Guide to Eichler Home Permits and Blueprints in Silicon Valley
Accessing Eichler Permits and Blueprints in Silicon Valley
Mid-century Eichler homes are prized for their modernist design and rich history. Unlocking a home's story often starts with original building permits, blueprints, and architectural records. This guide provides step-by-step instructions to access these records in Silicon Valley (from San Mateo County down to San Jose), and explains how to identify and interpret authentic Eichler documents.
Accessing Local Building Permit Records
Each city or county maintains its own building department and archives. Below are instructions for obtaining Eichler home permit records in key Silicon Valley jurisdictions:
San Mateo County (Unincorporated Areas & Redwood City)
Identify Jurisdiction: If your Eichler is in an unincorporated area of San Mateo County (e.g. the San Mateo Highlands tract), records are held by the County Planning & Building Department. Incorporated cities like Redwood City handle their own permits.
Online Permit Search: The County’s Online Permit Center (Accela) allows searches for permits (generally records from 1990 onward aca-prod.accela.com). For example, entering the address or parcel number may show recent permits. Older original permits from the 1950s–60s will likely not appear online.
Public Records Request: For older permits (pre-1990), submit a records request to the County. San Mateo County provides a Building Research or Review form for public records requests smcgov.org. You can email or visit the Permit Center with details (property address, approximate construction year, tract name if known) and request copies of original building permits. The county staff will search archives (often microfilm) for the permit and any subsequent remodeling permits.
Redwood City Eichlers: Eichler homes in Redwood City (an incorporated city within San Mateo County) require contacting Redwood City’s Building Division. Redwood City offers an eTRAKiT online portal for permit status and history redwoodcity.org. Search by address to find permits. If the original 1950s permit isn’t in the online system, call or visit Redwood City’s permitting office to request archive retrieval. Be prepared to provide the tract lot number or subdivision name if available (many Redwood City Eichlers were built in designated tracts).
Tip: San Mateo County is home to the largest contiguous Eichler development – the Highlands (about 700 homes built 1956–1964) en.wikipedia.org. Original permits from that era will date within that range. Knowing the year your neighborhood was built can guide the county staff to the right records.
Palo Alto
Online Records Access: Palo Alto has an online permit search (Accela Citizen Access). Use the city’s permit portal or the “BuildingEye” interactive map to look up your address cityofpaloalto.org. Many historical building permit records are accessible this way. Enter the street name or address to view a list of permits (e.g. the original construction permit and any later additions).
City Archives: If the permit is not available online (common for 1950s-era records), contact the City of Palo Alto Development Services or City Clerk’s Office. You may need to file a Public Records Act (PRA) request via their online form cityofpaloalto.org. Provide the address and request building permit history and original plans. Palo Alto’s staff can pull older permits from microfilm archives.
Local Historical Resources: Palo Alto Historical Association (PAHA) has indexed early building permits reported in old newspapers. For homes built before 1955, PAHA’s archives include permit info compiled from Palo Alto Times articlespaloaltoonline.com. This can help identify the year built and builder if city records are incomplete. The Rinconada Library (California Room) also holds historical files.
What to Expect: Palo Alto permits from the Eichler era (mostly mid-1950s in neighborhoods like Green Gables, Greenmeadow, etc.) should list Eichler Homes as the developer or applicant and might reference architects like Anshen & Allen or Jones & Emmons. Verify that the permit’s issue date and description align with an Eichler tract development year.
Mountain View
Online Permit History: Mountain View provides a searchable permit history database for records from 2000 to current mountainview.gov. Start by entering your address on the city’s E-Permits portal to see if any building permits (especially recent or late-20th-century ones) are listed.
Request Older Records: Original Eichler homes in Mountain View date to the 1950s–60s, so you will likely need to request archived records. Contact Mountain View’s Building Division and ask about retrieving historical permits. They maintain older plans on microfiche in permanent address files clients.comcate.com. You can view these public records by appointment.
Submitting a Records Request: Mountain View may have a form or process for records research. Provide the property address and ask specifically for the original building permit and any plans on file. City staff will locate the microfiche or scanned images of the original permit and any subsequent permits (for remodels, etc.). There may be a small fee for scanning or printing.
Copying Blueprints: If Mountain View locates original blueprint plans for your Eichler, be aware of California’s strict rules on copying plans. By state law, the city cannot release copies of blueprints without permission from the current property owner and the original licensed architect/designer who drew the plans (or their successor)clients.comcate.com. This means you can view the plans, but to obtain duplicates you must sign affidavits and attempt to get the original architect’s consent. (Many Eichler architects are deceased, so the city may guide you through proving due diligence or obtaining a court order exemption if needed.)
