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City of San Juan Capistrano

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ATTENTION: CITY HALL HAS RELOCATED

To allow for construction of a new City Hall, City Hall offices have been relocated to 30448 Rancho Viejo Road, Suite 110, SJC, CA 92675.

City Hall is open to the public by appointment only.

All permit requests need to be submitted in person with hard copy plans.

Appointment Information

Please review all appointment categories before making a selection.

Submitted plans, including engineering plans, are required to be 24" x 36" (landscape orientation) in size.

Payment is due at time of submittal. The City does not provide advanced fee calculations. The city accepts cash/check/credit card.

A completed building permit application is required to to schedule an appointment for new permits/submittals. Please visit www.sanjuancapistrano.org/building for applications and plan check submittal requirements.

If you have more than one transaction, please schedule an appointment for each transaction for any time slot. If you would like to consolidate your appointments, please send an email to building@sanjuancapistrano.org to request appointment consolidation and provide the preferred time slot. Staff will confirm availability and send a confirmation email if the request is approved.

To renew or apply for a Business License, please click the link below:

APPLY FOR A BUSINESS LICENSE

Business License Contact

BusinessLicenses@sanjuancapistrano.org

1 Choose Appointment

Choose a category...

Business Licenses

Approved Permit or Correction Pick-Up

Resubmittals / Revisions

Over-the-Counter Permits (RESIDENTIAL ONLY)

Residential - New Submittals

Commercial - New Submittals

Planning

Public Records

Public Works

I would like to schedule...

Business License

30 minutes

Approved Permit Pick-Up

30 minutes

Please have permit # or email with you at time of pick-up.

Contractor's must have an "Active" City Business License to pull permits with the City.
Agents for the contractor must have an authorization letter on company letterhead authorizing the employee to apply for business licenses and issue permits.
Please call 949-487-4300 or email businesslicenses@sanjuancapistrano.org

Corrections Pick-Up

30 minutes

Staff will notify applicant via email when corrections are available for pick-up. Please have your permit # or email with you at time of pick-up.

To check on the status of your permit/plan review, please visit:
www.sanjuancapistrano.org/building

Quantity:

Resubmittal - BUILDING

30 minutes

This appointment is to resubmit plans that were given corrections by a plan checker.
For new revisions/deferred submittals, please go back to the main menu.

Resubmittal Requirements:
- Corrections List from Plan Checker
- Response letter
- All redlines/old sets are REQUIRED to be resubmitted with corrected plans. Resubmittals WILL NOT be accepted without appropriate number of new sets AND previous red-lined sets.
- 2 sets of plans and docs for Building, 1 set for Planning

Resubmittal - PLANNING

30 minutes

This appointment is to resubmit plans that were given corrections by a project manager.
This includes: Conditional Use Permits, Grading Plan Modifications and Architectural Controls.

For Building Permit resubmittals please return to the main menu and select "Resubmittal - BUILDING".

Revision / Deferred Submittal - (Changes to an issued permit)

30 minutes

Revisions/Deferred Submittals are changes to an approved and issued permit/set of plans. A revision fee is due at time of submittal.

Revision requirements:
- 2 sets of stapled, 24x36 clouded sheets (Only revised sheets need to be submitted for a revision. Please do not re-print a full set of plans.
3 sets of plans are required for any changes that involve the exterior of a project or changes to square footage )
- 2 sets of Structural Calcs (if necessary)
- Revision Application
- Narrative

AC / Furnace / Heat Pump / Ductwork

30 minutes

- A/C or Furnace changeouts
- RESIDENTIAL - New units in side or rear yard of a home within an HOA will require HOA Approval letter for permit issuance. Electrical Load Calc also required.
- COMMERCIAL - HVAC changeouts (same curb, same size, no larger/heavier, same location, no structural mods) require 3 copies of site plan with screening details, manufacturer specs, CF1R and landlord approval. UNITS THAT ARE LARGER or HEAVIER WILL REQUIRE ALL OF THE ABOVE ALONG WITH CURB DETAILS & A ROOF PLANS

Bathroom / Kitchen Remodel - Non-Structural

30 minutes

This appointment is for non-structural bathroom / kitchen remodels where no walls are being moved.

