Planning Permit Applications

The City of Cupertino accepts only electronic applications, plans, and documents. No physical submittals will be accepted by the Planning Division. Be aware that the Planning Division will not consider an application Deemed Submitted until all of the following materials are submitted and accepted: A signed application form, application materials as outlined in the Application Checklist, and application fees paid.

1. General Planning Permit Application Form

Use this form for the following application types:

• Architectural and Site Approvals
• Conditional Use Permits/Development Permits
• Modifications to Previously Approved Permits
• Exceptions (Hillside, Heart of the City, Sign, Parking) and Variances
• General Plan and Zoning Map Amendments

2.  Minor Residential and Design Review Application

Use this form for a:

• Minor Residential Permit for
  • one-story encroachment into the required rear yard setback;
  • extension of a legal non-conforming wall;
  • extension of a gable end enclosing attic space above 17 feet, up to 20 feet out of the building envelope;
  • new or expanded second story decks; or
  • modifications to setback and height restrictions due to solar design

• Residential Design Review Permits for construction of a new two-story residence or addition with a second to first floor area ratio of more than 66% or second story side yard setbacks between 10 to 15 feet.

3. Tree Removal Application Form

Use this form to apply for tree removals of protected trees.

4. Temporary Sign Permit Form

Use this form to apply for a temporary sign, banner, etc, or apply online using the Online Permit Service Portal.

5. Miscellaneous Ministerial Permit Application Package (SB 9)

Complete this application package for residential development under Senate Bill 9.

6. Urban Lot Split Application Package (SB 9)

Complete this application package for lot splits under Senate Bill 9.

7. SB 330 Preliminary Application (Housing Crisis Act)

SB 330 allows eligible housing development projects to submit a "preliminary application" of required materials and information. When deemed submitted, development requirements, standards, and fees are "locked in" (vested) in place at the time of determination. 

8. Collection Facility Application Form

Use this form for small collection facilities and reverse vending machines.

9. Streamlined Projects under SB 35

The City Council adopted procedures for processing Streamlined Projects on September 3, 2019.  Please note that the SB 35 Checklist in Resolution No. 19-113 has been updated to reflect amendments to state law by AB 1485 and is available online here: SB 35 Eligibility Checklist.

Guidelines and more information regarding SB 35 projects is available online here. Contains a list of all fees charged by the Planning Department. Also contains information required by the Public Works Department for meeting the C3 requirements for water retention on site etc. 

Planning Forms and Handouts

1. Privacy Protection Diagram, Privacy Planting Requirements, Privacy Screening Materials

Use these informational handouts to design your privacy plant landscaping for a second story permit.

2. Privacy Protection Planting Waiver

Use this form to obtain waivers from affected neighbors if they are willing to waive the privacy protection requirements for second story permits.

3. Privacy Protection Landscape Affidavit

Use this form to get a landscape architect/arborist to vouch that you have planted the privacy trees in accordance to the requirements of the R1 Ordinance and the approved plans.

4. Fence Approval Form

Use this form to obtain permission from your neighbor to build an 8-foot tall fence where a 6-foot tall fence is allowed by code.

5. AC Unit Sound Rating Worksheet

Use this worksheet to determine the required sound rating and setback for AC units, heat pumps, or generators to be in compliance with the City's Noise Ordinance. 

6. Instructions for Recordation of Covenants

Read these carefully and follow these directions before you ask for final inspections.

7. Water Efficiency Checklist

Appendix A to Chapter 14.15. Use this form for your landscape project submittal. Submit only this form and landscape area calculation if your landscape area is under 2,500 s.f. If your landscape area is over 2,500 s.f., submit a complete landscape project submittal. See Chapter 14.15 - Landscape Ordinance for complete information.

8. Appeal Form

Use this form to appeal a project. Please submit the form, along with required fees, to the City Clerk's Office. 

9.  C3 Impervious Surface Data Form (2023)

Provided by the Public Works Department, Environmental Services. Must be submitted for all projects.