How much does a building permit cost in Cupertino, CA?

Fees are calculated as: Fees vary by occupancy, project type, and square footage per the FY 2025-26 building fee schedule. Plan check fee: Per the fee schedule; Planning Department review fee for new construction and additions is 20% of plan check and inspection fees.

How do I apply for a building permit in Cupertino, CA?

1. Download the correct City application form from the Building permits page. 2. Email the application, drawings, and supporting documents to permitcenter@cupertino.gov, or submit in person. 3. Drawings must be PDF; drawing sheets as separate files; supporting documents as individual PDF files; file naming and unsecured-PDF rules apply. 4. Pay plan review fees before plan review begins. 5. If plan review is required, staff sends a link to begin electronic review in ProjectDox. 6. Respond to correction comments and resubmit revised documents if needed. 7. Once the project is ready for issuance and fees are paid, the City issues the permit.

What work is exempt from building permits in Cupertino, CA?

The following work is generally exempt: One-story detached accessory structures not attached to the house and not over 120 square feet (any related electrical work still needs an electrical permit); Fences not over 7 feet high; Retaining walls not over 4 feet measured from bottom of footing to top of wall, unless supporting a surcharge; Water tanks on grade up to 5,000 gallons within the listed dimensional ratio; Sidewalks and driveways; Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work; Prefabricated swimming pools less than 24 inches deep; Swings and playground equipment; Certain window awnings; Detached decks not over 200 square feet, not more than 30 inches above grade, not attached to a dwelling, and not serving the required exit door; Listed cord-and-plug decorative lighting, reinstallation of attachment plug receptacles, same-capacity overcurrent device replacement in the same location, and other limited electrical exemptions; Portable heating/ventilation/cooling appliances, certain piping within regulated equipment, and other limited mechanical exemptions; Stopping leaks and clearing stoppages, and other limited plumbing exemptions. Note: Exemptions apply only for single-family homes and only where the work does not encroach into a subsurface drain system, public utility easement, or required setbacks. Confirm with the Building Division before proceeding.

How do I schedule a building inspection in Cupertino, CA?

Inspections can be scheduled via: Accela Citizen Access (ACA), (408) 777-3228. Cancellations should be made by 3:30 PM on the business day before the scheduled inspection..

City Building Permits

Cupertino, CA - 2026 Building Permit Guide

How to apply for a building permit in Cupertino, California. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.

California Santa Clara County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

All properties within the incorporated City of Cupertino.

Department: Community Development Department, Building Division
Address: 10300 Torre Avenue, Cupertino, CA 95014
Phone: (408) 777-3228
Email: permitcenter@cupertino.gov
Website: https://www.cupertino.gov/Your-City/Departments/Community-Development/Building/Permits

Online Permit Portal

Open Accela Citizen Access (ACA)

Platform: Accela Citizen Access • Account required: Yes • Submission: Online or in-person

Additional resources:

Application Process

Download the correct City application form from the Building permits page.
Email the application, drawings, and supporting documents to permitcenter@cupertino.gov, or submit in person.
Drawings must be PDF; drawing sheets as separate files; supporting documents as individual PDF files; file naming and unsecured-PDF rules apply.
Pay plan review fees before plan review begins.
If plan review is required, staff sends a link to begin electronic review in ProjectDox.
Respond to correction comments and resubmit revised documents if needed.
Once the project is ready for issuance and fees are paid, the City issues the permit.

Typical processing time: About 20-30 business days for initial plan review; 10-20 business days for each resubmittal review cycle.

Source: Community Development Department, Building Division

General Requirements

Permits are generally required for new construction, remodeling, and tenant improvements for residential and commercial projects. Separate mechanical, electrical, and plumbing permits are required for covered work. If a project is not specifically listed as exempt, a permit is required.

Required Documents

Completed City application form
Plans in PDF format (separate files per drawing sheet)
Structural calculations
Energy documents
CALGreen forms
Soils/foundation materials (if applicable)
Special inspection forms (if applicable)

Building code: California Building Code
Contractor requirements: Final inspection cannot be scheduled until the contractor and subcontractors used on the project have obtained a City of Cupertino business license.

Fees

Plan check fee: Per the fee schedule; Planning Department review fee for new construction and additions is 20% of plan check and inspection fees
Permit fee formula: Fees vary by occupancy, project type, and square footage per the FY 2025-26 building fee schedule
Reinspection fee: Reinspection fees may be charged under the City's reinspection policy and must be paid before additional inspections can be scheduled
Penalty (no permit): Doubled permit fees for work started without a required permit

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule (effective September 1, 2025).

