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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Morgan Hill
A permit is required for any new building, addition, alteration, repair, or change in use of an existing building or structure, and for site improvements.
One-story detached accessory structures used as tool/storage sheds, playhouses, and similar uses not over 120 sq. ft. (subject to Planning setbacks/height rules)
Fences not over 7 feet high
Retaining walls not over 4 feet high unless supporting a surcharge or impounding certain liquids
Water tanks on grade up to 5,000 gallons with height/diameter or width ratio not exceeding 2:1
Sidewalks not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade, not over a basement/story below, and not part of an accessible route
Painting, papering, carpeting, and similar finish work
Temporary motion picture, television, and theater stage sets/scenery
Certain above-ground prefabricated swimming pools accessory to Group R-3 occupancies, less than 24 inches deep and not exceeding 5,000 gallons
Swings and playground equipment accessory to detached one- and two-family dwellings
Certain residential window awnings projecting no more than 54 inches and requiring no additional support
Non-fixed and movable fixtures, cases, racks, counters, and partitions not over 5 feet 9 inches high
Detached decks not exceeding 200 sq. ft., not more than 30 inches above grade, not attached to a dwelling, and not serving the required exit door
Limited like-kind replacement of damaged patio/deck wood up to 24 sq. ft. where guardrails are not replaced and a permit was originally required
- Exempt One-story detached accessory structures used as tool/storage sheds, playhouses, and similar uses not over 120 sq. ft. (subject to Planning setbacks/height rules)
- Exempt Fences not over 7 feet high
- Exempt Retaining walls not over 4 feet high unless supporting a surcharge or impounding certain liquids
- Exempt Water tanks on grade up to 5,000 gallons with height/diameter or width ratio not exceeding 2:1
- Exempt Sidewalks not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade, not over a basement/story below, and not part of an accessible route
- Exempt Painting, papering, carpeting, and similar finish work
- Exempt Temporary motion picture, television, and theater stage sets/scenery
- Exempt Certain above-ground prefabricated swimming pools accessory to Group R-3 occupancies, less than 24 inches deep and not exceeding 5,000 gallons
- Exempt Swings and playground equipment accessory to detached one- and two-family dwellings
- Exempt Certain residential window awnings projecting no more than 54 inches and requiring no additional support
- Exempt Non-fixed and movable fixtures, cases, racks, counters, and partitions not over 5 feet 9 inches high
- Exempt Detached decks not exceeding 200 sq. ft., not more than 30 inches above grade, not attached to a dwelling, and not serving the required exit door
- Exempt Limited like-kind replacement of damaged patio/deck wood up to 24 sq. ft. where guardrails are not replaced and a permit was originally required
Note: Exemption from permit requirements does not authorize work that violates other laws or ordinances.
Required documents
- Completed permit application
- Plans and specifications (drawn to scale, minimum 24 x 36 sheet size)
- Proof of City of Morgan Hill business license (for contractors)
- Workers' compensation insurance (for contractors)
- State contractor license (for contractors)
- Notice to Owner / Owner's Acknowledgement form (for owner-builders)
- Building code
- 2025 California Building Standards Codes (as of January 1, 2026)
- Owner-builder
- Owner-builders must complete the Notice to Owner / Owner's Acknowledgement form.
- Contractor requirements
- Contractors must provide proof of City of Morgan Hill business license, workers' compensation insurance, and state contractor license. If someone other than the license holder signs, the City requires a letter of authorization.
Source: Development Services Department, Building & Fire Prevention Division ↗
§ 03
Application process
Application → plan check → issuance → inspection → final
- 01 Submit building permit applications and plans by email to permits@morganhill.ca.gov; PDF submittals only are accepted.
- 02 Each sheet of plans and calculations must be signed by the design professional; digital signatures are acceptable.
- 03 Plans/specifications must be drawn to scale, printed on minimum 24 x 36 sheet size, and clearly show the location, nature, and extent of the proposed work.
- 04 City staff reviews the submittal for completeness and code compliance. Status checks can be made through the Building Division or eTRAKiT.
- 05 Respond to correction comments and resubmit revised documents if needed.
- 06 Pay remaining permit fees and obtain permit issuance before starting work.
