Milpitas, CA Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

All properties within the incorporated City of Milpitas.

Department

Office of Building Safety, One-Stop Permit and License Center

Address

455 E Calaveras Boulevard, Milpitas, CA 95035

Phone

(408) 586-3240

Email

BuildingPermitCenter@milpitas.gov

Website

https://www.milpitas.gov/182/Office-of-Building-Safety

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

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.

Source: Office of Building Safety, One-Stop Permit and License Center

General Requirements

Building permits are required for new residential, commercial, and industrial buildings, plus additions, remodels, repairs, and changes in use/occupancy.

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.

Fees

Plan check fee

Per the fee schedule; example: new single-family/duplex/additions/remodels/ADUs at 100 sq. ft. plan review fee $297.13

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. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule (effective February 16, 2026).

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• 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

Important: Milpitas also lists separate electrical, mechanical, and plumbing permit exemptions that are limited and code-specific. Project-specific verification is advisable.

Inspections

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 inspection sequence: Inspections are required as work progresses. The permit holder or person performing the work must request inspections.

Additional Resources

• Building code: CBC, CRC, CMC, CEC, CPC, CFC, CALGreen, and the Milpitas Municipal Code
• Verify contractor license: CSLB License Lookup
• Online Permitting System
• Online Plan Submittal
• License lookup guide: California Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: California Homeowner-Contractor Agreement

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