A Building Permit is required for all projects involving the alteration of a structure, in whole or in part, including, but not limited to, removal and replacement of wall or ceiling coverings, relocation of non-bearing partition walls, property line walls/fences, or erecting of a structure.

The Building permit application is provided at the link below which can be submitted to permitcenter@cupertino.gov.

Building Permit Application

A comprehensive list of all submittal items required for Building Permits and electronic submittal process for Single-Family Residential, Multi-Family Residential, Accessory Dwelling Units, and Mixed-Use are provided at the links below:

Submittal Checklist

AB2234 Waiver Form

Electronic Submittal Process

Construction plans are to be submitted with the material outlined in the Plan Check Submittal Requirements, unless or in addition to outlined conditions as part of the entitlement.

Each round may require review by, but not limited to, the following departments. Upon the review by all required departments, the applicant will be notified to address corrections - this completes one (1) round of plan check review.

• Building 
• Planning 
• Public Works 
• Fire 
• Sanitary District
• Environmental Services

Developments with residential occupancies subject to state mandated installation of a solar photovoltaic energy system may be issued additional permits upon the review and approval of plans for the construction/installation of a solar energy system.

The installation of a solar energy system will require the issuance of a building permit, which can be issued separately from the construction of main structures directly related to the development. Plans for the installation of solar energy systems may be submitted deferred from the plans for construction of main structures directly related to the development.

Additional information related to permitting residential solar energy systems, including a checklist for submittals and permit forms, may be found at the link below:

Solar Permits

For developments that require work within the public right-of-way, an encroachment permit will be required. Examples of work that may require an encroachment permit include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Trenching for work on utility lines within the right-of-way
• Utility relocation
• Driveway expansion or curb, gutter, sidewalk construction
• Placement of storage container in street
• Temporary lane closures and/or diversion of traffic to accommodate construction

The City of Cupertino Public Works Department issues encroachment permits.  The application is provided at the link below which can be submitted to encroachmentpermits@cupertino.gov. Additional Public Works permit information can be found here.

Encroachment Permit Application

Cupertino Municipal Code (CMC) provisions are accessible at the link below:

CMC Chapter 14.08 - Encroachments and Use of City Rights-Of-Way

For developments that are subject to CMC Chapter 16.08, a Grading Permit will be required. Examples of work that may require a grading permit include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Retaining walls greater than 4' in height, measured from the top of wall to bottom of foundation
• Stormwater treatment facilities
• Earthwork activities exceeding 100 cubic yards

The City of Cupertino Public Works Department issues grading permits.  The application is provided at the link below which can be submitted to engineering@cupertino.gov. Additional Public Works permit information can be found here.

Grading Permit Application

Cupertino Municipal Code (CMC) provisions are accessible at the link below:

CMC Chapter 16.08 - Excavations, Grading and Retaining Walls

All developments will be subject to payment of fees for all applications and permits.

Please refer to the latest fee schedule available at the link below:

Current Fee Schedule

It should be noted that proof of payment of developer fees, imposed by Education Code Section 17620, to Cupertino Union School District and Fremont Union High School School district will be required prior to permit issuance.

Education Code Section 17620

Cupertino Union School District

Fremont Union High School District

Single Family Residential

Building Application

Approved Building Permit

Approved Grading Permit

Approved Encroachment Permit

Two-Family Duplex

Building Application

Approved Building Permit

Approved Grading Permit

Approved Encroachment Permit

Accessory Dwelling Unit

Building Application

Approved Building Permit

Approved Grading Permit

Approved Encroachment Permit

Mixed-Use

Building Application

Approved Building Permit

Approved Grading Permit

Approved Encroachment Permit