To schedule, cancel, and check the status of building inspections, go to the Permitting Online Portal. Explore Scheduling Inspections for step-by-step instructions.

If you need an inspection to take place outside normal business hours, overtime (OT) inspections may be requested. This service requires approval from the Inspection Manager and comes with additional fees. Please complete the OT Inspection Application (PDF) and email it to building@santaclaraca.gov to request this service.

We’re here to help make your inspection process as smooth as possible! Here’s what you can expect:

Inspection Timeframe Notification

A two-hour inspection window will be scheduled by 8 a.m. on the day of your inspection. An email with this timeframe will be sent to both the applicant and the designated inspection contact.

Didn’t receive an email? You can still find your inspection window by checking the Permitting Online Portal or calling 408-615-2440 after 8 a.m.

Preparing for the Inspection

Follow these steps to prepare for their arrival:

1. Download and print your permit and approved drawings in the Documents section of your permit on the Permitting Online Portal.


2. Someone familiar with the project must be on-site during the entire inspection window with the permit card and all City-approved plans printed in color.
   
   Important Note: If no one is on-site with the required City-approved plans, a re-inspection fee may apply.


3. The inspection area must be open and free of construction debris to allow for a complete inspection.

Our inspectors do their best to arrive near the beginning of the scheduled window. If there's a delay falling outside of the inspection window, the inspector will reach out directly to the designated inspection contact.

We look forward to working with you and ensuring a successful inspection!

All final inspections must be scheduled on the same day.

Your building permit may also have conditions from other departments that will prevent the Building Division from passing your final inspections. Please confirm with the appropriate department before scheduling final inspections. Conditions may include, but are not limited to:

• Santa Clara Fire Department
  Fire conditions (e.g., closing fire permits, Fire Building Inspections)
  • Phone: 408-615-4970
  • Email: Community Risk Reduction Division


• Department of Public Works
  Land & Property Development Division conditions (e.g., encroachment permits, agreements)
  • Phone: 408-615-3000
  • Email: Engineering

Maintenance & Operations Division – Street conditions (e.g., Green Halo requirements)

• Phone: 408-615-3000
• Email: Streets


• Water & Sewer Utilities
  Water conditions (e.g., stormwater final inspections)
  • Phone: 408-615-2000
  • Email: Water & Sewer Utilities


• Permit Center
  Submitting final affidavits from your Special Testing Agency or Engineer of Record to the Permitting Online Portal
  • Phone: 408-615-2420
  • Email: Permit Center

Final building inspections are required before a building can be occupied. Without occupancy approval, owner/tenants could be cited for illegal use or occupancy that violates the City code.

Under special circumstances, an owner or tenant may want to apply for temporary occupancy. Please see the TCO Application (PDF) and the City's current fee schedule (PDF) for requirements and fees.

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.

An extension may be given to an active permit for up to 365 days at the discretion of the Building Official. Permit extensions can only be given once, and permits associated with code violation cases may not be extended.

Please upload the completed Building Permit Extension Request (PDF) to the Permitting Online Portal.