PlainPermit

Do I need a permit for an ADU or garage conversion in San Jose, CA?

Short answer: Yes, a permit is required for an ADU or garage conversion in San Jose, CA.

Last verified: · Confidence: medium · Status: Verified from official source

Not legal advice. Always confirm with your local building department. Rules change, and your parcel's zoning, HOA, historic district, floodplain or utility work can change the answer. We show the official source and the date we last checked it so you can verify for yourself.
Permit required Confidence: medium

Yes. Additions, structural changes and ADUs need building permits; San José runs a dedicated ADU plan review and permit process.

What changes the answer

Cost

Fee not extracted; see the San José Building Division. Unverified, confirm locally

Fee source: https://www.sanjoseca.gov/your-government/departments-offices/planning-building-code-enforcement/building-division/online-permits

Where to apply

City of San José Building Division (SJPermits.org online permits)

Permitting authority: City of San José Planning, Building and Code Enforcement (Building Division). Applies inside San José city limits. Historic properties have extra rules (for example, reroof permits cannot be pulled online). See also: how to apply for a building permit.

Official sources

“New construction, additions, alteration of walls, or any structural change”

Source: https://www.sanjoseca.gov/businesses/development-services-permit-center/start-your-project/when-is-a-building-permit-required

“ADU Plan Review & Permit Process”

Source: https://www.sanjoseca.gov/your-government/departments-offices/planning-building-code-enforcement/building-division/online-permits

Verified: · Status: verified · Confidence: medium

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