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ADU Permit Fees & Costs in San Jose, California

Understand the requirements, gather the right documents, and generate a submission-ready packet for your adu permit in San Jose, California.

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Key Facts

Permit required
Yes
Submission method
Online
Typical fee range
$125 – $1,000
Review time
Varies — contact authority
Inspections
6 inspections required
Needs verificationLast verified: Feb 15, 20261 verified source

Limited Data Available

Some information on this page has not been fully verified. We're working to improve data quality. Always verify with San Jose directly.

Estimated Total Fees

$375 – $1,650

Range based on typical residential solar PV system. Actual fees depend on project valuation and system size.

Fee ComponentRangeConfidence
Building/Electrical Permit Fee[1]

Fee based on project valuation. Typical range for ADU permits in San Jose.

$250 – $1,000~
Plan Review Fee[2]

Plan review fee is typically 50-65% of the permit fee.

Unknown — needs verification

$125 – $650?
Estimated Total$375 – $1,650

Fees shown as ranges. Always verify the exact amount with San Jose before submission. Additional fees may apply for expedited review or resubmittals.

Generate your permit packet

Get a personalized ADU permit packet for San Jose, California — tailored to your project.

  • Required forms: Permit Application, and more
  • Pre-filled templates: Permit Cover Sheet
  • Fee breakdown: $125–$1,000 estimated total
  • Step-by-step San Jose Permits portal submission guide
  • Inspection prep checklist (6 items)
  • Personalized for your specific project details
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Required Documents

San Jose requires the following documents for this permit application.

R

Permit Application

Completed building permit application form

R

Site Plan

Plan showing existing structures, proposed ADU, and setbacks

R

Architectural Plans

Floor plans, elevations, and sections of the proposed ADU

R

Structural Calculations

Engineering calculations for foundation and framing

R

Utility Connection Plan

Plan showing water, sewer, and electrical connections

R

Energy Compliance

Energy compliance documentation per state energy code

Permit Process

Follow these steps to submit your permit application through San Jose Permits.

  1. 1

    Create Account

    Register on the San Jose Permits portal.

    You'll need: Email address

  2. 2

    Start Application

    Log in and select the ADU permit application.

    You'll need: Login credentials

  3. 3

    Enter Project Details

    Fill in project address, owner information, and system details.

    You'll need: Project address, Owner contact, Contractor license

  4. 4

    Upload Documents

    Upload all required documents per the checklist.

    You'll need: All required documents in PDF format

  5. 5

    Pay Fees and Submit

    Pay applicable fees and submit the application.

    You'll need: Payment method

Authority Sources

Data on this page is sourced from official records published by the permitting authority. Always verify requirements directly before submitting.

City of San Jose Planning, Building and Code Enforcement

Last verified: February 15, 2026

1 source referenced

Official page
San Jose ADU Permit Information

Verified February 15, 2026

Fee schedule
San Jose Fee Schedule

Verified February 15, 2026

Portal guide
San Jose Online Permitting Portal

Verified February 15, 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a adu permit in San Jose?
Yes. San Jose requires a adu permit for this type of project. Submitting without a permit may result in fines, required removal, or complications when selling your property.
How long does adu permit approval take in San Jose?
Processing times in San Jose vary depending on project complexity and current review volume. The process involves 5 steps. Contact San Jose Development Services for current timelines.
What documents are required for a adu permit in San Jose?
San Jose requires 6 documents including Permit Application, Site Plan, Architectural Plans, Structural Calculations, and others. See the full list above for details.
What happens if I build without a adu permit in San Jose?
Building without a permit in San Jose can result in stop-work orders, fines, required removal of work, difficulty selling your property, and insurance complications. It is strongly recommended to obtain proper permits before starting work.
Can PermitMagic help prepare my adu permit submission in San Jose?
Yes. PermitMagic generates a submission-ready packet tailored to San Jose's requirements, including a document checklist, workflow steps, and authority references. Start a permit plan to get your personalized packet.
How much does a adu permit cost in San Jose?
ADU permit fees in San Jose typically range from $125 to $1,000, depending on project scope. Fees may include building permit, plan review, and technology surcharges. Verify current fees with San Jose.

Related Permits

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Solar PV Permit

Requirements for San Jose

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Sources & Citations

All regulatory information on this page is sourced from official government publications. Always verify requirements directly with your local Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) before submission.

  1. [1]City of San Jose Planning, Building and Code Enforcement — San Jose ADU Permit Informationhttps://www.sanjoseca.gov/permits(verified Feb 15, 2026)
  2. [2]City of San Jose Planning, Building and Code Enforcement — San Jose Fee Schedulehttps://www.sanjoseca.gov/permits(verified Feb 15, 2026)
  3. [3]City of San Jose Planning, Building and Code Enforcement — San Jose Online Permitting Portalhttps://www.sanjoseca.gov/permits(verified Feb 15, 2026)