Sunnyvale
Online Permit System: Sunnyvale’s OneStop Permit Center allows you to search permit and plan history online sunnyvale.ca.gov. Create an account or use the public search function to look up your address. You should see a list of permits – these might include the original construction permit (if digitized) and any later permits (e.g. roof replacements, additions).
City Records Request: If the 1950s/1960s permit for your Eichler home isn’t visible online, reach out to Sunnyvale’s Building Safety Division. Sunnyvale keeps extensive records, but some older documents might not be fully online. You can call the Permit Center (408-730-7444) or visit in person during weekday hours sunnyvale.ca.gov to request a file search for historical permits.
Viewing and Copying Plans: Similar to other cities, Sunnyvale will let you review original plans in their office if available. Should you need copies of blueprints, you’ll be subject to the same state copying restrictions (owner and architect permission). The staff can provide the necessary forms and guidance.
Note on Sunnyvale Eichlers: Eichler built several tracts in Sunnyvale around the late 1950s and early 1960s. When reviewing the permit, look for familiar signatures – for example, “Eichler Homes, Inc.” as builder. Sunnyvale permits may also reference the tract name (such as “Fairbrae” or other Eichler subdivision in Sunnyvale).
Cupertino
Digital Records Archive: Cupertino offers an excellent online archive via Laserfiche. You can browse public building permit records by street name and addresscupertino.gov. Navigate to Public Records > Building Department > Building Permits, then find the folder for your street and house number. Here, you may find scanned PDFs of the original 1960s permit and subsequent permits.
Template Search: Alternatively, use Cupertino’s template search function on the records site cupertino.gov. Select the building permits template and input your address or permit number to pull up records.
Agency Counter Map: For a visual approach, Cupertino’s AgencyCounter map portal allows you to see permits geographically cupertino.gov. You can locate your property on the map and click to see permit details, including status and basic descriptions.
Requesting Plan Copies: If you need to see the actual blueprints or supporting documents for your Eichler, Cupertino requires a “Request for Research” formcupertino.gov. Fill out the request detailing what you need (e.g. “original construction plans from 1962 for 1234 Example St.”). The City will retrieve the archived plans, usually within about 10 business days, and let you know when they are available for review. Remember the copying rules – you’ll need proper permissions to get duplications of plans drawn by Eichler’s architects. Cupertino staff can facilitate the request and let you view the plans in City Hall.
San Jose
Online Permit Search (SJPermits): The City of San José has put historical permits dating back to the 1950s online. Use the SJPermits portal (sjpermits.org) and search by property address to access the permit history sjpl.org. You should be able to find the original building permit for your Eichler (commonly issued in the early 1960s for San Jose Eichler tracts like Fairglen in Willow Glen). The database will list permit numbers, dates, descriptions, and sometimes contractor names.
San Jose Public Library – California Room: San Jose’s older permits (1940–1986) are also archived on microfilm in the California Room at the San Jose Public Librarysjpl.org. If you prefer in-person research or want to see the permit in its original format, you can visit the library. Librarians can help you find the permit by address or permit number. (They have index books and microfilm readers available.)
Requesting Records: In most cases, SJPermits online will suffice, as it can even allow you to download the permit file. If you need architectural drawings, you might need to request those from the San José Building Division if they aren’t attached in the online system. San Jose’s permit center can provide copies of plans if permitted by law.
Tips: Permits in San Jose from the Eichler era will likely list Joseph Eichler or Eichler Homes as the developer, and may reference the tract name (e.g. “Tract No. blink”). Look for the architect’s name on any plan sheets – San Jose Eichlers (early 1960s) were often designed by architect Claude Oakland, so his name might appear on the blueprints.
Identifying Original Eichler Construction Permits
Once you obtain the permit record for your house, how do you confirm it’s an authentic Eichler permit? Here are key identifiers:
Date of Permit: Eichler’s company built homes primarily between the late 1940s and 1966 (over 11,000 houses in Northern California by 1966) en.wikipedia.org. In Silicon Valley, most Eichler subdivisions were built in the 1950s and early 1960s. An original permit dated, say, 1958 for a tract house strongly points to Eichler in neighborhoods known for Eichlers (e.g. a 1958 permit in Palo Alto’s Greenmeadow tract).
Builder/Applicant Name: Authentic permits will typically list Eichler Homes, Inc. or a related entity as the builder or permit applicant. Joseph Eichler’s name might appear as the owner or developer. For example, a permit might say “Owner: Eichler Homes, Inc. (J.L. Eichler)” or list Eichler’s general contractor. The presence of Eichler’s name is a primary sign of authenticity.
