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Do you need a permit for a bathroom remodel in San José?

It depends on the work. In San José, cosmetic work like painting, cabinets, countertops and new flooring needs no permit.1 Moving fixtures or walls, adding circuits, or doing new plumbing, electrical or mechanical work does.1, 7

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The short version

Cosmetic work: no permit

Painting, cabinet resurfacing, new flooring and new countertops do not require a permit.1, 2

New fixtures or circuits: permit

Replacing several fixtures with new plumbing, electrical or mechanical work is a "minor remodel." It may qualify for an easy online permit.1

Moving things or walls: full review

Changing wall or window layout, reframing, or moving or adding fixtures is a "major remodel." It needs plans and staff review.1, 8

How the bathroom permit works

The City's own steps, in order.1

  1. Sort the job

    A minor remodel replaces fixtures without changing their location or number, and makes no changes to walls, windows or framing. Anything else is a major remodel.1

  2. Apply online (minor remodel)

    Use the Application Wizard at SJPermits.org. It shows the fee and takes payment, and then you download the Permit Card. The City recommends that a licensed contractor apply.1

  3. Submit plans (major remodel)

    A remodel with structural changes needs project plans. Staff review them for zoning, building and fire codes before the permit is issued.8

  4. Build to code

    The installer is responsible for the adopted building codes and the maker's instructions. The City's list of key requirements is not a list of all applicable codes.1

  5. Inspect

    The Permit Card lists the inspections. Keep it on site. Schedule at SJPermits.org or call 408-535-3555. See our inspection scheduling guide.1

What needs a permit and what does not

Usually no permit
Painting, cabinet refacing or replacement, countertop replacement, floor finishes such as tile, and tile with no structural change.1, 2 Removing and reinstalling a toilet is exempt if no valves, pipes or fixtures are replaced or rearranged.4
Permit needed
New or replaced plumbing fixtures, valves or pipes, new circuits or outlets, and work that changes walls.1, 4, 6, 7 A water heater replacement or move needs a permit.7 Fire-rated drywall needs one too.2
Exhaust fan
The City requires a permit for mechanical work unless it is exempt.2 The exemption covers portable ventilating equipment only.5 A fan ducted to the outdoors is not portable, so plan on a permit and confirm with the City.
Why bother
State law requires you to disclose unpermitted work when you sell, and insurance generally will not cover damage tied to it.2

Remodeling a bathroom? We handle the permit and the work.

Tell us about the bathroom. We walk the job, tell you which permits it needs, pull them and schedule the inspections through final.

  • The city and the age of the house
  • What you want to change
  • Whether fixtures or walls move

Prefer to talk? Call (408) 667-4946 or send a text. Office hours: Monday to Friday, 7 am to 3 pm.

David and Tristan, the owners, stay involved from the first walkthrough to the final check. We reply the same business day, Monday to Friday.

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Bathroom remodel permits: common questions
Do I need a permit for a bathroom remodel in San Jose?
It depends on the scope. The City says cosmetic work, such as painting, cabinet resurfacing, new flooring and new countertops, does not require a permit. If the remodel involves electrical, plumbing, mechanical or structural changes, a building permit is required.
What is a minor bathroom remodel?
The City defines it as replacing multiple fixtures and appliances with new electrical, plumbing or mechanical work, without changing their location or number. No changes to walls, windows or framing are allowed, and the work stays in the bathroom. It may qualify for an easy online permit.
Do I need a permit to move a toilet, shower or sink?
Yes. The City defines a major remodel as relocating or increasing the number of fixtures, or changing the configuration of walls or windows. A major remodel goes through plan review as an addition or remodel.
Do I need a permit to swap a vanity or toilet?
A new vanity cabinet and countertop are exempt finish work. Removing and reinstalling a toilet is exempt if no valves, pipes or fixtures are replaced or rearranged. Replacing or rearranging valves, pipes or fixtures is not exempt, so check with the City before you assume a swap is permit free.
Do I need a permit to add a bathroom exhaust fan?
Probably. The City requires a permit for mechanical work unless it is exempt, and the exemption covers only portable ventilating equipment. Call the Permit Center at 408-535-3555 to confirm for your fan.

Sources

This page explains the City's published rules for bathroom remodel permits. The City decides what applies to your property. Check the City pages for current details.