Cupertino, CA Building Permit Guide

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

Application Process

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.

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

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