Architect or Designer: Check for the architect’s name or stamp on the permit or plan. Eichler hired renowned architects like Anshen + Allen, Jones & Emmons, and Claude Oakland to design his homes atomic-ranch.com. If you see any of those names (or their firm’s name) on the documents, it confirms the home’s Eichler pedigree. For instance, an Eichler built in 1955 may have a notation “Plans by Anshen+Allen” in the file. Jones & Emmons plans (common in mid-1950s Eichlers) or Claude Oakland’s signature on 1960s plans are telltale.
Subdivision/Tract Info: Eichler developments were built as large tracts. The permit might reference a tract number or subdivision name. For example, “Tract 1027 – Fairglen #3” or “Greenmeadow Unit No.2.” Cross-checking this against known Eichler tract names can verify authenticity. Eichler homes were indeed built in San Mateo, Redwood City, Palo Alto, Mountain View, Sunnyvale, Cupertino, and San Jose among other Bay Area cities en.wikipedia.org, so a tract located in one of these cities in the mid-century period is likely Eichler’s if the other indicators match.
Serial or Model Number: Some original permits or plan sets might include the Eichler model number or plan type. Eichler homes had model codes (sometimes noted on blueprints or permit applications). For instance, you might find a notation like “Model JM-116” or an engineer’s stamp referencing the design. Enthusiasts can match these to known Eichler models if available. This is a more advanced detail, but it can further authenticate the design if present.
Example: A Palo Alto permit from 1950 shows: Issued 6/15/1950, Owner: “Eichler Building Co.”, Architect: “Anshen & Allen,” description “Construct single-story residence – 3BR, 2B, wood frame.” All these indicate it’s an original Eichler construction permit. In contrast, a permit from 1985 to “John Smith Construction” for a second-story addition would clearly not be the original Eichler build (it’s a remodel).
Interpreting Eichler Architectural Blueprints
Obtaining the blueprints or architectural plans of your Eichler home is a treasure trove of information. Here’s how to read and distinguish them:
Blueprint Layout and Symbols: Eichler blueprints (usually large format sheets) will include floor plans, elevations, sections, and detail drawings. Start with the floor plan sheet – it shows the layout of rooms, walls, doors, and the characteristic indoor-outdoor spaces (like atriums or courtyards). Look for labels of rooms (bedroom, kitchen, etc.) and dimensions. Eichler plans often feature post-and-beam construction details; you may see notations for beams, slab foundation, and the location of glass walls. These elements reflect the classic Eichler design (open plan, floor-to-ceiling glass, atrium).
Title Block Information: On each blueprint sheet, a title block (usually at the bottom or corner) lists important metadata: the project name, location, architect, date, scale, and sheet number. An authentic Eichler plan’s title block might say something like “Eichler Homes – Job #____” and the architect’s name (e.g., “Jones & Emmons, Architects”) along with the date. This confirms the plan’s origin. A remodel plan from decades later will have a different title block (perhaps a local architect’s name and a much later date).
Distinguishing Original vs. Remodel Plans: Original Eichler plans will depict the house as it was first built. If your home has had additions or alterations, the city file might also contain remodel plans. Compare the drawings:
Original plans (circa 1950s/60s) will show the original footprint – often a modest square footage, and hallmark Eichler features like an open atrium (for models that had them) or carport. They likely carry the original architect’s stamp. The design style will be cohesive and true to mid-century modern aesthetic.
Remodel or addition plans (dates in the 1970s, 80s, or later) will usually be labeled as such in the permit description (e.g. “Addition of family room 1980”). These plans may be drawn by another architect or draftsperson. Visually, you might notice differences – for example, different drawing style or newer notation conventions. Also, remodel plans typically only sketch the new portion (sometimes with the original outlined for context). A two-story addition plan, for instance, will clearly be something Eichler’s team did not design (since nearly all Eichler originals were single-story). By examining the style and date on the blueprint, you can separate the original Eichler design from later changes.
Identifying Copycat Designs: In some Silicon Valley neighborhoods, other builders emulated Eichler’s style (post-and-beam, open-plan homes by builders like Mackay or Alliance). To confirm if a house is a true Eichler or a “copycat”:
Check the original permit’s builder name. If it’s not Eichler (for example, a permit might say Mackay Builders, or another developer), then the house, while similar in look, is not an Eichler home.
The architectural plans of copycats might lack certain Eichler trademarks (like the exacting layout of an atrium model by Jones & Emmons). They may also have different materials or construction methods noted. For instance, Eichler used 4x8 paneled ceilings and in-floor radiant heating (often noted on plans), whereas a different builder might have conventional attic and forced-air heat.
