Do you need a permit to add an outlet or circuit in San José?

Yes. The City says electrical work requires an electrical permit. Adding a new outlet or circuit is not on the list of work the San José Municipal Code exempts. For single-family and duplex properties, the City says to use SJPermits.org for common electrical projects.

San José Municipal Code 24.02.150 lists the exemptions. They include minor repair work such as replacing lamps or plugging approved portable equipment into approved receptacles, reinstalling attachment plug receptacles but not the outlets, replacing a branch circuit overcurrent device of the required capacity in the same location in a one- or two-family dwelling, communications wiring, and wiring that operates at less than 25 volts and cannot supply more than 50 watts (with exceptions for hazardous locations, emergency systems, standby systems, energy storage systems and energy management systems).

The code exempts reinstalling attachment plug receptacles, but not the outlets, and replacing a branch circuit breaker with one of the required capacity in the same location in a one- or two-family dwelling. Work beyond that list is not exempt, so check with the City before you start. The City adds that a replacement receptacle must have GFCI or AFCI protection where those are required at that location.

Often, yes. For single-family and duplex properties, the City says to use SJPermits.org for its common electrical projects, and to use Standard Plan Review if the project does not qualify. In the Application Wizard you can get multiple permits with one application, pay the fee online, and then download the Permit Card. You need an SJPermits account to apply online.

The City recommends that the applicant be a licensed contractor. Whoever signs the permit application is responsible, and potentially liable, for all activity under the permit. The City also states that rewiring work must be done by a licensed electrician. Insurance companies may deny claims related to unpermitted work.