On this page 6
§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Milpitas
Building permits are required for new residential, commercial, and industrial buildings, plus additions, remodels, repairs, and changes in use/occupancy.
Detached one-story accessory structures up to 120 sq. ft.
Fences not over 7 feet high
Retaining walls not over 4 feet high unless supporting surcharge
Water tanks up to 5,000 gallons within code limits
Sidewalks and driveways within code exemption parameters
Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work
Certain shallow prefabricated pools
Swings/playground equipment
Certain window awnings
For one- and two-family dwellings, certain detached decks not over 200 sq. ft., not more than 30 inches above grade, not attached to the dwelling, and not serving the required exit door
- Exempt Detached one-story accessory structures up to 120 sq. ft.
- Exempt Fences not over 7 feet high
- Exempt Retaining walls not over 4 feet high unless supporting surcharge
- Exempt Water tanks up to 5,000 gallons within code limits
- Exempt Sidewalks and driveways within code exemption parameters
- Exempt Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work
- Exempt Certain shallow prefabricated pools
- Exempt Swings/playground equipment
- Exempt Certain window awnings
- Exempt For one- and two-family dwellings, certain detached decks not over 200 sq. ft., not more than 30 inches above grade, not attached to the dwelling, and not serving the required exit door
Note: Milpitas also lists separate electrical, mechanical, and plumbing permit exemptions that are limited and code-specific. Project-specific verification is advisable.
Required documents
- Completed permit application
- Plans and documents sufficient for code review
- Electronic plan-review projects use ePlan system
- Building code
- CBC, CRC, CMC, CEC, CPC, CFC, CALGreen, and the Milpitas Municipal Code
- Contractor requirements
- A property owner may obtain permits for work performed on the property. Licensed contractors acting as the owner's authorized agent may obtain permits for work allowed by their license.
Source: Office of Building Safety, One-Stop Permit and License Center ↗
§ 03
Application process
Application → plan check → issuance → inspection → final
- 01 Determine the permit type needed. Simple permit scopes for single-family or duplex residential properties may be applied for online through eTRAKiT.
- 02 Projects requiring plan review are submitted electronically through the City's ePlan system. Register for a free account, verify email, review user guide/submittal requirements.
- 03 Upload the application package online through ePlan.
- 04 For some permit types not requiring plan submittal, email the signed building permit application to BuildingPermitCenter@milpitas.gov.
- 05 City staff routes drawings to applicable departments for review and approval.
- 06 Respond to correction comments and resubmit revised documents if needed.
- 07 Pay remaining permit fees and obtain permit issuance. No work may begin until the permit is issued.
Source: Office of Building Safety, One-Stop Permit and License Center ↗
§ 04
Fee schedule
Effective February 16, 2026
Fee type
Amount
01
Plan check fee
Per the fee schedule; example: new single-family/duplex/additions/remodels/ADUs at 100 sq. ft. plan review fee $297.13
02
Permit fee formula
Fees separated into plan check fees due at submittal, inspection fees due after permit approval, and miscellaneous/state fees as applicable
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ (effective February 16, 2026) before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- eTRAKiT portal (online)
- (408) 586-2797 (phone)
- Scheduling deadline
- Inspections may be scheduled 24 hours a day online or by phone.
- Inspection hours
- AM and PM windows generally available. Thursday inspections not available until after 9:00 AM due to staff meetings.
Typical sequence: Inspections are required as work progresses. The permit holder or person performing the work must request inspections.
Source: Office of Building Safety, One-Stop Permit and License Center ↗
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Milpitas permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Milpitas, CA? ▸
Building permits are required for new residential, commercial, and industrial buildings, plus additions, remodels, repairs, and changes in use/occupancy.
02 How much does a building permit cost in Milpitas, CA? ▸
Building permit fees in Milpitas, CA are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. Fees are calculated as: Fees separated into plan check fees due at submittal, inspection fees due after permit approval, and miscellaneous/state fees as applicable. Plan check fee: Per the fee schedule; example: new single-family/duplex/additions/remodels/ADUs at 100 sq. ft. plan review fee $297.13.
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Milpitas, CA? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Milpitas, CA, follow these steps: 1. Determine the permit type needed. Simple permit scopes for single-family or duplex residential properties may be applied for online through eTRAKiT. 2. Projects requiring plan review are submitted electronically through the City's ePlan system. Register for a free account, verify email, review user guide/submittal requirements. 3. Upload the application package online through ePlan. 4. For some permit types not requiring plan submittal, email the signed building permit application to BuildingPermitCenter@milpitas.gov. 5. City staff routes drawings to applicable departments for review and approval. 6. Respond to correction comments and resubmit revised documents if needed. 7. Pay remaining permit fees and obtain permit issuance. No work may begin until the permit is issued.
04 What work is exempt from building permits in Milpitas, CA? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in Milpitas, CA. The following work is generally exempt: Detached one-story accessory structures up to 120 sq. ft.; Fences not over 7 feet high; Retaining walls not over 4 feet high unless supporting surcharge; Water tanks up to 5,000 gallons within code limits; Sidewalks and driveways within code exemption parameters; Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work; Certain shallow prefabricated pools; Swings/playground equipment; Certain window awnings; For one- and two-family dwellings, certain detached decks not over 200 sq. ft., not more than 30 inches above grade, not attached to the dwelling, and not serving the required exit door. Note: Milpitas also lists separate electrical, mechanical, and plumbing permit exemptions that are limited and code-specific. Project-specific verification is advisable. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
05 How do I schedule a building inspection in Milpitas, CA? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Milpitas, CA via: eTRAKiT portal, (408) 586-2797. Inspections may be scheduled 24 hours a day online or by phone..
last verified April 2026
source Office of Building Safety, One-Stop Permit and License Center ↗
entry id permits/california/santa-clara/milpitas
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Office of Building Safety, One-Stop Permit and License Center before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.