Pool Demolition Under City Rules
A BAAQMD job number first, then the city permit, breakout, haul-off and compaction, with an engineer's report if the area must be buildable.
Learn more about pool demolition under city rules
Concrete Work, Artificial Turf and Pool Removal Across San Jose
From Willow Glen and the Rose Garden to Almaden Valley, Evergreen and Berryessa, Cicarelli Contractors takes on the heavy part of a yard. Under CSLB License #1109419, we break out concrete and pools, then build pavers, artificial turf, retaining walls and patios, and we handle the city permit.
- City of San José permits handled
- CSLB License #1109419
Santa Clara County
Four Valleys, One Building Division
Incorporated on March 27, 1850, the city served as the first state capital and is now the largest in the Bay Area. It spreads across four valleys: Almaden to the southwest, hilly Evergreen to the southeast, the flat Santa Clara Valley and rural Coyote Valley.
Every address inside city limits is reviewed by the Building Division of Planning, Building and Code Enforcement at City Hall. One rule surprises many owners: a retaining wall taller than 2 feet above existing grade needs a building permit here.
South Bay hardscape
Concrete, Turf and the Rest of the Yard, Built by One Crew
Looking for a concrete contractor in San Jose who also handles the pool, the turf and the permit? We take the yard from demolition to finished surface under one contract.
Get A Free EstimateConcrete Driveways, Patios and Slabs
Tired concrete broken out and replaced over a compacted base, whether it is a driveway, a patio or an old pool deck.
Learn more about concrete driveways, patios and slabs
Pavers From Willow Glen to Evergreen
Driveways, patios and walkways in concrete pavers, set on a compacted base with borders that hold their line.
Learn more about pavers from willow glen to evergreen
Retaining Walls and the 2-Foot Rule
Walls over 2 feet from existing grade need a city building permit and a Planning permit; we design the wall and file for both.
Learn more about retaining walls and the 2-foot rule
Artificial Turf Installation
Turf over a drained, compacted base for front yards, side yards and former pool areas across the city.
Learn more about artificial turf installation
Fire Pits, Pergolas and Pavilions
Outdoor living built on the cleared yard: fire pit patios, pergolas and covered spaces with seating.
Learn more about fire pits, pergolas and pavilions
Crew on camera
Pool Jobs We Filmed Up and Down the Bay
None of these clips comes from inside city limits. They show the crew on pool demolitions in Fremont, San Ramon and Hillsborough and on a pool-to-outdoor-living makeover in Vacaville.
Watch On YouTubeReasons to hire us
What Sets Our Crew Apart on a South Bay Job
4.9★
Rating on 45 Google reviews
2ft
Wall height that triggers a city permit
1850
Year the city was incorporated
State License #1109419
A CSLB B General Building license with an active bond, easy to verify online.
Measured On Site, Quoted in Writing
After we measure, the written estimate arrives within 24 hours.
Air District and City Paperwork
For pool demolitions, we get the BAAQMD job number and prepare the city permit package.
A Year of Workmanship Coverage
Our 1-year workmanship warranty is part of every contract.
Before and after
Pool and Lawn Makeovers to Slide Through
Real Cicarelli projects from other Bay Area cities, shown with a slider. Pool-to-turf and paver work like this is available across the South Bay.
See All Projects
BeforeAfterA Gazebo Where the Pool Once Sat
Burlingame · Pool removal, pavers and turf
BeforeAfterFront Lawn Traded for Turf
Turf and stepping stones
BeforeAfterFilled Pool, New Green Lawn
Pool removal and artificial turf
How it runs here
The Route From Estimate to City Sign-Off
One point of contact while the paperwork moves between agencies.
Start With A Free Estimate- Step 01
Yard Visit
We check the pool or slab, the access, the slope and any zoning details.
- Step 02
Scope in Writing
An itemized estimate with the work, the permits and the order of tasks.
- Step 03
Air District Job Number
For pool demolitions, BAAQMD issues a job number before the city permit.
- Step 04
City Permit Filing
Qualifying jobs at the Permit Center counter, larger ones through plan review.
