Galley kitchen remodel in Milpitas, CA

Keeping the corridor

Run wall cabinets to the ceiling, swap base doors for drawers, add under-cabinet lights and choose light finishes. Putting the refrigerator at one end of a run keeps the middle clear for work.

Opening one side

Taking down one wall, or cutting a pass-through, connects the galley to the dining or living room and can make room for a peninsula with seating. If that wall carries load, it needs a beam and a permit.

Galley terms

Aisle width: the clear space between opposing counters. Pass-through: an opening in a wall with a counter at the bottom. Pocket door: a door that slides into the wall instead of swinging into the corridor.

Permits in Milpitas

Milpitas requires a building permit for remodeling and repair work on homes, and the permit has to be issued before work starts, even if the plans are already in review.
Separate plumbing, electrical and mechanical permits cover installing, replacing or relocating sinks, gas lines, wiring and hoods. Finish work such as painting, tiling, cabinets and countertops does not need a building permit.
Kitchen remodel permits are among the permits the Office of Building Safety offers online. A property owner can pull a permit for any work; a licensed contractor pulls it as the owner's agent for work the license covers.

City of Milpitas Office of Building Safety · 455 E. Calaveras Blvd, (408) 586-3240

Common questions

How wide should a galley aisle be?

The NKBA suggests about 42 inches for one cook; less feels tight once dishwasher and oven doors open.

Is it worth opening up a galley?

If you want the kitchen connected to the living space, yes. If one person cooks most of the time, a well-planned galley is hard to beat.