Quick Answer: To get a Certificate of Occupancy (CO) in San Jose for a new room addition, ADU, or significant renovation, you must: (1) Complete all construction work; (2) Pass all final inspections required by the building permit — typically final building, final electrical, final plumbing, and final mechanical inspections; (3) Submit a CO application to San Jose’s Building Division; and (4) Receive the CO, typically issued within 1-5 business days after all inspections pass. For an ADU, San Jose’s Building Division may also require a final utility meter installation by PG&E before issuing the CO. A CO is required before anyone can legally occupy an ADU or new addition — including for rental purposes. Without a CO, a room addition or ADU is considered unpermitted and may create issues with home insurance, home sale, and legal rental agreements.
Certificate of Occupancy Process — San Jose 2025
| Step | Who Does It | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Complete all construction work | General contractor | Per project schedule |
| Schedule final building inspection | Contractor via ePermits | Request 1-3 days ahead |
| Pass final building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical inspections | City inspectors | 1-3 days per inspection |
| Address any correction notices (if fail) | Contractor | Varies by issue |
| Apply for Certificate of Occupancy | Owner or contractor | Day of final inspection pass |
| CO issued by San Jose Building Division | City of San Jose | 1-5 business days |
Quartz Construction manages all inspection scheduling and CO application for every project we build in San Jose. We don’t consider a project complete until the Certificate of Occupancy is in hand. CSLB #1003436 | Call (650) 749-7436.
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