Navigating the San Carlos Permit Process: Planning Comes First

Navigating the San Carlos Permit Process: Planning Comes First

If you're planning any kind of home improvement, addition, new construction, or ADU in San Carlos, the permitting process is more structured—and digital—than ever. But don’t skip ahead: the City requires you to start with the Planning Division before submitting anything to the Building Department.

Whether you're a homeowner remodeling a kitchen or an investor developing a duplex, here’s what you need to know.

🧭 Step 1: Submit to the Planning Department

The Planning Division ensures your project aligns with local zoning, setbacks, height restrictions, lot coverage, and neighborhood design guidelines. No project can proceed without Planning approval.

🔹 Start your application here:
👉 San Carlos Planning Applications

What Planning reviews:

• Setbacks and zoning compliance

• Neighborhood compatibility

• Height limits and floor area ratio

• Lot coverage

• Parking requirements

• Design review (for new homes and major additions)

🧱 Step 2: Move to the Building Department (After Planning Approval)

Once your Planning application is approved, you’ll move to the Building Division and submit your construction documents online using the Customer Self-Service (CSS) Portal.

🔹 Submit your building permit here:
👉 CSS Permit Portal – City of San Carlos

📝 What You’ll Need to Upload in CSS

• Completed building permit application

• Construction drawings (site plan, floor plans, elevations)

• Title 24 energy documentation

• Structural and civil engineering plans (if required)

• Digital payment for plan check fees

🔹 Download all forms here:
👉 Building Department Forms & Handouts

⚡️ What About Solar Projects?

For residential rooftop solar systems, San Carlos uses SolarAPP+, which offers same-day permits for qualified systems.

🔹 Check eligibility and apply here:
👉 San Carlos Solar Permitting via SolarAPP+

⏱ Permitting Timeline Under AB 2234

For most residential projects, California law mandates timelines that San Carlos must follow:

• 15 business days to confirm completeness

• 30 days to complete review for most projects (≤25 units)

• 60 days for larger developments

Expect longer timelines if corrections are needed, or if plans are incomplete at first submittal.

🧰 Inspections & Final Sign-Off

Once your permit is issued, you can schedule inspections directly through the CSS Portal. Final approval is required before occupancy or closing out your permit.

🧭 Quick Links Summary

🏁 Final Thoughts from Heckenberg Realty

At Heckenberg Realty, we’ve helped dozens of clients navigate San Carlos’s permit maze—whether building an ADU in White Oaks or remodeling a home near Eaton Park. The key? Start early, plan thoroughly, and don’t skip steps.

Have questions about zoning or the feasibility of a project before you submit anything? We’re happy to help you get aligned before you spend money on plans. Reach out anytime—we don't just sell homes, we practice real estate.