Permit Center

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Upcoming 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 webpage.

Welcome to the City of Santa Clara Permit Center! The Permit Center aims to provide the highest level of customer service for a wide range of development projects. Our knowledgeable staff can assist with permitting, plan review and inspection needs. Homeowners, contractors, developers, business owners and other members of Santa Clara's diverse community are welcome to walk in or make an appointment during business hours.

The Permit Center offers public services from Community Development (Building and Planning), Fire and Public Works. Our Customer Service Representatives will ensure you're connected with the appropriate specialists and permit information for any small, mid-size or large-scale complex project. As we are always looking to improve, we welcome and appreciate any customer feedback!

Skip the Line, Make an Appointment

Virtual and in-person appointments are available for over-the-counter services. Please reach out directly to your assigned plan checker or project manager if you would like to schedule an appointment related to an active application or permit, or to make fee payments. Walk-ins are also welcome, although wait times may vary.

Schedule an Appointment

Permitting Online Portal

The Permitting Online Portal (POP) is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for you to look up permits, apply for permits, submit revisions/deferrals, make fee payments, and create service requests.

Schedule an appointment for Building, Planning, and Public Works staff to answer general questions or assist with submitting applications related to development.
Submit an application through the Permitting Online Portal.
Schedule inspections online (e.g., Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing, Fire).
Make fee payments online by credit/debit card or e-check.
To schedule a temporary power shutoff or reconnection with Silicon Valley Power.

For more details, refer to the POP User Guide (PDF).

Apply for a Permit

General Information and Contacts

Building Services

The Building Division assists with applications, inspections, revisions, deferrals, and other permitting requirements and inquiries. Inspection services are provided for new residential and non-residential (commercial/industrial) buildings, as well as building additions, remodels, repairs, and changes in use.

Schedule an Appointment

Inspection Services

Email: building@santaclaraca.gov

Permit Center

Email: permitcenter@santaclaraca.gov

Building Official

alobao@santaclaraca.gov

Planning Services

The Planning Division:

Provides guidance for land use development, long-range planning, and housing policies
Processes permit and entitlement applications and ensures compliance with applicable codes and regulations
Responds to Planning and Zoning related questions
Implements the Historic Preservation Ordinance

Schedule an Appointment

Phone: 408-615-2450
Email: planning@santaclaraca.gov

Public Works Services

The Department of Public Works manages the City’s Street Encroachment Permit Program, reviews/approves Public Improvement Plans, Subdivision Maps, and Title Documents, provides feedback to Planning Services on requirements for new entitlements, and provides inspection services for construction work in City streets. Please visit the Engineering Permits page for Encroachment Permits, Special Transportation Permits, Minor Encroachment Permits for POD/bins and further Public Works Permit information.

Public Works permit applications may be submitted by email to engineering@santaclaraca.gov.

Schedule an Appointment

Phone: 408-615-3000
Email: engineering@santaclaraca.gov

Fire Permits

The Santa Clara Fire Department's Community Risk Reduction Division is primarily responsible for fire safety education, fire cause determination, inspection of high hazard occupancies, and fire code enforcement. Learn about fire permit guidelines and submission information. Fire permit applications are accepted only through the Permitting Online Portal. For questions about Fire permit requirements or making Fire permit fee payments, please contact the Community Risk Reduction Division.

Location: 1675 Lincoln Street
Phone: 408-615-4970
Email: crrd@santaclaraca.gov

Housing & Community Services

The Housing & Community Services Division is responsible for facilitating affordable housing development opportunities in Santa Clara. Please contact this division if you are interested in undertaking a mixed-income or 100% affordable housing development or if you are seeking information on housing and public services available for Santa Clara residents.

Phone: 408-615-2490
Email: communityservice@santaclaraca.gov

Silicon Valley Power

Customer Service Hours

The Permit Center is open Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. It is strongly recommended that you schedule an appointment for in-person services as walk-in services might be limited and can increase wait times.

Note: Planning is unavailable on Thursdays from 9:30 – 11:30 a.m. due to a staff meeting.

City Hall – Permit Center
1500 Warburton Avenue
Santa Clara, CA 95050

Phone: 408-615-2420
Email: Permit Center
Fax: 408-241-3823

Last Updated:

06-01-2026