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

One-story detached accessory structures not attached to the house and not over 120 square feet (any related electrical work still needs an electrical permit)
Fences not over 7 feet high
Retaining walls not over 4 feet measured from bottom of footing to top of wall, unless supporting a surcharge
Water tanks on grade up to 5,000 gallons within the listed dimensional ratio
Sidewalks and driveways
Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work
Prefabricated swimming pools less than 24 inches deep
Swings and playground equipment
Certain window awnings
Detached decks not over 200 square feet, not more than 30 inches above grade, not attached to a dwelling, and not serving the required exit door
Listed cord-and-plug decorative lighting, reinstallation of attachment plug receptacles, same-capacity overcurrent device replacement in the same location, and other limited electrical exemptions
Portable heating/ventilation/cooling appliances, certain piping within regulated equipment, and other limited mechanical exemptions
Stopping leaks and clearing stoppages, and other limited plumbing exemptions

Important: Exemptions apply only for single-family homes and only where the work does not encroach into a subsurface drain system, public utility easement, or required setbacks. Confirm with the Building Division before proceeding.

Inspections

How to Schedule

Accela Citizen Access (ACA) (online)
(408) 777-3228 (phone)

Scheduling deadline: Cancellations should be made by 3:30 PM on the business day before the scheduled inspection.

Typical inspection sequence: Typical residential inspection sequence may include under-slab, reinforcement, foundation, slab, underfloor, roof nail, shear wall, rough MEP, rough frame, lath, underground utilities, insulation, drywall, lath/exterior, and final inspections depending on project scope.

Additional Resources

Building code: California Building Code
Verify contractor license: CSLB License Lookup
License lookup guide: California Contractor License Requirements
Contract template: California Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
California hub: California Contractor License & Permit Hub

Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the Community Development Department, Building Division before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Cupertino Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Cupertino, CA?: Permits are generally required for new construction, remodeling, and tenant improvements for residential and commercial projects. Separate mechanical, electrical, and plumbing permits are required for covered work. If a project is not specifically listed as exempt, a permit is required.
How much does a building permit cost in Cupertino, CA?: Fees are calculated as: Fees vary by occupancy, project type, and square footage per the FY 2025-26 building fee schedule. Plan check fee: Per the fee schedule; Planning Department review fee for new construction and additions is 20% of plan check and inspection fees.
How do I apply for a building permit in Cupertino, CA?: 1. Download the correct City application form from the Building permits page. 2. Email the application, drawings, and supporting documents to permitcenter@cupertino.gov, or submit in person. 3. Drawings must be PDF; drawing sheets as separate files; supporting documents as individual PDF files; file naming and unsecured-PDF rules apply. 4. Pay plan review fees before plan review begins. 5. If plan review is required, staff sends a link to begin electronic review in ProjectDox. 6. Respond to correction comments and resubmit revised documents if needed. 7. Once the project is ready for issuance and fees are paid, the City issues the permit.
How long does it take to get a building permit in Cupertino, CA?: Typical processing time is About 20-30 business days for initial plan review; 10-20 business days for each resubmittal review cycle..
What work is exempt from building permits in Cupertino, CA?: The following work is generally exempt: One-story detached accessory structures not attached to the house and not over 120 square feet (any related electrical work still needs an electrical permit); Fences not over 7 feet high; Retaining walls not over 4 feet measured from bottom of footing to top of wall, unless supporting a surcharge; Water tanks on grade up to 5,000 gallons within the listed dimensional ratio; Sidewalks and driveways; Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work; Prefabricated swimming pools less than 24 inches deep; Swings and playground equipment; Certain window awnings; Detached decks not over 200 square feet, not more than 30 inches above grade, not attached to a dwelling, and not serving the required exit door; Listed cord-and-plug decorative lighting, reinstallation of attachment plug receptacles, same-capacity overcurrent device replacement in the same location, and other limited electrical exemptions; Portable heating/ventilation/cooling appliances, certain piping within regulated equipment, and other limited mechanical exemptions; Stopping leaks and clearing stoppages, and other limited plumbing exemptions. Note: Exemptions apply only for single-family homes and only where the work does not encroach into a subsurface drain system, public utility easement, or required setbacks. Confirm with the Building Division before proceeding.
How do I schedule a building inspection in Cupertino, CA?: Inspections can be scheduled via: Accela Citizen Access (ACA), (408) 777-3228. Cancellations should be made by 3:30 PM on the business day before the scheduled inspection..

Need help with your project?

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Important: This page is an educational resource provided by jaspector.com. It is not legal advice, and it does not substitute for official guidance from the permit authority listed above. Permit requirements, fees, and processes change frequently. Always verify current requirements directly with the issuing department before beginning any construction project. Use of this page does not create an attorney-client relationship. Jaspector assumes no liability for any outcomes arising from reliance on this information.

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