- Step 05
Breakout and Backfill
Demolition, haul-off and compaction, with a report if the area must be buildable.
- Step 06
Inspections via SJPermits
Inspections booked online, then the new surface goes in under our 1-year warranty.
Google Reviews in the Clients' Own Words
Two Google reviews quoted word for word. Both describe pool demolitions, and neither says where the reviewer lives.
Jim FrizzellPool demolition on a hillside
I recently hired Cicarelli Contractors for demolition of my swimming pool. From our initial discussion to our final completion Athalyson and his crew were true professionals. Our pool is on a hill with limited access. His crew was able to get their equipment in place for the demolition and wheelbarrow fill dirt up hill. Some of those days had 90+ temps.
I was consistently impressed with the quality and professionalism of his crew. His crews seemed to always have a smile. The project was completed in a timely manner. His crew were consistently courteous and respectful of my property and maintained a clean work environment, restoring the site to its original condition.
I highly recommend Cicarelli Contractors for any construction needs. Their commitment to quality, efficiency, and customer satisfaction is commendable.
I wouldn’t hesitate to hire Cicarelli again!
Gigi LimPool demolition
I hired Cicarelli contractor for the demolition of my swimming pool. From the initial consultation through to the final walk through. I was consistently impressed with the quality of their service. Athalyson demonstrated exceptional responsiveness to my inquiries and concerns. The project was completed according to the agreed timeline. Any unforseen issues were addressed promptly and efficiently. The team exhibited a high degree of professionalism throughout the project. They were consistently courteous and respectful of my property. They diligently maintained a clean work environment, restoring the site to its original condition daily. Always on time.
I highly recommend Cicarelli contractors for any construction needs. Their commitment to quality, efficiency, and customer satisfaction is commendable. Furthermore, he can give you a significant discount, making their services even more valuable.
Seven South Bay Neighbors, Seven Permit Offices
Each city below borders or sits close to the city line and runs its own permit office.
Santa Clara
The neighbor to the northwest, home to Mission Santa Clara and the university. Its building department is separate, so permits come from the City of Santa Clara.
Free estimate in Santa Clara
Milpitas
North along I-680 and I-880, at the southern end of the bay. Milpitas issues its own permits through its city building division.
Free estimate in Milpitas
Campbell
Bordering the west side near Willow Glen, home to the Pruneyard. Campbell reviews and issues permits at its own city hall.
Free estimate in Campbell
Cupertino
West along Stevens Creek Boulevard toward the foothills. Cupertino runs its own building division for permits and inspections.
Free estimate in Cupertino
Los Gatos
Southwest at the edge of the Santa Cruz Mountains, past Campbell. The Town of Los Gatos issues its own permits.
Free estimate in Los Gatos
Saratoga
A small foothill city to the west, between Cupertino and Los Gatos. Saratoga permits projects itself, separate from the county and from San Jose.
Free estimate in Saratoga
Sunnyvale
Northwest past Santa Clara along Highway 101. Sunnyvale issues its own building permits, not the county.
Free estimate in Sunnyvale
Permits
Permits in San Jose: Building Division and SJPermits.org
San Jose's Building Division, part of Planning, Building and Code Enforcement, reviews and inspects private construction from City Hall. Many simple permits can be downloaded at SJPermits.org, where owners also check status and schedule inspections, while larger projects go through plan review. Cicarelli Contractors prepares the application and books each inspection.
City rules for pools and walls
- A building permit is required before removing or abandoning a swimming pool or spa, and a BAAQMD job number is required for the demolition whether or not asbestos is involved, per the city's swimming pool demolition page.
- If the old pool area is to be buildable, the city requires a demolition, drainage and compaction plan wet-stamped by a California-licensed engineer and a compaction report on the backfill, per the same pool demolition instructions.
- A retaining wall greater than 2 feet in height, measured from existing grade, needs a building permit and a Planning permit, and a wall with a surcharge or 4 feet or more from the bottom of the footing also needs a Public Works grading permit, per the fences and retaining walls page.
- Inspections are scheduled at SJPermits.org, with help by phone at 408-535-3555, per the Building Division page.
