Do you need a permit to replace a roof in San Jose?
It depends on the project. San Jose exempts some roof replacements from a building permit and requires one for the rest1.
On this page
Depends on size or scope
San Jose's rule“A building permit is required when 25 percent or more of the roof is to be reroofed in any 12-month period.”1
City of San José, Development Services Permit Center (PBCE), Reroof Projects (intro)
Which permits you need
| Permit | Required when | The city’s wording |
|---|---|---|
| Building permit | 25% or more reroofed in 12 months | A building permit is required when 25 percent or more of the roof is to be reroofed in any 12-month period.1 |
| Electrical permit | Replacing/altering/removing solar or rooftop equipment | Alterations to rooftop equipment - If replacing, altering, or removing solar installations or other rooftop equipment, then electrical or mechanical permits are also required.1 |
Limits and conditions in San Jose's rule
Each limit sits next to the sentence it comes from; the conditions in that sentence are part of the rule.
| Rule | Value | The city’s wording |
|---|---|---|
| Roof area that can be replaced without a permit | 25% | Less than 25 percent is considered a repair and does not require a permit.1 |
What to submit
- Reroof Project Worksheet (if no online permit)1
Who can apply
- Licensed contractor recommended; owner-builders may apply1
Inspections
Special areas and extra reviews
- Historic properties need Planning clearance/permit before reroof permit1
California law that applies
- State rules on which work needs a permit in California
- Homeowners doing their own work in California
- Contractor licensing in California
Who to ask
City of San José Planning, Building & Code Enforcement, Building Division2
Building permits
- Website
- sanjoseca.gov2
- Apply online
- sjpermits.org2
- Phone
- (408) 535-35552
- [email protected]2
- Address
- Development Services Permit Center, San José City Hall, 200 E. Santa Clara St., 1st Floor, San José, CA 951133
- Hours
- Counter: Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri 8 a.m.-12 p.m. & 1-5 p.m.; Wed 9 a.m.-12 p.m. & 1-5 p.m.; phone M-F 7am-4pm3
- Inspections
- SJPermits.org or 408-535-35552
Roof permit rules in other cities
Rules differ from city to city. Compare San Jose with 19 other cities on the national roof replacement permit guide, or go straight to one:
- New York City, NY
- Los Angeles, CA
- Chicago, IL
- Houston, TX
- Phoenix, AZ
- San Antonio, TX
- San Diego, CA
- Dallas, TX
- Jacksonville, FL
- Fort Worth, TX
- Charlotte, NC
- Columbus, OH
- Indianapolis, IN
- San Francisco, CA
- Seattle, WA
- Denver, CO
- Oklahoma City, OK
- Philadelphia, PA
- Austin, TX
Sources
- Reroof ProjectsCity of San José, Development Services Permit Center (PBCE)Last updated April 12, 2026Checked November 7, 2026
- Building DivisionCity of San José, Planning, Building & Code Enforcement (PBCE), Building DivisionChecked November 7, 2026
- Development Services Permit CenterCity of San José, Development Services Permit Center (PBCE)Checked November 7, 2026