Milpitas business licenses and building permits use different offices

Milpitas has two common project doors that can meet but are not the same. The Business License Center is for business license questions. Building Permits and Resources is for permit and inspection questions.

Before submitting a business license, Milpitas asks applicants to review which sections apply and contact the right agency when needed. That can affect home businesses, state licensed contractors, commercial businesses, and businesses based outside the city.

Building work needs its own permit path. A new tenant space, equipment change, sign, electrical work, plumbing work, or remodel may need Building review even when the business license is moving along.

Before applying, write down the address, business activity, owner contact, contractor information, project description, and whether the business is home-based, commercial, or outside Milpitas but working inside city limits.