Galley kitchen remodel in Morgan Hill, CA

Working within the galley

Taller upper cabinets, better lighting, a lighter color scheme, pull-out storage and moving the refrigerator to the end of a run all make a galley feel bigger without moving walls.

Opening one wall

Removing or opening one wall turns a galley into an open kitchen or a peninsula layout. If the wall is load-bearing, it needs an engineered beam and a permit.

What to decide first

Whether the sink and range stay where they are. Keeping them in place keeps plumbing and gas work, and cost, down.

Permits in Morgan Hill

The City lists residential kitchen and bathroom remodels under its Simple Plan Check, which means the plans need Building Division review only, not a separate planning approval.
The City requires a permit for any alteration or repair of an existing building, so moving plumbing, adding circuits, changing a gas line or opening a wall all go through the Building Division.
If you are unsure whether your scope needs a permit, the Building Division answers that question directly.

City of Morgan Hill Building Division · 17575 Peak Ave, (408) 778-6480

Common questions

Is a galley kitchen worth remodeling instead of opening up?

Often yes. A well-planned galley is an efficient layout for one cook, and keeping it avoids structural work.

Can a galley kitchen have an island?

Usually not between the two walls, but opening one wall can make room for a peninsula or island.