Milpitas poised to cover permit fees for accessory dwelling units

No-fee ADU permits

The City of Milpitas has cleared a path for homeowners to build or legalize accessory dwelling units (ADUs).

With funding from the Community Investment Fund and allocation approved by the Milpitas City Council, the Office of Building Safety will cover permit fees for eligible ADU projects. The move is estimated to save homeowners an average of $5,000, depending on ADU size and other factors.

This initiative aims to encourage safe, code-compliant ADUs; support legalization of unpermitted units; expand housing options across Milpitas; and improve overall community safety.

Those looking to build a new ADU can visit https://bit.ly/4bbIJPJ, call 408-586-3240 or email adu@milpitas.gov for more information.

For information about legalizing an existing ADU, visit https://bit.ly/4bbIQL9, call 408-586-3220 or email SafeADU@milpitas.gov.

Watershed art

The Watershed Watch is taking submissions for its annual Earth Day Poster Challenge from K-8 students in Santa Clara County who want to share their creative vision for clean waterways in Santa Clara Valley.

Posters can address what the student artists do to prevent water pollution or what they love about their local waterways. Artwork will be judged on originality, clarity and expression of the theme.

First- and second-place winners in three age brackets—grades K-2, 3-5 and 6-8—will be awarded $250 and $150, respectively. The winning posters will be featured on social media to promote water pollution prevention. Submissions are due by 5 p.m. on March 16.
For entry information and submission criteria, visit https://bit.ly/3YsmtJU.