Kitchen lighting in Milpitas, CA

Light for each task

General light comes from recessed downlights or a surface fixture. Counter work needs under-cabinet strips. Pendants focus light over an island or sink. Each layer works best on its own switch or dimmer.

Title 24 in plain terms

California's Title 24, Part 6 requires high-efficacy light sources in new and altered home lighting, sets rules for recessed fixtures in ceilings, and calls for dimmers or vacancy sensors in many cases. The remodeler plans fixtures and controls to meet it.

Lighting terms

Color temperature (kelvin): warm light is around 2700K, neutral around 3500K. CRI: how accurately a light shows colors. IC-rated: a recessed fixture that can touch insulation. Lumens: the amount of light a fixture puts out.

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

Does new kitchen lighting need a permit?

New circuits, new fixture locations and new switches are electrical work that needs a permit. Swapping a fixture on an existing box generally does not.

Are LED strips under cabinets hardwired?

They can be plug-in or hardwired. Hardwired strips on a wall switch look cleaner and are usually done during a remodel.