Building Division

The City of Millbrae uses the following 2022 editions:

• California Building Code
• California Residential Code
• California Electrical Code
• California Mechanical Code
• California Plumbing Code
• California Energy Code
• California Fire Code
• California Green Building Standard Code

It should be noted that these codes are amended by the City of Millbrae to include various additional requirements. Standard code questions can be answered by building division staff, however, more complex design issues should be referred to a design professional such as an architect or engineer.

City of Millbrae Municipal Code

All building permit applications and supporting documents are to be submitted electronically.

The Building Division issues a number of different permits, such as building, plumbing, electrical, and mechanical. Permits from other departments, such as public works, or fire, may also be required. A building permit is required anytime a building or structure, or any electrical, plumbing or mechanical system, is to be erected, constructed, enlarged, altered, repaired, moved, improved, removed, converted or demolished. There are some exceptions to this requirement. If you are planning a project, it's a good idea to contact Building Division Staff to see if a permit will be required. The phone number is 650-259-2330.

Register or Login to Online Building Permitting and Plan Review

Typically, plans, specifications, energy calculations, soils reports, and other data are required whenever new construction work is proposed. The documentation is routed for review by all pertinent City departments to ensure compliance with applicable codes and regulations before building permits are issued. Permit applicants should allow 15 days for all plan check activities to be performed. Certain types of permits may be subject to a streamlined permitting process and will be reviewed in-house as time allows, these permits/plans are typically for SolarPV systems, kitchen, and bath remodels (with no structural changes).

If required, the Building Division staff will examine your plans for compliance with adopted codes and regulations. At the same time, other relevant departments or divisions will be doing their own check of your plans. Each department or division will contact you directly regarding necessary conditions and comments. Once other departments or divisions code requirements are satisfied, they will approve their portion of your permit application. Necessary revisions are usually made directly to your plan, but sometimes changes will be attached to the permit as conditions of approval.

For additional information please refer to our Form and Other Handouts page.

All plan checks are done electronically. For further information, contact the Building Division at 650-259-2330.

Inspections are required for all permitted work in the City of Millbrae. The purpose of inspections are to ensure that the work meets the construction and installation requirements of applicable codes. These inspections are required for all work that is performed. Inspection requests should be made at least one day in advance. Inspection requests can be made by calling 650-259-2330, Monday through Friday from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.

Normal inspections are performed Monday through Friday 9:00 am to Noon and 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm It is your responsibility to arrange for inspections, and the proper inspection must take place before you can proceed to the next phase of the work. For additional information, contact the Building Division at 650-259-2330.

Building Inspection FAQ (PDF)

After the final inspection and verification that all work under a permit is complete for the new structure or tenant space and that all departmental conditions have been met, the Building Division will issue a Certificate of Occupancy (PDF), signifying that you have met all requirements and that your project is safe and legal for occupancy and use.

The Building Division requires the payment of fees for building permits based on the scope of work and project valuation. The plan check fee is due at the time of plan submittal. Building permit fees are due at the time of permit issuance. The City accepts payments with debit and credit cards. Typical fees include plan check fees, permit fees, and other fees associated with the permit. In addition, a variety of other related fees may be charged based on project scope, including but not limited to Public Works utility capacity facility fees, Construction and Demolition deposits, connection fees, General Plan Maintenance fees, Technology Fees, Documentation Fees, Development Impact Fees, Affordable Housing In-Lieu Fees, Affordable Housing Commercial Linkage Impact Fees, and other fees. For specific fee questions, call the Building Division at 650-259-2330.

To get an estimate of your project permit cost, please check the Millbrae Community Development Department Service and Fee Schedule (PDF).

Development Impact Fees are fees adopted by the City Council based on the provisions set forth in California Government Code Section 66000-66025 (Mitigation Fee Act as established by Assembly Bill 1600 in 1987). These fees are assessed upon new development projects to fully or partially offset the costs of public capital facilities and infrastructure that is needed to serve new demand created by development projects. Most recently, the City Council adopted Resolution Number 21-50 (PDF) on July 13, 2021 establishing Affordable Housing In-Lieu Fees for Residential Development Projects and Commercial Linkage Impact Fees for Commercial Development Projects. Find out more information about the City's Development Impact Fees.

Fees not collected by the Building Division include school fees (PDF), encroachment permit fees and Public Works Utility Capital Facility Impact Fees for water and sewer connections and service.

All building permits for new buildings or additions over 500 square feet must pay developer's fees to both the San Mateo United High School District AND the Millbrae Elementary School District as permitted by the California Education Code section 17620 and California Government Code Section 53080. When a building permit is ready to issue, the permit applicant will be given a copy of the completed application to deliver to the school districts to pay the fees. Then proof of payment must be submitted to the City Building before a permit can be issued. Additional information on these fees including the current amounts can be obtained from the San Mateo Union High School District at 650-558-2288 and the Millbrae Elementary School District at 650-697-5693.

• Monday through Friday; 7:30 am to 7 pm
• Saturday; 8 am to 6 pm
• Sunday and Holidays; 9 am to 6 pm

Exceptions to these hours must be approved in advance by the Building Official