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When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Millbrae
Building new or altered structures; work on electrical/plumbing/mechanical systems; demolition where no separate planning approval route is required.
Note: exemptions are narrow and fact-specific; related departments (fire, planning, health, environmental, utility providers) may impose additional non-building approvals.
- Project scope details, project valuation, address and party info, electronic plans/specs/energy/calculation docs as applicable, and required attachments.
- Building code
- California Building Code, Residential Code, Electrical Code, Mechanical Code, Plumbing Code, Energy Code, Fire Code, Green Building Standard Code, Wildland-Urban Interface Code (all 2025 editions per City guidance).
- Permit validity
- Not clearly stated as a public, one-line policy on the permit portal pages.
- Owner-builder
- Permit application includes owner-builder disclosure language referencing California contractor-licensing exemption requirements.
- Contractor requirements
- Application form includes CSLB license fields; City states all contractors need a valid current City of Millbrae business license; owner-built permit work must still follow contractor licensing-law disclosure requirements.
Application process
Typical processing: No-plan permits are commonly issued in 1�2 business days; prepared-plan permits have a stated 15-business-day review target, with small kitchen/bath remodels often 2�5 business days.
- 01 Register/ log in to the City online permitting portal.
- 02 Start a new building/electrical/plumbing/mechanical application and complete required application pages (Information, Scope of Work, Application, Submittals).
- 03 Upload required plans and documents in PDF format and provide property/party details and valuation.
- 04 Submit electronically; staff checks for completeness and issues review comments if missing items exist.
- 05 Pay required plan check fees at submittal time.
- 06 Wait for plan-check routing/review across City departments, then address corrections if issued.
- 07 Receive permit issuance when all conditions are satisfied.
Typical processing time: No-plan permits are commonly issued in 1�2 business days; prepared-plan permits have a stated 15-business-day review target, with small kitchen/bath remodels often 2�5 business days.
Source: City of Millbrae Building Division (Community Development Department) ↗
Fee schedule
Millbrae building permit fees
City accepts debit and credit cards; multiple supplemental impact, utility, and school-district fees may apply for qualifying projects.
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
- E-Process360 (City online permitting portal) (online)
- 650-259-2330 (phone)
- Inspection hours
- Building inspections are conducted Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m.�12:00 and 1:00�4:30; office support for scheduling is generally 8:30 a.m.�4:00/4:30 p.m.
Typical sequence: permits are required for each phase and inspections should occur before work is covered; staged inspections include underground/rough work and final completion stages.
Frequently asked
Common questions about Millbrae permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Millbrae, CA? ▸
02 How much does a building permit cost in Millbrae, CA? ▸
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Millbrae, CA? ▸
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Millbrae, CA? ▸
05 How do I schedule a building inspection in Millbrae, CA? ▸
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with City of Millbrae Building Division (Community Development Department) before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.