On this page 6
§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Cupertino
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.
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
- 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)
- Exempt Fences not over 7 feet high
- Exempt Retaining walls not over 4 feet measured from bottom of footing to top of wall, unless supporting a surcharge
- Exempt Water tanks on grade up to 5,000 gallons within the listed dimensional ratio
- Exempt Sidewalks and driveways
- Exempt Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work
- Exempt Prefabricated swimming pools less than 24 inches deep
- Exempt Swings and playground equipment
- Exempt Certain window awnings
- Exempt 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
- Exempt 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
- Exempt Portable heating/ventilation/cooling appliances, certain piping within regulated equipment, and other limited mechanical exemptions
- Exempt 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.
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.
Source: Community Development Department, Building Division ↗
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: About 20-30 business days for initial plan review; 10-20 business days for each resubmittal review cycle.
- 01 Download the correct City application form from the Building permits page.
- 02 Email the application, drawings, and supporting documents to permitcenter@cupertino.gov, or submit in person.
- 03 Drawings must be PDF; drawing sheets as separate files; supporting documents as individual PDF files; file naming and unsecured-PDF rules apply.
- 04 Pay plan review fees before plan review begins.
- 05 If plan review is required, staff sends a link to begin electronic review in ProjectDox.
- 06 Respond to correction comments and resubmit revised documents if needed.
- 07 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 ↗
§ 04
Fee schedule
Effective September 1, 2025
Fee type
Amount
01
Plan check fee
Per the fee schedule; Planning Department review fee for new construction and additions is 20% of plan check and inspection fees
02
Permit fee formula
Fees vary by occupancy, project type, and square footage per the FY 2025-26 building fee schedule
03
Reinspection fee
Reinspection fees may be charged under the City's reinspection policy and must be paid before additional inspections can be scheduled
04
Penalty (no permit)
Doubled permit fees for work started without a required permit
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ (effective September 1, 2025) before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
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 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.
Source: Community Development Department, Building Division ↗
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Cupertino permits
01 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.
02 How much does a building permit cost in Cupertino, CA? ▸
Building permit fees in Cupertino, CA are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. 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.
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Cupertino, CA? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Cupertino, CA, follow these steps: 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.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Cupertino, CA? ▸
Building permit processing times in Cupertino, CA typically run About 20-30 business days for initial plan review; 10-20 business days for each resubmittal review cycle.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in Cupertino, CA? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit 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. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Cupertino, CA? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Cupertino, CA via: Accela Citizen Access (ACA), (408) 777-3228. Cancellations should be made by 3:30 PM on the business day before the scheduled inspection..
last verified April 2026
source Community Development Department, Building Division ↗
entry id permits/california/santa-clara/cupertino
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Community Development Department, Building Division before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.