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

It depends on the work. In San José, cabinets, countertops, painting and new flooring need no permit.1, 2 If the remodel involves electrical, plumbing, mechanical or structural changes, a building permit is required.5

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The short version

Cosmetic work: no permit

Painting, cabinet resurfacing or replacement, new flooring and countertop replacement do not require a permit.1, 2

New appliances or wiring: permit

Replacing several fixtures and appliances with new electrical, plumbing or mechanical work, with no change in location or number, is a "minor remodel." It may qualify for an easy online permit.1

Moving things or walls: full review

Changing walls or windows, reframing, or relocating or adding fixtures or appliances is a "major remodel." It needs plans and staff review.1, 6

How the kitchen permit works

The City's own steps, in order.1

  1. Sort the job

    A minor remodel swaps fixtures and appliances without changing where they are or how many there are, 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.6

  4. Build to code

    The installer is responsible for the adopted building codes and the maker's instructions. The City's list of key kitchen 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
Cabinet refacing or replacement, countertop replacement, painting, floor finishes such as tile, and unrated drywall and joint taping.1, 2, 3
Permit needed
Electrical, plumbing and mechanical work unless the code exempts it, installing major appliances, and any structural change or alteration of walls.2 Replacing or moving a water heater needs a permit.5 Fire-rated drywall needs one too.2
Plumbing
Clearing stoppages and repairing leaks in pipes, valves or fixtures is exempt. Replacing or rearranging valves, pipes or fixtures is not.4
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 kitchen? We handle the permit and the work.

Tell us about the kitchen. 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 appliances, plumbing 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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Kitchen remodel permits: common questions
Do I need a permit for a kitchen remodel in San Jose?
It depends on the scope. The City says cosmetic-only work, such as cabinets or countertops with no utility changes, typically does not require a permit. If the remodel involves electrical, plumbing, mechanical or structural changes, a building permit is required.
What is a minor kitchen 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 kitchen. It may qualify for an easy online permit.
Do I need a permit to move the sink, range or fridge?
Yes. The City defines a major remodel as relocating or increasing the number of fixtures or appliances, 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 replace cabinets and countertops?
No. The San José Municipal Code exempts cabinets, counter tops and similar finish work, and the City lists cabinet replacement and countertop replacement as cosmetic work. A permit is still needed for any electrical, plumbing or mechanical work done at the same time.
Do I need a permit to remove a kitchen wall?
Yes. The City requires a building permit for alteration of walls or any structural change, and a remodel with structural changes needs submitted plans.

Sources

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