Another clue is the tract name. Eichler tracts often have known names (Greenmeadow, Fairglen, Rancho San Miguel, etc.). If your permit indicates a subdivision that isn’t associated with Eichler, it could be a contemporary development by someone else. Researching the subdivision name can clarify this.
Square Footage and Layout Changes: Blueprints and permits will list the original square footage of the house. Eichler models ranged in size (e.g., ~1,400 sq ft for smaller 3-bedroom models, up to ~2,000+ for larger models). If the current home is larger (perhaps due to additions), the original blueprint’s dimensions reveal what was added. Any notations on the plans (such as penciled-in changes or stamped revisions) can show modifications during construction or later. Builders sometimes wrote notes on blueprints – for example, a field change or a note like “as built” adjustments. These can be insightful historical metadata.
Reading a Sample Blueprint: Imagine you have a copy of the original plan. The title block says “Job No. 492, Eichler Homes, Architect: A. Quincy Jones & F. Emmons, Date: 8/15/1957.” The floor plan sheet shows a 4-bedroom layout with a central atrium. You’ll see notations for electrical fixtures (symbols for lights), plumbing (sink, toilet placements), and structural posts. The elevation sheet might depict the iconic low-pitch roof and floor-to-ceiling glass walls. By studying these, you not only understand the original design, but you might catch differences from today’s house (e.g., a wall that was added later where an open atrium once existed). This is how blueprints help distinguish the authentic Eichler plan from later alterations.
Working with City Departments and Archives
Researching building records can be a bureaucratic process. These tips will help you navigate city planning departments and archives effectively:
Be Prepared: Before contacting a city department, gather as much info as possible: the property address (and any old lot or tract number if you have deeds or subdivision maps), the year built (even an approximate year helps), and the owner’s name when built (often Joseph Eichler’s company for Eichlers). This will assist staff in locating the correct files.
Contacting Offices: Many building departments have a records clerk or technician who handles archive requests. Call ahead to find out the procedure. Some cities require an appointment to view microfilm or will ask you to submit an official request form. When you visit, bring ID and be ready to explain that you’re researching the home’s history (staff are usually familiar with these requests, especially for Eichler homes which are often researched).
Public Records Act (PRA) Requests: In California, building permit records are public information. If a city directs you to file a PRA request, it’s usually a straightforward online or paper form stating what you need. The law gives the city 10 days (with possible extensions) to respond. Cupertino, for example, completes research on request within about 10 business days cupertino.gov. There might be nominal fees for copies. Write your request clearly (e.g., “All building permits and original building plans for 1234 Main Street, built circa 1962, Eichler tract”).
Viewing vs. Obtaining Copies: It’s important to distinguish viewing records from getting copies. You have the right to inspect permits and plans. Copies of basic documents like permit cards or inspection records are usually provided readily. However, as noted, copies of architectural drawings have legal restrictions. Cities will often let you take photographs of the plans during viewing if formal copying is an issue. In any case, to copy blueprints you’ll need the owner’s written permission and the original architect’s permission or a certification of their unavailabilityclients.comcate.com. Plan ahead for this step – you might need to sign a form at the city stating you won’t use the plans for reuse or you have the proper permissions. It can take time to track down an architect or their successor firm (for Eichler homes, many archives or successor firms may hold those rights).
Ask the Experts: City staff can be very helpful. Don’t hesitate to ask a planning department archivist or historian for guidance. In Palo Alto, for instance, the staff historian or the local history librarian might have insight into Eichler neighborhoods and can point you to resources like old newspapers or the PAHA archives. In San Jose, librarians in the California Room can help decipher old permit ledgers. Use their expertise to your advantage.
COVID-19 / Digital Convenience: Many jurisdictions have improved digital access recently. As of 2025, a lot of permit research can be done online or via email without having to travel to each city hall. Take advantage of online databases (like San Jose’s SJPermits or Cupertino’s Laserfiche) to do preliminary research, then only make in-person visits if you need to see physical documents or high-resolution plan details.
Additional Resources for Eichler Records
Beyond city offices, consider these resources to deepen your research or obtain original Eichler plans:
University Archives (UC Berkeley & UCLA): Joseph Eichler’s developments were documented by the architects, and many original drawings ended up in university archives. The UC Berkeley Environmental Design Archives holds collections from some Eichler architects (for example, the archives of architect Claude Oakland & Associates, who designed late Eichlers eichlernetwork.com). UC Berkeley’s archives have Eichler site plans and drawings, some of which can be accessed via the Online Archive of California. UCLA’s library houses the A. Quincy Jones & Frederick Emmons architectural papers, which include Eichler home plans from the 1950s–60s. Researchers have found their Eichler’s model blueprints through these archives. If you want a copy of an original plan without dealing with city restrictions, the archives might provide reproductions for a fee. (In fact, Eichler Network has noted that UC Berkeley’s archive can provide blueprint copies at a fraction of the cost that some private vendors charge.)
