This page is a quick summary of resources a homeowner may want to investigate when considering a project that involves a contractor and a permit in the City of Santa Clara.
Santa Clara Plumbing Services and Project Types
| Water | Sewer | Electrical Conduit | Other |
|---|---|---|---|
| Water Leak Repairs (typically no permit) Water Line Replacements and Upgrades Backflows | New Cleanouts Adding new connections to existing sewer line Backwater Valves New connections to the main | Installing new conduit, usually as part of an electrical upgrade | Includes septic systems, sewage pumps, water pumps, storm drains, French drains, foundation waterproof protection, water storage tanks, water wells |
| Permits: Building, Public Works when touching public assets, Utility when touching a private utility property | Permits: Building or no permit | ||
Permits
A permit is an official document issued by local governments and utility providers that grants permission to construct or alter a property. Its primary purpose is to ensure that construction projects comply with local building codes, zoning laws, and safety regulations.
As the property owner, you usually have the option to obtain a permit for projects solely on your private property. While getting a permit may add to the cost and timeline of your project, it also provides peace of mind, knowing that your project has been reviewed by an expert in local building codes.
Anytime your project involves a public or utility-owned asset, you must obtain a permit.
If you hire us to assist with your project, we will file for any necessary permits. Typically, our clients pay the cost of the permit directly to the issuer, but they save on the time and expense of filing, which is part of our service.
There are three types of permits we generally work with.
| Building | Public Works (aka Encroachment Permits) | Utility Provider |
|---|---|---|
| Generally easy to file for and not very expensive for the types of projects we do. They cover projects on private property. | Public Works Permits can be a lengthy and time-consuming task to obtain. We are experienced in filing for these types of permits and recommend you allow us to provide that service to you. | When the City/Town provides the utility service, it is included with a building or public works permit. If the utility is managed separately, the property owner must obtain permission and adhere to the utility’s building codes. |
As a licensed contractor in California with significant experience delivering projects in the local communities of the San Francisco Bay Area, our construction practices and materials comply with the California Building Code (CBC). We encourage our clients to get permits but doing so is not required.
City of Santa Clara Links
| Santa Clara Building Dept The City of Santa Clara Building Dept shares permit-related information and links to begin the process and schedule inspections. They are one of the few Cities in the area that allow in-person visits to have your construction plans reviewed. They also offer virtual appointments. Their site also published many building code specifications making it a bit easier to work in Santa Clara versus some other Cities. | https://www.santaclaraca.gov/our-city/departments-a-f/community-development/building-division |
| Santa Clara Public Works Dept City of Santa Clara Public Works Engineering team provides links to their encroachment forms. If you hire us for your project, we suggest you let us work with the City on your permit. Note that the County of Santa Clara’s water district will show up if you do an internet search for “Santa Clara Water.” While the City does source water from the County, it is the City that manages distribution and thus any permits that are required for new or changed water connections to the main. | https://www.santaclaraca.gov/our-city/departments-g-z/public-works/engineering/permits |
| Santa Clara Public Works Dept The City of Santa Clara Public Works Engineering team provides links to their encroachment forms. If you hire us for your project, we suggest you let us work with the City on your permit. Note that the County of Santa Clara’s water district will show up if you do an internet search for “Santa Clara Water.” While the City does source water from the County, it is the City that manages distribution and thus any permits that are required for new or changed water connections to the main. | https://www.santaclaraca.gov/our-city/departments-g-z/water-sewer-utilities/water-utility |
Note that some homes may have a City address but are not serviced by Utilities in the above list. As a homeowner, you likely already know who you pay your water and sewer fees to but if you are not sure, you can check the above links and then check your County for sewer and www.calwater.com for water.