ADU permit process in San Jose, California
Last verified August 29, 2026
Prepared by GetYourPermit editorial teamReport an error
This guide includes the portions of the City permit process that passed our evidence review. Confirm project-specific requirements with the City before submitting.
Where to apply
- Permit portal
- City Online Portal System
Step by step
- 1
Confirm ADU eligibility and conditional approvals
Complete ADU Universal Checklist Identify whether planning permit, geologic clearance, fire variance, or flood requirements apply Eligibility/conditional-requirement determination
- 2
Prepare formal submittal plans and supporting documents
Prepare plans using Bulletin 211 Obtain water-flow information and other conditional material Submittal-ready plans and documents
- 3
Start online permit application
Use Application Wizard Create SJPermits account Select property, scope, and ePlan Applicant Online permit application and SJePlans invitation path
- 4
Upload ADU plans and documents
ePlan Applicant uploads required PDFs and forms Follow SJePlans file naming and formatting requirements Submitted package
- 5
Prescreen and initial plan-review fee payment
Complete Upload and Submit task Pay initial plan-review invoice Application routed to plan reviewer after payment
- 6
Plan review
Review City comments Plan-review comments or approved plans
- 7
Respond to comments and resubmit
Respond to comments Correct and resubmit plans through original-submission method Resubmitted plan-review package
- 8
Issuance review, final payments, and permit release
Pay listed final invoices Retrieve permit card and approved plans after email notification Issued building permit, permit card, and approved plans
- 9
Construct under issued permit
Begin work after building permit issuance Work ready for inspections
- 10
Schedule and pass required inspections
Schedule inspections at appropriate construction times Present completed Bulletin 213, approved plans, and permit card Inspection approvals or correction work
- 11
Complete C&D sign-off and pass Building Final Inspection
Complete Construction and Demolition Diversion Review and sign-off application Schedule Building Final Inspection Approved final building inspection
What you need to submit
- Form 302 Address Assignment Request
- ADU building plans and calculations
- Title 24 Residential Energy Calculations, Mandatory Checklist, and CalGreen Checklist
- Geotechnical Investigation Report — only in some cases
- Bulletin 213 ADU Inspection Checklist
- Form 313 JADU Deed Restriction Agreement — only in some cases
- Form 312 ADU Property Owner Declaration
- Water-company hydrant flow-data letter and hydrant map
Project-specific next step
Build your San Jose permit report
Choose your ADU type and size to bring the City process, researched permit fees, and early construction budget into one planning report.
Sources for this guide
Additional city reference pages
The official landing page links the current Building and Structure Permits Fee Schedule, identifies the ADU fee estimator as beta, and separates construction taxes, school, parkland, and other fee information.
Accessed August 28, 2026
The current City PDF publishes ADU-specific permit-issuance, plan-review, and inspection amounts in two square-footage bands and states the hourly floors that may supersede table amounts.
Accessed August 28, 2026