Permitting Tools & Tips

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San Jose New Building Permit Application Requirements

What to Know About the San Jose New Building Plan Submittal Process

Constructing a new commercial or industrial building is a significant undertaking that requires careful planning and attention to detail. Before breaking ground, you’ll need to obtain the necessary building permits from the City of San Jose.  In this article, we’ll walk through the typical components of a new building plan

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San Jose SJePlan Review

San Jose Electronic Plan Review File Format Requirements

As the construction industry increasingly embraces digital tools, many jurisdictions are transitioning to electronic plan review (ePlan) for permit applications. Electronic submittals became standard practice during COVID, and fortunately, it hasn’t gone away. The City of San Jose is no exception, with SJePlan now the standard method for most building

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Ready to Issue Permit in LA

Ready to Issue Permits in LA

  Understanding Ready-to-Issue Permits in Los Angeles (RTI) Navigating the construction permit process in Los Angeles can be daunting, but reaching the Ready-to-Issue (RTI) stage is a crucial milestone that indicates your project is almost ready to begin. This guide breaks down the steps, common challenges, and resources available to

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City of San Jose Introduces Streamlined Tenant Alterations Review Option

  The City of San Jose has recently revamped its expedited plan review process for office and commercial tenants looking to improve their leased spaces. Formerly known as the “Special Tenant Improvement-Industrial Tool Installation (STI-ITI) Service,” the program has been renamed to “Streamlined Tenant Alteration Review (STAR) Service” to better

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The Difference Between ADUs, JADUs and Guest Houses

  What is the difference between accessory dwelling units (ADUs), junior accessory dwelling unit (JADUs), and guest houses. In terms of location, an accessory dwelling unit may be attached or detached from the main dwelling structure. A JADU or junior ADU must be created from within the footprint of an

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California ADU Amendment on Jurisdiction Restrictions Explained

  The State of California amended their Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) handbook. As part of this, local jurisdictions are no longer allowed to limit, by ordinance, the minimum square footage of ADUs. In addition, they cannot set a maximum square footage of the ADUs. The State also says jurisdictions cannot

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ADU Requirements in Los Angeles

  Before you submit your plans for an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) permit in the City of Los Angeles, complete the following steps. Check your zoning. Go to zimas.lacity.org to verify that your property is zoned as residential. Check nearby transportation options. If your home is within a half a

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LADBS Acronyms & Definitions

  With the variety of acronyms and abbreviations used by the Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety (LADBS), it can be a challenge for those not used to working with the department to make sense of who, what or how permit applications or comments should be processed.   The city

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How to Accelerate Construction Timelines in the City of Los Angeles

Los Angeles’ Early Start Permit Program Explained In the dynamic landscape of Los Angeles construction, time is often as critical a resource as the materials that frame the city’s skyline. Recognizing the need to streamline project timelines without compromising on safety and compliance, the Los Angeles Department of Building and

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