New Home Construction in Morgan Hill, CA
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Growth Control Is Paused
Since 1977, Morgan Hill has controlled housing growth through its Residential Development Control System, renewed by Measure S in 2017. The system is currently suspended, because the state Housing Crisis Act preempts its population cap and annual allotment limits. For a custom home on an existing lot, that removes a step many people still expect.
Construction in Progress
Ask us about recent new-home and rebuild projects during your consultation.
Morgan Hill Single-Family Submittal
- Electronic plans with structural and truss calculations.
- Title 24 energy compliance, CALGreen checklist and solar PV plans.
- Construction Waste Management Plan and Stormwater Worksheet.
- Special Inspections form.
- Build It Green or LEED checklist under Municipal Code 15.65.
- Inclusionary Housing checklist.
- Where site conditions require: geotechnical report, City Geologist review, floodplain worksheet, acoustical report and a Wildland-Urban Interface Compliance Plan.
- Related permits: fire sprinklers, encroachment, tree removal, a Santa Clara Valley Habitat Agency application, and County Environmental Health for septic.
The City’s completeness check takes up to 15 business days, and plan review fees are invoiced once the application is complete.
Utilities and Agencies
Stormwater: Morgan Hill is regulated by the Central Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board. Projects that create or replace 2,500 sq ft or more of impervious area, including single-family homes, must use low-impact development site design measures. Detached single-family homes face treatment and retention requirements at 15,000 sq ft, and all projects need peak-flow control at 22,500 sq ft. A Stormwater Worksheet is part of the submittal.
Fire: Morgan Hill has its own fire department, reconstituted in 2013 and staffed by CAL FIRE under an agreement. Fire sprinkler permits are submitted by PDF email. Updated fire hazard severity zone maps added new High zones in 2025, where 100 feet of defensible space and wildfire building codes apply.
Water comes from the City’s 17 groundwater wells, and sewage is treated at the South County Regional Wastewater Authority plant in Gilroy.
Planning, Building & Fire Prevention, Engineering
17575 Peak Avenue, Morgan Hill, CA 95037 · (408) 778-6480
Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Building counter closed noon to 1). pe*****@***********ca.gov · pl******@***********ca.gov
Inspections are scheduled through eTRAKiT; Fire Marshal inspections run Tuesday to Friday.
Explore More
Other Morgan Hill services: ADUs · Bathrooms · Kitchens · Additions · Morgan Hill overview
Same service nearby: San Martin · Gilroy · San Jose
See our custom home builder page.
Morgan Hill New Home Construction FAQ
Do I need an RDCS allotment to build a home in Morgan Hill?
The Residential Development Control System is currently suspended under state law.
What is the Habitat Agency application?
A Santa Clara Valley Habitat Agency application that is part of Morgan Hill’s single-family submittal requirements.
How long is the completeness check?
Up to 15 business days.
Where does Morgan Hill get its water?
From 17 City groundwater wells.