Permit Center

Are you in the County's service area?

An owner and/or applicant can apply for a Planning entitlement or Development permit in the unincorporated area of Santa Clara County. To confirm if your property is within the unincorporated area, please visit Santa Clara County’s Property Profile application.

Schedule a Virtual Appointment

Please visit us at our office or schedule an appointment to speak with our staff for assistance with your permit application.

Schedule a virtual appointment

Public Permit Portal

The department is currently accepting Planning and Development permit applications electronically through the County’s Public Permit Portal.

Planning Land-Use Application

A planning land-use application is required when an owner is proposing a new residence, a non-residential use, additions to an existing residence over 500 square feet, any construction within a design review district, scenic road, historic district, or grading over 500 cubic yards of cut or fill or over 5 feet in vertical depth, etc.

Before an applicant begins a project, it is recommended that they contact the department by calling (408) 299-5700 or visit the public counter (during business hours) to confirm with a planner whether a planning land-use application is required before applying for a building permit.

start a planning Land-use application

Development Permit

A development permit is essential for ensuring the safety, quality, and compliance of construction projects, as well as providing documentation and protection for property owners. There are four categories of development permits: building, grading, fire, and minor.

Building Permit includes new construction, addition, and alteration; Demolition, Earthquake Brace & Bolt program, PV Solar, Residential Pool/Generator, Cell Tower, and more.

Grading Permit includes drainage, approval requirements for FEMA Special Floor Hazard Zone, Stormwater Quality, and more.

Fire Permit includes special events, fire sprinklers, Fire Standards, and other requirements from the County Fire Marshal's Office.

Minor Permit includes minor residential mechanical, electrical, plumbing and reroof permits.

Apply for a...

building permit	fire permit
grading permit	Minor Permit

Additional Resources

Permitting Resources

Fee Schedules

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