- 07 Limited online permitting through eTRAKiT is available for residential contractor applications: reroofs, repipes, SolarAPP+ approved solar permits, and water heaters.
Source: Development Services Department, Building & Fire Prevention Division ↗
§ 04
Fee schedule
Morgan Hill building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
$192 (valuation up to $500)
02
Plan check fee
Per the plan review fee schedule
03
Permit fee formula
Valuation-based, increasing by tier per the building permit fee schedule
04
Reinspection fee
$256 reinspection admin fee
05
Penalty (no permit)
Penalty fees assessed for work started before obtaining a permit; stop work notice / investigation fee $233
2.7% credit card service fee. 15% Long Range Planning fee added to permit and plan review fee totals; 5% GIS technology fee added to permit fees.
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- eTRAKiT portal (online)
Typical sequence: Users log into eTRAKiT, select Request under the Inspection column, choose the inspection type, choose the requested date, add the inspection, and submit. Residential certificates of occupancy are not issued separately; a Residential Dwelling Occupancy Approval is signed by the inspector on the inspection card at final.
Source: Development Services Department, Building & Fire Prevention Division ↗
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Morgan Hill permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Morgan Hill, CA? ▸
A permit is required for any new building, addition, alteration, repair, or change in use of an existing building or structure, and for site improvements.
02 How much does a building permit cost in Morgan Hill, CA? ▸
Building permit fees in Morgan Hill, CA are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. The minimum permit fee is $192 (valuation up to $500). Fees are calculated as: Valuation-based, increasing by tier per the building permit fee schedule. Plan check fee: Per the plan review fee schedule.
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Morgan Hill, CA? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Morgan Hill, CA, follow these steps: 1. Submit building permit applications and plans by email to permits@morganhill.ca.gov; PDF submittals only are accepted. 2. Each sheet of plans and calculations must be signed by the design professional; digital signatures are acceptable. 3. Plans/specifications must be drawn to scale, printed on minimum 24 x 36 sheet size, and clearly show the location, nature, and extent of the proposed work. 4. City staff reviews the submittal for completeness and code compliance. Status checks can be made through the Building Division or eTRAKiT. 5. Respond to correction comments and resubmit revised documents if needed. 6. Pay remaining permit fees and obtain permit issuance before starting work. 7. Limited online permitting through eTRAKiT is available for residential contractor applications: reroofs, repipes, SolarAPP+ approved solar permits, and water heaters.
04 What work is exempt from building permits in Morgan Hill, CA? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in Morgan Hill, CA. The following work is generally exempt: One-story detached accessory structures used as tool/storage sheds, playhouses, and similar uses not over 120 sq. ft. (subject to Planning setbacks/height rules); Fences not over 7 feet high; Retaining walls not over 4 feet high unless supporting a surcharge or impounding certain liquids; Water tanks on grade up to 5,000 gallons with height/diameter or width ratio not exceeding 2:1; Sidewalks not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade, not over a basement/story below, and not part of an accessible route; Painting, papering, carpeting, and similar finish work; Temporary motion picture, television, and theater stage sets/scenery; Certain above-ground prefabricated swimming pools accessory to Group R-3 occupancies, less than 24 inches deep and not exceeding 5,000 gallons; Swings and playground equipment accessory to detached one- and two-family dwellings; Certain residential window awnings projecting no more than 54 inches and requiring no additional support; Non-fixed and movable fixtures, cases, racks, counters, and partitions not over 5 feet 9 inches high; Detached decks not exceeding 200 sq. ft., not more than 30 inches above grade, not attached to a dwelling, and not serving the required exit door; Limited like-kind replacement of damaged patio/deck wood up to 24 sq. ft. where guardrails are not replaced and a permit was originally required. Note: Exemption from permit requirements does not authorize work that violates other laws or ordinances. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
05 How do I schedule a building inspection in Morgan Hill, CA? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Morgan Hill, CA via: eTRAKiT portal.
last verified April 2026
source Development Services Department, Building & Fire Prevention Division ↗
entry id permits/california/santa-clara/morgan-hill
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Development Services Department, Building & Fire Prevention Division before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.