California note
San Jose keeps planning questions close to City Hall
San Jose's Planning Division oversees the General Plan and zoning policies, with City Hall as a front door for many project questions.
If the address is in San Jose, start with the city’s Planning, Building and Code Enforcement Department. Its Permit Center is at City Hall. Planning, Building, Public Works, and Fire staff all use this front door.
The right desk depends on the job. Planning reviews new projects and land-use rules. Building checks plans, gives out building permits, and inspects the work. Code Enforcement takes complaints about rules for homes, buildings, and safety.
For a remodel, room addition, new building, or change of use, start at the Permit Center. Bring the address. Tell staff what you plan to do. For a General Plan or citywide zoning question, use the Planning Division. The shared counter saves a trip. It does not make planning approval, a building permit, and fire review the same thing.
Official sources
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Reviewed July 22, 2026
Current rules, forms, fees, deadlines, maps, and office instructions.
Rules, forms, fees, deadlines, and office procedures can change. Check the current page before you file, pay, or rely on a date.
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