Cupertino, CA Building Safety: Electrical Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Adopted code
- 2025 California Electrical Code / 2023 NEC
- Governing section
- Municipal Code § 16.16.010, .030, .040
- Who may work
- Licensed contractor, qualifying general contractor, or maintenance electrician
- Maintenance electrician duty
- Monthly or quarterly reports to city required
- Fees
- Set by the city's latest fee resolution
Summary
Cupertino has adopted the 2025 California Electrical Code, based on the 2023 National Electrical Code, by reference. Electrical work may only be performed by a licensed electrical contractor supervising a qualified journeyman, a properly licensed general building contractor, or a designated maintenance electrician. Fees for electrical permits follow the city's latest fee resolution.
16.16.010 Adoption of the 2025 California Electrical Code based on the 2023 National Electrical Code. Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, the provisions of the 2025 California Electrical Code and each and all of the regulations, provisions, conditions and terms of the code are referred to as if fully set forth in this chapter, except such portions as are hereinafter deleted, modified or amended by this ordinance, and are by such adopted by reference. ... 16.16.030 Electrical Work. Electrical work shall be done only by: Electrical contractors who are in compliance with the state licensing laws and whose employees are under the direct supervision of a qualified journeyman electrician; A general building contractor if scope of work involves at least two unrelated trades or crafts other than framing or carpentry, or if the general building contractor holds the appropriate license classification; Maintenance electrician. ... 16.16.040 Electrical Fee Schedule. Electrical fees shall be paid to the city as set forth in the latest resolution adopted by the city.
Full Breakdown
16 except where locally amended. A copy is kept on file with the Building Official under Health and Safety Code Section 18942 for public inspection. 030 restricts who may perform electrical work in the city to three categories: electrical contractors who comply with state licensing law and whose employees work under the direct supervision of a qualified journeyman electrician; a general building contractor whose scope of work spans at least two unrelated trades besides framing or carpentry, or who holds the appropriate license classification; and a maintenance electrician employed full time by a property owner or occupant for that property's own installation, alteration, maintenance or repair work.
060 lets an employer with one or more full-time qualified electricians designate a maintenance electrician once approved by the Chief Building Official, but that electrician must still file monthly or quarterly reports with the city and remains subject to fees and inspection like any other electrical work. 1 of the Building Code, which requires a permit before installing, altering or replacing any electrical system regulated by the code.
Violations & Fines
Performing electrical work through an unlicensed person or a contractor outside the three permitted categories in Section 16.16.030 is a code violation and can void the work's approval, exposing the property owner to the general unlawful-acts and penalty provisions adopted at Chapter 16.04.130 and to correction orders from the Building Official.
Frequently Asked Questions
What electrical code does Cupertino use?
Can a homeowner do their own electrical work in Cupertino?
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Sources & Official References
Other rules in Cupertino
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Electrical Permits in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Santa Clara County handle electrical permits.