Plan Requirements:
- 2 sets of 11x17 plans (existing and proposed floor plans w/ electrical layout)
- Building Permit Application (Filled out in it's entirety including valuation, square footages and M/E/P counts.)

EV Charger

30 minutes

Plan Requirements:
• Building Permit Application
• Electrical Load Calculation (Must use City Template)
• Site Plan must include conductor size and insulation type, conduit size and type, and equipment grounding conductor size and type
• Manufacturer’s Specifications
• Clear Photo of Panel & all Subpanel dead front covers showing all existing circuits labeled

Main Panel Upgrade / Replacement

30 minutes

Main panel upgrade permits are generally issued over-the-counter and require an SDG&E workorder for permit issuance. Please contact SDG&E to obtain a work order prior to submitting an application for permit.

Mobile Home - Install / Carport / Porch / Awning / Deck

30 minutes

Mobile Home permits require park association approval.

Plan Requirements:
- 2 sets of plans & engineering (highlight/circle applicable details and show lot coverage/setbacks)
- Building Permit Application (Filled out in it's entirety including valuation, square footages and M/E/P counts.)

Repipe / Water Heater / Sewer Cleanout

30 minutes

Re-Roof - Residential

30 minutes

HOA Approval Letter required for all addresses with a Homeowner's Association or CCR.

Solar PV System (10kW AC OR LESS ONLY) - RESIDENTIAL

30 minutes

PV Solar System Requirements:
- 2 sets of 11x17 plans & specs
- 2 sets of structural calcs
- SDG&E Work Order (for Main Panel Upgrades)
- 2 sets of Clear Photos of Main Panel & Sub Panels
- 2 copies of Electrical Load Calculation Worksheet (MUST USE CITY FORM)
- Solar Eligibility Checklist
- Solar Contract with the Homeowner (Signed)
- Building Permit Application

For systems over 10kW AC or with batteries, please go back to the main menu and click *RESIDENTIAL - NEW SUBMITTALS*.

Window / Door Changeout

30 minutes

HOA Approval Letter required for all addresses with a Homeowner's Association or CCR.

Plan Requirements:
- 2 copies of floor plan or detailed window schedule that must include U Factor Rating
& SHGC rating
-Building Permit Application (Filled out in it's entirety including valuation, square footages and M/E/P counts.)

Other - Over the Counter Permit

30 minutes

ADU - Accessory Dwelling Unit

30 minutes

New Submittal Requirements:
- 3 sets of Plans (24x36)
- 2 sets of Structural Calcs
- 2 sets of Title 24
- ADU Checklist
- OCFA SFR Checklist
- Building Permit Application (Filled out in it's entirety including valuation, square footages and M/E/P counts.)

Plan check fee is calculated and due at time of submittal.

For questions regarding zoning/setbacks/lot coverage, please email Planning@sanjuancapistrano.org.

HOA Approval Letter required for all homes within an HOA or CCR.

Backyard Improvements

30 minutes

This appointment is for miscellaneous backyard improvements that DO NOT include a wall/fence, pool/spa, patio cover/trellis/pergola or new construction such as a pool house, casita, barn (select the appointment type 'Residential Remodel/Addition' for new pool houses, casitas, barns, garages etc).
- Site plan and Gas Isometric required for and gas appliances (BBQ, FIREPIT, etc)
- HOA Approval Letter required for all addresses with a Homeowner's Association/CCR.

New Construction - Custom Single Family Residence

30 minutes

This appointment is for the new construction of a single family residence.
For additions of new structures (i.e. garage, barn, casita, shed, pool house, etc.) to existing properties, please select 'Residential Remodel/Addition' from the appointment menu.
For ADU's, please select 'ADU - Accessory Dwelling Unit' from the appointment menu.

Patio Cover / Trellis / Pergola / Gazebo

30 minutes

New Submittal Requirements:
- 3 sets of Plans (24x36).
- 2 sets of Structural Calcs
- Building Permit Application (Filled out in it's entirety including valuation, square footages and M/E/P counts.)

