The Earthquakes cleared an important hurdle toward building a $60 million soccer stadium Wednesday, with San Jose’s approval of a permit needed to start construction.

“We’re closer than we’ve ever been,” team president Dave Kaval said.

The permit is expected to be finalized Friday but won’t become valid until Jan. 3, if the decision isn’t appealed. However, San Jose planning director Joseph Horwedel said a few residents concerned about noise are considering an appeal.

Quakes officials have agreed to meet quarterly with residents to try to solve any stadium-related issues once the project is done.

Kaval said the latest permit spells out what types of events can be held at the proposed 18,000-seat stadium adjacent to Mineta San Jose International Airport. Knowing the use parameters allows the team to figure out how to finance the privately funded project.

The Earthquakes plan to hire a firm to draw up blueprints and begin construction, perhaps early next year. The Major League Soccer team could open the 2013 season in a new facility. It currently plays at 10,500-seat Buck Shaw Stadium at Santa Clara University.

“This stadium is one of the City Council’s priorities,” Horwedel said. “The city is very hopeful that groundbreaking would be happening here next year.”