Eichler Network and Homeowner Communities: The Eichler Network (eichlernetwork.com) is an organization and website devoted to Eichler homes. They have articles and forums where homeowners share information on models and renovations. You may find references to identifying your model or even someone who has the same tract’s plans. While the Network itself no longer sells plan copies directly, their site and magazine often mention where to find plans and how to work with cities. It’s an invaluable community for advice on preservation and can connect you with experts (contractors, architects familiar with Eichlers, etc.).
Local Historical Societies: In addition to Palo Alto’s historical association, you might reach out to historical societies in other areas:
For San Mateo County Eichlers, the San Mateo County Historical Association might have archives or photographs of the Eichler subdivisions (for instance, promotional materials or newspaper clippings from when the Highlands opened).
In Santa Clara County, organizations like the Santa Clara County Archives or local history museums could have subdivision maps or Assessor’s records that complement the permit data.
Real Estate Records: Don’t overlook county assessor records and deed records. While not as detailed as building permits, they can provide clues. For example, an Eichler home’s first sale deed might name Eichler’s company as the seller, confirming the house’s origin. Assessor records often list the year built (which should match the permit) and square footage (original vs after additions).
Historical Metadata: Pay attention to all the metadata you uncover – things like original square footage, lot size, tract number, permit valuation (cost to build), etc. These numbers tell a story. The square footage on a 1950s permit lets you know how large the home was initially (useful if you suspect additions were made). The builder’s notations or inspector sign-offs might reveal construction techniques (for example, notes about radiant heating installation or special materials used). Even the permit fee or declared value (say $15,000 construction cost in 1958) gives context to the era and the home’s value as new.
Visual Comparisons: If you obtain old plans or permits, use them as a guide to examine your home. For preservationists or buyers, confirming that current layouts match the original can be important. If you find differences, those indicate remodels – which you can then trace in the permit history (e.g., a 1975 permit for enclosing the atrium would correspond to the atrium no longer existing). This kind of detective work can authenticate whether a house still retains its Eichler-original floor plan or has been significantly altered.
By leveraging these resources – from city permit offices to university archives – you can piece together a comprehensive history of your Eichler home. The process may require patience and a bit of sleuthing, but the reward is a deeper understanding of your home’s provenance and design. Each document, whether a simple permit card or a detailed blueprint, is a window into the past, showing how your Eichler was conceived and how it has evolved over time.
Conclusion
Researching original permits and blueprints for Eichler homes in Silicon Valley can be an enlightening journey. Start with the local building departments in San Mateo County, Palo Alto, Mountain View, Sunnyvale, Cupertino, and San Jose to gather the official records. These will help identify your home’s authentic Eichler lineage – the dates, the builders (often Joseph Eichler’s company), and the architects that made these mid-century modern icons. With blueprints in hand, learn to read the story they tell: the clean lines of the floor plan, the noted square footage and materials, and any changes scribbled in over time. Distinguishing an original Eichler design from later remodels or look-alike designs is easier when you know what signatures and features to look for.
Finally, remember that plenty of help is available – city archivists, Eichler enthusiast groups, and archives at institutions have done much of the groundwork. Whether you’re a homeowner restoring an Eichler, a buyer verifying a home’s history, or a preservationist documenting these architectural treasures, the information is out there. With the steps and tips outlined above, you’ll be well-equipped to access the permits and plans you need. Each Eichler home has a unique story waiting in the archives – now you know how to find it and interpret it, bringing that history to life in your modern-day Eichler experience.
Sources:
Palo Alto Online – “Tips on how to uncover your home's history” (Steve Staiger, Palo Alto Historical Association) paloaltoonline.com
San José Public Library (California Room) – Building Permits Collection sjpl.org
City of Cupertino – Building Division FAQ (Public Records Search instructions)cupertino.govcupertino.gov
City of Mountain View – Building Division FAQ (policy on copying of plans)clients.comcate.com
Wikipedia: “Joseph Eichler” – Eichler homes development timeline and locationsen.wikipedia.orgen.wikipedia.org
Atomic Ranch: “Joseph Eichler: His Work + Designs” – Eichler’s architects and philosophy atomic-ranch.com
Sources