Have a qualified architect or designer prepare the required sets of preliminary site plans. For more details, read When is a Licensed Professional Required (PDF).

Contact the Planning Division to find out what approvals are required. This may include:

• Project Clearance Committee review
• Planning Commission approvals
• City Council approval

Learn more about the Planning Commission or check the City Calendar for upcoming meetings.

After getting the necessary approvals, apply for a building permit through the Permitting Online Portal and pay any plan check fees.

Plan check is performed by the Building Division and by other departments or divisions as necessary. This may include:

• Planning Division
• Santa Clara Fire Department (SCFD)
• Department of Public Works (DPW)
• Water & Sewer Utilities
• Silicon Valley Power

We encourage checking the Permitting Online Portal to see the status of your plan review. For a general timeline of how long the plan check may take, please see Plan Review.

Certain improvement costs and utility service fees must be paid before building permit issuance. This may include applying for:

• Water and sewer services with Water & Sewer Utilities.
• Electric services with the Finance Department.
• Street dedication, easements, and improvement agreements with DPW.

These conditions may include, but are not limited to:

• Paying school district fees
• Authorization letters from the property owner or contractor
• a Special Inspection and Testing Agreement (PDF)
• Agency approvals such as:
  • Santa Clara County Public Health Department
  • Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD)

You can check your permit status on the Permitting Online Portal (POP). Permits will be issued via the POP once steps 6-8 are completed, and all fees are paid. The permit card, approved construction plans, and project documents will be made available for download upon issuance.

Post the inspection card and keep the approved construction drawings at the construction site. Check out what to expect on the day of your inspection.

Schedule online via the Permitting Online Portal to request inspections. Explore Scheduling Inspections for step-by-step instructions.

All projects are completed once final inspections are passed.