The 2026 home renovation hack every San José homeowner should know

PBCE NEWS

Winter 2025

Updates from the Department of Planning, Building & Code Enforcement

PBCE Wrapped

Thank you for a banner year! We’re reflecting on the ways we’ve served our community in 2025. Here’s a look at some of what you’ve helped us accomplish and our warmest wishes for a joyous 2026!

Make Your Home Renovation Dreams Come True in 2026

New program alert! Pop-Up Permits gives you the chance to talk to building inspectors and planning permit specialists about your next project. Dozens of people attended our first two events with questions about everything from adding EV chargers to tree-removal permits to building an ADU and more! It's one new way we’re serving our community closer to home.

Upcoming Pop-Up Permits Dates

Saturday, January 31

1 p.m. to 4 p.m. | Almaden Branch Library

Saturday, March 21

10 a.m. to 1 p.m. | Berryessa Community Center

Learn more

New Year, New Building Codes

Get your permit applications in this year for projects to be considered under 2022 building codes. Effective January 1, 2026, approved 2025 codes will take effect. The state updates building code every three years.

For applicants seeking to use the 2022 building codes: You must self-start your application at SJPermits.org and upload your complete construction submittal set (including plans, calculations where applicable, and all required documents) to SJePlans by Wednesday, December 31, 2025 at midnight. Any physical documents (plans, calculations, additional documentation) must be submitted before City Hall closes at 5 p.m. Tuesday, December 23.

Apply here

Helping Contractors Get Work Done

We're gathering a new class of Best Prepared Designers. The program sets up faster permitting by allowing qualified building professionals to self-certify plans for eligible building projects like skylights, interior remodels and wall-mounted signs. Applications for the next class are open now!

Best Prepared Designer Program

Training Session

Friday, February 13, 2026

9:00 a.m. to Noon

San José City Hall, 200 E. Santa Clara St.

See if you qualify

Find a Best Prepared Designer for your project

Help Shape Our City

The Planning Division has kicked-off the General Plan 4-year Review. The General Plan is our city’s guiding document and vision for building and future growth. The process will help update goals for housing, jobs and more with a focus on the following key areas:

increasing residential capacity
missing middle housing
jobs to employed residents ratio
urban villages

We want your input! Please submit comment online, sign up for updates and look out for events in your area to learn more.

Share your thoughts

A Tasty Endeavor! Helping Small Business Thrive

A City of San José program is helping restaurants and eateries open their doors or renovate quickly. The Streamlined Restaurant Program helped nearly 100 businesses get their permits faster in the last fiscal year. Sumi Sushi, Tostadas, Sixth Street Burger, The Pressroom, Morning Lobby, Chispiros Burritos & Tacos, and many others have all used this expedited plan review process, cutting permitting time for some projects in half. That’s just 1 to 2 months for a process that could take up to 6!

Let your favorite cafe or restaurant looking to open or renovate in San José know about the program and see if they qualify.

Let me chew on that

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