For a wider look at pool removal permits around the region, see our pool demolition permit guide.
Local guide
Concrete and Pool Projects in San Jose: The Rules That Shape Them
For a concrete contractor in San Jose, the city's rules set the plan before any breakout starts: pool removals need an air district job number and a permit, and walls over 2 feet need review. Cicarelli Contractors prepares that paperwork, removes the pool or slab and installs the pavers, turf or new concrete.
Where do I start a San Jose building permit?
Start at the city's Start Your Project pages, pick your property type and project, and follow the path listed there. Many simple permits can be downloaded from SJPermits.org, while other projects go through plan review at the Permit Center. Owners of single-family homes who struggle online can call 408-535-3555 for an appointment.
General questions go to BuildingPermits@sanjoseca.gov. We prepare the application, plans and supporting forms for pool, concrete and hardscape work.
How tall can a retaining wall be in San Jose without a permit?
Up to 2 feet, measured from existing grade. Above that, the wall needs a building permit and a Planning permit, either a Special Use Permit or a Planned Development Permit depending on zoning. A wall with a surcharge, or 4 feet or more from the bottom of the footing, also needs a Public Works grading permit.
That trigger is lower than the 4-foot exemption in cities such as Richmond and Alameda, so even a modest planter wall can need review. We measure before we design.
What does a pool demolition permit in San Jose require?
A BAAQMD job number, a building permit application and a plot plan showing the pool, the property lines and nearby structures. If the area will stay non-buildable and the lot qualifies, the permit can be issued during one Permit Center visit. If it will be buildable, an engineer's stamped compaction plan and report are required.
Community pools and properties on the Historic Resources Inventory also need Planning clearance. Compare partial and full removal on our pool removal page.
| Topic | San Jose |
|---|---|
| City permit office | Building Division, 200 E. Santa Clara St., Tower, 2nd Floor |
| How to apply | Start Your Project, then SJPermits.org or plan review |
| Inspections | SJPermits.org or 408-535-3555 |
| Retaining wall trigger | Over 2 ft from existing grade |
Updated · By Athalyson Bernardo, Owner of Cicarelli Contractors
Guides for South Bay Pool and Concrete Projects
FAQ
Pool, Wall and Permit Questions in San Jose
Have a Pool or Slab to Remove?
Call or text Monday to Saturday, 9 am to 5 pm, and we will schedule a visit anywhere from Berryessa to Almaden. More answers are in the full FAQ.
Call (650) 404-7049Do you take concrete and pool jobs in San Jose?
Yes. The city is part of our Santa Clara County service area, and we handle concrete removal and replacement, pool demolition, pavers, turf and retaining walls there. Our crew is based in Richmond, holds CSLB License #1109419 and gives every estimate free and in writing after a site visit.
Is it more expensive to hire a general contractor?
Not necessarily. A general contractor's price covers coordinating the trades, the permit and the inspections, work you would otherwise manage yourself across separate crews. For a yard with demolition, concrete and turf, one licensed contractor also means one contract and one warranty. Compare itemized written quotes before deciding.
Can I fill in my pool without an engineer in San Jose?
Yes, if the area will not be built on later. The city allows a non-buildable pool area, outlined on the plot plan along with what replaces it, such as landscaping. If you want the spot buildable for an addition or ADU, an engineer must stamp the compaction plan and provide a compaction report.
Do I need a permit for a fence in San Jose?
Only above the height limits. On a typical single-family lot, the city allows fences up to 3 feet in the front yard and 7 feet in the side and rear yards without a permit. Taller fences need both a building permit and a Planning permit, and corner lots have lower limits along the street.
What is a BAAQMD job number, and why do I need one?
It is a number from the Bay Area Air Quality Management District that the city requires before it issues a demolition permit, including for swimming pools and spas. It is needed whether or not the job involves asbestos. The district takes questions at 415-749-4900, and we request the number for our pool jobs.
How do I book a free estimate?
Use the free estimate form to send your address and a few photos of the pool, slab or yard, or call or text (650) 404-7049, Monday to Saturday, 9 am to 5 pm. We visit to measure and send a written estimate within 24 hours of the visit.