The feasibility period in San Jose is your strategic opportunity to assess site potential before investing in design. Starting early with zoning research, permit scope identification, plan review preparation, fee estimation, and regulatory coordination helps you avoid costly delays and confidently plan next steps.

Checking Zoning & Site Plan Requirements

• Look up your property’s zoning designation and any overlay or historic district overlays via the city’s zoning tools. Regulations include land use, setbacks, building height, parking, landscape, and design requirements.

• For sites within historic districts or featuring properties over 45 years old, a historic or design review may be required.

• Determine if your project qualifies for a Municipal Code Chapter 20 ministerial approval, allowing bypass of discretionary review under state law.

Plan Review Types & Submission Pathways

• Use the SJPermits portal with SJePlans (ProjectDox-based) to submit plan sets.

• Identify which building permit service applies: Over-the-Counter (OTC), Residential Express, ADU, Commercial, or Standard plan review.

• Upload documents like site plans, architectural, structural, MEP drawings, grading/drainage, landscape, environmental compliance, and energy documentation (e.g., COMcheck).

• Once submitted and accepted, the city issues an invoice for permit reviews; fees must be paid before plan review begins.

Estimating Review Timelines

• Over-the-Counter or Express permits (small non-structural work) can be issued same-day or within a few days.

• Standard residential reviews typically take 10–14 business days; commercial or complex multi-discipline reviews range from several weeks to several months.

• Expedited review is available for qualifying small or simple projects, with completion in approximately 10–12 weeks.

• Some complex projects have taken 4–8 months, depending on plan quality and review completeness.

Fee Structure & Payment

• Fees vary based on project type (ADU, residential, commercial), scope, building valuation, and applicable utility or impact fees.

• Deposits for plan check are due on submission; final fees—including permit issuance, inspections, and inspections—are payable before permit release.

• Payment options include credit card (with a nominal fee), eCheck, check, or wire transfer for larger permits; large permits may require non-card payments.

Coordination with City Departments

• The Development Services Permit Center coordinates reviews across Building, Planning, Public Works, Fire, and Utilities, routing all applications via SJPermits/SJePlans.

• Public Works reviews grading, drainage, utility connections, and floodplain compliance.

• Fire reviews may include sprinklers, fire alarms, access, hazardous materials, or fire lanes.

• Planning and Historic Preservation review design, site layout, and historic compliance.

Using Expedite Options & Streamlining Programs

• Choose OTC, Express, or streamlined paths for simple residential or ADU projects when eligible.

• Pre-approved ADU plans significantly reduce review time by focusing review on site-specific compliance.

• Complete early submittal packets—including naming conventions, supporting reports, and compliance forms—to avoid intake delays and resubmittals.

Checklist of Feasibility Period Tasks

• Identify zoning district, overlays, ministerial pathways

• Confirm historic or design district status

• Choose permit pathway: OTC, Express, ADU, Residential, Commercial, or Standard

• Prepare required plans and documents: site, architectural, structural, MEP, grading, landscape, energy reports, historic or environmental compliance

• Submit via SJPermits and receive plan check invoice

• Pay required deposits and fees before review begins

• Track review via SJePlans; respond promptly to comments

• Consider expedited review or ADU pre-approved plan use

• Anticipate timeline based on project type: days, weeks, or months

• Prepare for final permit issuance and inspections (visitor, rough, final)

Call to Action

San Jose’s feasibility period rewards clear strategy: choose the right permit path, submit complete documentation, leverage streamlined or pre-approved options, and coordinate across departments efficiently. Our team can craft your preliminary site plan, package permit-ready submissions, liaise with Development Services staff, and guide you through a transparent feasibility roadmap. Ready to move forward with confidence?