Building Safety Division

The City of Gilroy adopted the 2022 California Building Standards Code with amendments.

Here is a copy of the Ordinances.

Adoption of the 2022 California Building Code - See Ordinance 2022-10

(Including Building Code, Residential Code, Electrical Code, Mechanical Code, Plumbing Code, Energy Code, Historical Building Code, Existing Building Code, Property Maintenance Code, Swimming Pool and Spa Code)

Adoption of the 2022 California Green Building Code - See Ordinance 2022-11
Adoption of the 2022 California Fire Code - See Ordinance 2022-12

Permit Applications

Building Permit Application Opens in new window

All Other Forms and Handouts Opens in new window

To obtain a Building Permit, submit all Forms and Plans to PlanSubmittal@cityofgilroy.org.

All new submittals will require a Building Permit Application. Please visit Building Divisions Forms, Handouts and Policies for a complete list.

Electronic File Submittal Guidelines

The following guidelines are for Applicants submitting electronic files:

Building Permit Application MUST include Construction Valuation for material and labor at fair market value.
Document must be in PDF format
Do not enable security on the PDF document that prevents mark-up, printing or collating
Documents that are locked from performing any of the above may be rejected without any further review
Plan sets MUST be combined into a single PDF Document, sorted in the same order as a physical plan set (8.5 x 11 documents on top and larger plans sets at the bottom)
Documents should be book marked and titled with descriptive names to ensure efficient processing and review time
Ensure pages within the plan set are rotated properly

If your document is too large, you may request link to download your large file at PlanSubmittal@cityofgilroy.org. Make sure to note on the email subject line "LARGE FILE LINK REQUEST". Please note failure to do so, may cause delays.

For Answers to Commonly Asked Questions Please Visit:

For General Questions or to book an Inspection Appointment, please call (408) 846-0451.

The Building and Safety Division applies building regulations to promote health and safety in all private and public buildings to ensure that new and existing buildings and structures are safe and suitable for their intended uses. We are committed to fulfilling our community's needs, preserving the City's quality of life and contributing to the city's economic development. We strive to provide customers exceptional personalized customer service that creates a pleasant experience and a predictable timeline and solutions in a manner that instills public trust and confidence while exceeding service expectations for all projects.

Services We Provide

Building Permitting - Process and issue permits for all new development and renovation projects in a timely manner.
Plan Review - Review all new development and renovation projects to assure compliance to State and City Codes.
Building Inspections - Inspect all new development and renovation projects to assure compliance with the approved plans.

We have an experienced counter, plan check, and inspection team standing by to help you with your project. We look forward to your permitting needs and are here to make your project our project!

We hope our website provides the information you are seeking and guides you through your project . If you need additional information or have any comments please contact us at (408) 846-0451.

Satisfaction Surveys

Customer satisfaction surveys are available at the front counter. Please fill them out to let us know how we are doing and how we can improve. You may also send your comments using the contact information to the right.

Forms

Building Permit Application Form

All Other Building and Safety Forms

Important Notice For Applicants of Commercial Construction:

California Assembly Bill 3002 went into effect on January 1, 2019, requiring cities and counties to provide additional information regarding disability access requirements and related resources to business owners applying for commercial construction permits. Under federal and state law, compliance with disability access laws is a serious and significant responsibility that applies to all California building owners and tenants with buildings open to the public.

To read Assembly Bill 3002 click here. Pursuant to California law, this informational notice will also be available in the near future in Spanish, Chinese, Tagalog, Vietnamese and Korean.

You may obtain information about your legal obligations and how to comply with disability access laws at the following agencies:.

The Division of State Architect
The California Commission on Disability Access

When Is a Building Permit Required?

A permit is required for projects such as new construction, additions, remodeling, repairs, and extensions to electrical, mechanical, and plumbing systems. Examples include, but are not limited to:

New homes and buildings
Room additions
Enclosures and carports
Decks and patio covers
Garage conversions
Landscape irrigation
Retaining walls
Window replacements
Water services
Sewer services
Signs
Fences over seven feet
Masonry walls
Fireplaces and fireplace inserts
Skylights
Sheds
Shower/tub enclosure replacements
Swimming pools and spas
Re-roofing
Siding
Ceiling fans
Furnace and water heater replacements or additions

Persons wishing to obtain a building permit must visit the Community Development Counter at City Hall. Depending upon your project, a planning process may also be required prior to the building permitting process.

When is a BUILDING Permit Not Required?

In some cases, a building permit is not necessary. However, planning regulations and permitting requirements may apply. Please contact the planning division at (408) 846-0440 to determine applicable regulations prior to constructing any structures or painting the exterior of any building.

A building permit is not required for:

One story detached accessory buildings used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses, etc., providing the floor area does not exceed 120 square feet and there is no electrical, plumbing or mechanical in the building.
Wood fences seven feet and less in height. However, front and side yard fences may have height and setback requirements. For these fences please check with Planning and Engineering.
Interior painting, papering, and similar finish work.

I’ve Already Started my Project Without a Building Permit. Now What?

If construction on a project commences without proper permitting, your project may be delayed until such time that we can determine how to assist you to get your project moving forward properly in accordance with current planning and building regulations. If your project receives a red tag or placard to stop work please contact our Building Division at 408-846-0451 to determine the proper procedures to move forward.

I’m Still Not Sure if My Project Requires a Building Permit?

When in doubt about whether or not your project requires a permit, please call 408-846-0451 to speak with one of our experienced building division employees to determine your City Permit needs.