Plan check fee is calculated and due at time of submittal.

HOA Approval Letter required for all addresses with a Homeowner's Association or CCR.

Residential Remodel/Addition - (New)

30 minutes

New Submittal Requirements:
- 3 sets of Plans (24x36)
- 2 sets of Structural Calcs
- 2 sets of Title 24
- Building Permit Application (Filled out in it's entirety including valuation, square footages and M/E/P counts.)

Plan check fee is calculated and due at time of submittal.

For applications and submittal requirements, please visit:
www.sanjuancapistrano.org/building

For Over-the-Counter permits or solar, please go back to the main menu.

Solar PV System/Battery Back-Up (OVER 10kW AC)

30 minutes

PV Solar System Requirements:
- 2 sets of 11x17 plans & specs
- 2 sets of structural calcs
- SDG&E Work Order (for systems w/ Main Panel Upgrades)
- 2 sets of clear photos of main panel & subpanels
- 2 copies of Electrical Load Calculation (MUST USE CITY FORM.)
- Solar Eligibility Checklist
- Solar Contract with the Homeowner (Signed)
- Building Permit Application

For systems less than 10kW, please go back to the main menu and select *OVER THE COUNTER PERMITS

Swimming Pool/Spa - New Submittal

30 minutes

New Submittal Requirements:
- 3 sets of plans (24x36. Only 2 require engineering. Pool Engineering must be printed on 24x36 plan sheet.)
- 2 sets of structural calculations
- 2 copies of soils report
- Building Permit Application (Filled out in it's entirety including valuation, square footages and M/E/P take-off quantities.)

Plans should include detailed scope of work, owner information, dimensioned set backs, pool plaster/storm water notes and backflow device model and serial number.

Wall/Fence - Block/Retaining/Combination/Other

30 minutes

New Submittal Requirements:
- 3 sets of Plans (24"x36". Include all property lines and dimensioned set backs.)
- 2 sets of Structural Calculations
- Building Permit Application
- HOA Letter of Approval
- Common Wall Agreement

Walls/Fences constructed on a slope may require a grading plan modification.
For questions regarding setbacks or allowable height, please email Planning@sanjuancapistrano.org.

HOA Approval Letter required for all addresses with a Homeowner's Association or CCR.

Other - Residential

30 minutes

Please select this option for all other types of submittals not listed above.

Please review the "Over-the-Counter Permits" menu for to ensure that your option is not listed in that category before selecting this appointment.

Cell Site / Wireless Facility Modification

30 minutes

Please contact the Planning Department at PlanningDept@sanjuancapistrano.org to discuss planning requirements prior to scheduling an appointment.

New Submittal Requirements:
- 3 sets of Plans (24'x36')
- 2 sets of Structural Calcs (if any)
- Landlord Approval Letter
- Building Permit Application (Filled out in it's entirety including valuation and M/E/P take-off quantities.)
- OCFA Commercial Screencheck form

For resubmittals or revisions, please select 'Resubmittal' or 'Revision' from the menu

Commercial Tenant Improvement - (New)

30 minutes

New Submittal Requirements:
- 3 sets of Plans (24'x36')
- 2 sets of Structural Calcs
- 2 sets of Title 24
- Landlord Approval Letter
- OCFA Commercial Checklist
- Building Permit Application (must include valuation, square footages and M/E/P take-off counts.)

Plan check fee is calculated and due at time of submittal.

For resubmittals or revisions, please select 'Resubmittal' or 'Revision' from the menu.
For questions regarding zoning, please email Planning@sanjuancapistrano.org.

Re-Roof - Commercial

30 minutes

Landlord Approval letter required for Commercial Re-Roofs.

Commerical Re-Roof Submittal Requirements:
- Landlord Approval Letter
- Commercial Re-Roof Questionnaire
- Manufacturer Specs for Roofing Material (Including color for planning review/approval)
- Building Permit Application (Filled out in it's entirety including valuations and square footage.)

Plan check fee is calculated and due at time of submittal.

