We link every cited form, fee schedule, and inspection page from the city's permit directory entry.
Reference: CSLB — License a Contractor — California Contractors State License Board
Local authority: City of San José Planning, Building & Code Enforcement (PBCE) — Building Division
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Send us the address and we'll respond with a feasibility note that cites City of San José Planning, Building & Code Enforcement (PBCE) — Building Division and the parcel's actual constraints — not a generic checklist.
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