Department of Planning and Development Covid-19 Operations and Services
Updated: March 20, 2020 – Updated information is indicated underlined in italics
In light of COVID-19 response measures from the Governor of the State of California and the County Public Health Department, commencing Tuesday, March 17 through Tuesday, April 7, 2020 the Department of Planning and Development will only be providing Essential Public Services. Essential Public Services are those that are necessary to protect the health, safety, and welfare of our community. The office will be open during normal business hours: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. to provide essential public services.
To facilitate these measures, all Non-essential staff will be under a “Shelter In Place” directive, working remotely from home. If you need an emergency permit, please call (408) 299-5700 and your call or message will be addressed as soon as possible. For non-emergency inquiries, please fill out the Non-Emergency Inquiry form. The non-emergency inquiry will be reviewed daily and will be responded to on a case-by-case basis. Please note: our response to your non-emergency inquiry could be delayed.
Building Inspections
We are continuing Building Inspections that are Essential in nature and are being analyzed on a case by case basis.
For example:
- Water Heater, Furnaces, electrical services, sanitary sewers, and water services;
- Retaining walls essential to prevent landslide;
- Erosion Control Monitoring (C6 permit)
- Reroofing existing Residences/Dwellings
- Fleet and Facilities (FAF) projects
- Public Works projects
- Medical and Health Care-related facilities
- Housing Construction
- New Residences and Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs); Off-grid occupied Residences with solar photovoltaic, generator or battery storage; Occupied Residences exposed to weather/elements (Note: Including roofs, siding and room additions); Occupied Residences without a kitchen or bathroom;
- Property damage – Fire, water damage, etc.;
The County of Santa Clara Public Health Department continues to work closely with healthcare providers, hospitals, and its partners to address novel coronavirus. The Health Department is taking action to protect the public and keep the community informed.
InSite, Our new online permit center, is live.
It is available to make online inspection appointments, and also to report possible violations.
A permit application may be submitted for over the counter types of permits, Project Type 1 permits as shown below. Project Type 1 permits can only be issued electronically to a California licensed contractor.
Project Type 1
- AC – Additional
- AC – New
- AC – Replacement
- Electrical Service Change
- Furnace – Additional
- Furnace – Replacement
- Furnace and Duct – Replacement
- Furnace and Duct – Replacement add AC
- Re-pipe
- Re-pipe – Gyp or Gyp and Shear Repair
- Re-wire
- Re-wire – Gyp or Gyp and Shear Repair
- Reroof Comp
- Reroof oof/Tile/Metal
- Water Heater Replacement
A signed and uploaded application with the Worker’s Compensation Declaration and Licensed Contractor Declaration found here, are required upon submittal.
All other permit types are required to be submitted in the Permit Center.
NOTICE: Acceptance of new permit applications have been temporarily suspended, except for permits essential to health, safety, and welfare.
Applicants may use the online permit center to check the status of projects, submit digital documents, and make payments. Applicants must register for an account and contact the Permit Center (PLN-PermitCenter@pln.sccgov.org or call 408-299-5700) to have the user account linked as a contact to the application before access to services noted above can be activated.
Looking for Property Information? Start Here
A reporting tool designed to provide useful information about a parcel's location, jurisdiction, General Plan designation, Zoning, and other data of interest. We Also have an Interactive Property Profile, which combines our traditional Property Profile app with an Interactive Map.
Mission Statement
The mission of the Department of Planning and Development is to serve the residents of Santa Clara County by ensuring safe construction, quality sustainable land development, and protection of the natural resources through the fair and equitable application and enforcement of County policies, ordinances, and regulations, while providing excellent customer service through our four core values:
- Be knowledgeable
- Be accountable – Take responsibility
- Be proactive – Seek solutions
- Be empathetic, respectful and responsive