Notification of Payment Transaction Fee Change - July 1

Effective July 1, 2026, all credit/debit card and e-check (bank account/ACH) payments for Building, Planning, Public Works, and Fire fees will be subject to transaction fees. The transaction fee amount varies based on the payment method. For more information and alternative payment options, refer to the Fee Payments webpage.

Alert! Permit Fee Phishing Scam

An active Phishing Scam is targeting residents and business owners with fraudulent payment requests and invoices. Please be aware the City of Santa Clara will never ask you to provide payment information via email, text, phone, direct transfer, or third-party links. If you receive a suspicious payment request, do not click links or send money. Instead, contact the City using the phone or email on our website to verify the request, and learn more from our Fee Payments page.

New Enhancements to Permitting Online Portal!

The City of Santa Clara has launched an updated Permitting Online Portal with permit assistant features that include:
  • A modern interface and design
  • A guided help tool, Permit Assistant, that helps lead the user to the correct permit type and process
  • Access to required documents and forms prior to starting the application process
  • Resources to help you find the information you need
Provide feedback or report issues to the Permit Center at permitcenter@santaclaraca.gov.

Mission

The mission of the Community Development Department is to enhance the community’s safety, welfare, quality of life, and economic opportunities by providing advanced planning, development review, permitting, inspection services, and administration of programs related to affordable housing.

Permit CenterPlanningBuilding DivisionHousing & Community Services

Permit Services

Permit Services issues building permits and checks building plans to enforce local and State laws related to building construction, maintenance, use, repair and rehabilitation. This includes enforcement of state mandated energy conservation, disabled access, and housing laws.

Building Services

Building Services provides inspections after a building permit has been issued for building construction to ensure compliance with approved plans. Inspection services are provided for new residential, commercial and industrial buildings, as well as building additions, remodels, repairs and changes in use.

Planning Services

Planning Services includes providing public information (e.g., Zoning Code requirements for new development, information about pending applications for new projects) and processing of Planning permit applications. We can provide these services remotely, including submittal of new applications for planning permits. Please contact us for more information.

Housing and Community Services

The Housing & Community Services Division administers the City’s affordable housing programs and is responsible for identifying affordable housing development opportunities in Santa Clara. Please contact this Division if you are interested in undertaking an affordable housing development within Santa Clara or are seeking information on programs or services currently available for Santa Clara residents.

Last Updated:
06-01-2026