For Planning/Zoning requirements, please email Planning@sanjuancapistrano.org.

Sign Permit

30 minutes

Planning pre-approval for signs must be obtained prior to scheduling an appointment to submit for a building permit. The Planning department will provide applicants with a Building Permit # for submittal. For additional information, please contact the Planning Department at Planning@sanjuancapistrano.org.

New Submittal Requirements:

- Planning Pre-Approval
- 3 sets of Plans
- 2 sets of Structural Calcs for new monuments or poles
- Landlord Approval
- Building Permit Application

Solar PV System/Carport - COMMERCIAL

30 minutes

PV Solar System Requirements:
- 3 sets of 24X36 plans & specs
- 2 sets of structural calcs
- SDG&E Work Order (for systems w/ Main Panel Upgrades)
- Detailed Panel Schedule (for Battery Back Up Systems)
- NEC Electrical Load Calculation (for Subpanel, Center Fed or Battery installs)
- Landlord Approval Letter
- Building Permit Application

Please contact planning at planning@sanjuancapistrano.org for planning/zoning requirements prior to scheduling appointment.

Other - Commercial

30 minutes

Architectural Control

30 minutes

Any new development proposals or modification to the exterior of a non-residential development requires an Architectural Control. Appointments to discuss the development standards, design guidelines, and processing requirements typically require 30 minutes.

Conditional Use Permit

30 minutes

Certain uses require a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) prior to operation & may not always be permitted for a property based on the zone district. If permitted, examples of uses which may require a CUP include, but are not limited to: Off-Sale of Alcoholic Beverage Retail Use, Child Day Care Centers, Car Wash, Churches, Live Entertainment, Drive Throughs, Hotels, Massage Therapy, & Cellular Facilities, Recreational Uses. Appointments to discuss if a use requires a CUP & processing typically require

Housing

30 minutes

Inquiries regarding the affordable housing options available within the City of San Juan Capistrano, including the City operated Little Hollywood Rental Subsidy Program, as well as affordable housing development opportunities. Appointments to discuss the City’s affordable housing options typically require 15 to 30 minutes.

Grading Plan Modification

30 minutes

Any modification to an existing slope, hillside, or property grades requires a Grading Plan Modification (GPM) through the City. Minor GPMs which result in no visual or grade impacts to neighboring properties or rights-of-way may be Administratively Approved. Any GPM which cannot be Administratively Approved will be considered by the Planning Commission at a Public Hearing. Appointments to discuss the City’s GPM process typically require 15 to 30 minutes.

Post Commission Approval

30 minutes

Planning review & approval of plans post commission. This review occurs prior to permit submittal on a new construction project. Coordinate with the Project Manager for the approved Project prior to scheduling to verify their availability for this 30 min. appointment.
Once planning approves, please contact Lisa La, Senior Permit Technician, at lla@sanjuancapistrano.org to submit your building permit application for advanced fee calculations prior to scheduling an appointment for building submittal.

Tree Removal Permit

30 minutes

Trees on non-residential properties, within HOA common area within 50’ of right-of-way, or within setbacks adjacent to rights of way on single family residential properties are required to received Tree Removal Permits (TRP) prior to removal. Staff will conduct a site visit of the trees proposed for removal to determine if the TRP findings can be made, and the processing times take between 2-3 weeks. Appointments to discuss if a TRP is necessary or submit an application for a TRP require 15 - 20 minutes.

Zoning Inquiry

30 minutes

Requests for more information regarding proposed development or use allowances for commercial, residential, industrial, institutional and open space zoning districts within the City. Conceptual plans may be reviewed and guidance provided regarding zoning limitations or concerns. Appointments to discuss the development standards and design guidelines typically require 30 minutes.

Other - Planning

30 minutes

Public Records

30 minutes

- View public records or request copies of building plans or permit history.
- Documents that do not bear the stamp/signature of an architect/designer can be provided immediately via PDF.
Please bring a thumb drive to your appointment.
- Plans that bear the stamp/signature of an architect must formally be requested through the City Clerk's office.

Courier Pick-Up

30 minutes