A building permit is required before you erect, construct, enlarge, alter, move, repair, improve, convert, or demolish any building/structure. This includes:

• decks over 30 inches high
• patio covers
• sheds over 120 square feet
  • Regardless of shed size, any new electrical circuits, outlets, receptacles, etc., will require a building permit for electrical work.
• fences over 7 feet high
• retaining walls more than 4 feet in height measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall.

The City enforces the California codes and has adopted and amended codes for permit applications received on or after January 1, 2023. Please read Ordinance 2053 (PDF) for details about the City's adoption of these codes:

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

Please also refer to the following other adopted codes:

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

Building Simple Permits is a simplified permitting option for some residential projects. You can usually receive approval for your building permit within 1-2 business days. Please read all instructions and acknowledgements carefully before applying, as these are not eligible for refunds.

Building Regular Permits are our standard permit type and have different plan review times. If you’re not sure which type to use, go with this option or, contact our Permit Center.

All applications and files must be submitted electronically. Submit to our Permitting Online Portal (POP) and use the POP User Guide (PDF) for instructions on how to upload documents.

Applicants are welcome to visit our Permit Center for fee payments or with any questions. We encourage you to schedule an appointment, as wait times may vary.

What do I need?

We suggest reading the Building Permit Applicant Checklist (PDF) to get started. Please include these items with your application:

• a completed Building Permit Application (PDF)
• your plans and other documents (if applicable)
  • Depending on the work proposed, you may need construction plans and other documents. For file format and submittal requirements, please use the Electronic Plan Submittal Guide (PDF).
  • Check out these pages for plan requirements for these project types:
    • Single-Family Home Projects
    • Non-Residential and Multi-Family Building Projects
• a payment method for plan check fees
• other department approvals (if applicable)
  • Example: Planning Division approval is required for specific development types. They can be reached at 408-615-2450 or Planning@santaclaraca.gov.

Check out the Building Permit Process for a general idea of what to expect. Keep in mind that when depends on the project type, proposed work, and plan review times. To find out how long the plan review phase may be, take a look at Plan Review.

Things to keep in mind:

• Staff may ask for more information needed for processing, or directly route your plans for review.
• Only when all required plans/documents are received and checked for completeness will your building permit application be processed.
• The Building Division and other departments (if applicable) will check all submitted plans for code compliance.
• Any remaining fees, including the building permit fees, are due before the building permit is issued.

Building permits can be issued when all plans are approved, issuance conditions are met, and fees are paid. We will reach out to applicants when the permit is ready to be issued.

We accept credit/debit cards, checks, e-checks (bank account), cash, and wire transfers. Please go to Fee Payments for specific instructions.

Please read the Request for Permit Cancellation/Request for Refund (PDF) for more details.

Note: Records cannot be canceled if there are any violations on the property or open Santa Clara Fire Department (FIR) permits.

What about refunds?

Administrative fees do not qualify for refunds. Only 80% of the permit fees can be refunded when:

• A permit is withdrawn or cancelled before either plan review or inspection has started.
• The scope of work has been reduced before any inspection has been completed.
• Refund requests are submitted with the original receipt and approved by the Building Official.
• Requests must be received within 180 days of the original payment date. No exceptions.

Building Applications

Applications are active for 180 days. An extension may be given to an active application for up to 180 days at the discretion of the Building Official.

Building Permits

Permits are valid for 365 days from the date of issuance or the last passed inspection. If a permit expires before all work is completed, work can only begin again when a new permit is obtained. Permits associated with code violation cases may not be extended.

Please email a completed Building Permit/Application Extension Request (PDF) to permitcenter@santaclaraca.gov to request this option.