The first step for every applicant should be to find out what items will be required for the project. Most information can be found below.

When is a Building Permit Required?

A building permit must be obtained before you erect, construct, enlarge, alter, move, repair, improve, convert, or demolish any building or structure, including decks over 30 inches high, patio covers, sheds over 120 square feet, fences over 7 feet high, and retaining walls more than 4 feet in height measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall.

How Do I Apply For a Building Permit?

Application and plans should be submitted on the Building Permitting Online Portal. Information regarding the land use and development requirements of your site may be obtained from the Planning Division. The Planning Division can be reached at 408-615-2450 or by email. In order to assist Planning staff in locating your site, please provide the Assessor's parcel number, maps or plot plans showing the exact site location, property address and name of the nearest cross street. See user guide for instructions on how to use the Permitting Online Portal.

All building permit applications require the completion of an application form and submission of required information. If you are applying for your permit in person, your applications and plans, together with the plan check fees and Planning Division approved plans and/or notifications, should be submitted to the Permit Center for plan check.

Depending on the type of work proposed, you may be required to submit construction plans. A list of plan requirements for different types of work is as follows:

• Single Family Residential Building Permits
• Non-Residential and Multi-Family Building Projects
• Plan Requirements for Non-Residential & Multi-Family Buildings

The Building Division, as well as other departments such as Planning, Fire, Utilities and Engineering, will perform a mandatory code compliance plan check for all submitted plans.

Depending on the type and complexity of the project, the City may:

• Identify additional information needed to continue the process
• Route plans for review. When plans are approved, the applicant will be notified the permit is ready to be issued.

Upon the approval of the plans by all departments, and obtaining any necessary site clearance approval from the Engineering Department, a building permit can be issued.

How Can I Pay My Fees?

To pay online with a card:

• Log into the online portal to pay. See the Permitting Online Portal User Guide for instructions.

• Please keep both receipts

To mail a check:

• Write the BLD permit number and project address on the check
• Mail the check to:

Community Development Department

c/o PERMIT CENTER                                                                                                                       

1500 Warburton Avenue

Santa Clara, CA 95050

If you wish to pay in person by card, check, or cash, come to the Permit Center at Santa Clara City Hall during current open hours.

• For current open hours/days, please check our website or call: 408-615-2420 and press 0
• 1500 Warburton Ave, Santa Clara CA 95050

How Do I Apply For a Refund?

 A refund may be authorized of not more than 80 percent of applicable paid fees when a permit is withdrawn or cancelled before either plan review or inspection has commenced  or where scope of work has been downsized before any inspection has been completed.

No refund shall be authorized except upon written application filed by the original payor (person who paid must match name on receipt) not later than 180 days after the date of fee payment.

Please see the Request for Permit Cancellation/Request for Refund form for further information.

When May I Pick Up My Building Permit?

Processing your building permit application varies depending on the seasonal work load and the complexity of your project. Normal processing takes two to four weeks. The plans will be checked for compliance with the California and local codes, Zoning Ordinance, and the Health Codes, etc. Any remaining fees, including the building permit fee, are payable prior to issuance of the building permit. Be advised that for residential additions of 500 square feet or more, and most commercial additions, a development fee is payable to the local school district. If needed, plumbing, electrical, and mechanical permits can be issued with the building permit.

What Building Codes are Applicable?

The City enforces the California codes and has adopted and amended the following codes:

For permit applications received on or after January 1, 2023

Please refer to Ordinance 2053 (PDF) for City's adoption of Codes listed below:

• 2022 California Building Code
• 2022 California Residential Code
• 2022 California Electrical Code
• 2022 California Mechanical Code
• 2022 California Plumbing Code
• 2022 California Energy Code
• 2022 California Historical Building Code
• 2022 California Existing Building Code
• 2022 California Green Building Standards Code

Please also refer to the following adopted Codes and City's amendments:

• 2022 California Administrative Code
• 2021 International Property Maintenance Code
• 1997 Uniform Code for the Abatement of Dangerous Buildings

• Resolution 22-9081 (PDF) Building Permit Fees 
• Resolution 07-7472
• Ordinance 1828 (Amendments to Uniform Administrative Code, Uniform Housing Code and Uniform Code for the Abatement of Dangerous Buildings)

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