Morgan Hill, CA Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

All properties within the incorporated City of Morgan Hill.

Department

Development Services Department, Building & Fire Prevention Division

Address

17575 Peak Avenue, Morgan Hill, CA 95037

Phone

(408) 778-6480

Email

permits@morganhill.ca.gov

Website

https://www.morganhill.ca.gov/150/Building-Fire-Prevention

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

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.

Source: Development Services Department, Building & Fire Prevention Division

General Requirements

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.

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.

Fees

Minimum permit fee

$192 (valuation up to $500)

Plan check fee

Per the plan review fee schedule

Permit fee formula

Valuation-based, increasing by tier per the building permit fee schedule

Reinspection fee

$256 reinspection admin fee

Penalty (no permit)

Penalty fees assessed for work started before obtaining a permit; stop work notice / investigation fee $233

Payment note

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. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• 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

Important: Exemption from permit requirements does not authorize work that violates other laws or ordinances.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• eTRAKiT portal (online)

Typical inspection 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.

Additional Resources

• Building code: 2025 California Building Standards Codes (as of January 1, 2026)
• Verify contractor license: CSLB License Lookup
• When Is a Permit Required?
• License lookup guide: California Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: California Homeowner-Contractor Agreement

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