Cupertino, CA Building Safety: Plumbing Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Adopted code
- 2025 California Plumbing Code
- Base model code
- 2024 Uniform Plumbing Code
- Appendix chapters adopted
- None
- Filed copy location
- Office of the Building Official
- Statutory filing basis
- Health & Safety Code § 18942
- Adopting ordinance
- Ord. 25-2278
Summary
Cupertino adopts the 2025 California Plumbing Code, based on the 2024 Uniform Plumbing Code, by reference as its local plumbing code. No appendix chapters from that code have been separately adopted, and the city inserts its own name wherever the model code leaves a jurisdiction blank.
16.20.010 Adoption of the 2025 California Plumbing Code based on the 2024 Uniform Plumbing Code. Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, the provisions of the 2025 California Plumbing 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. One (1) copy of each volume of the code therefor is on file in the office of the Building Official pursuant to Health and Safety Code Section 18942 and is made available for public inspection. ... 16.20.020 Name Insertion. The names "Cupertino" and/or "California" shall be inserted in the appropriate places provided therefor in each and every section of such California Plumbing Code wherein either the name of the city or state is left blank.
Full Breakdown
20 of the Cupertino Municipal Code is the city's Plumbing Code chapter. 010 adopts the 2025 California Plumbing Code, based on the 2024 Uniform Plumbing Code, and states that all of the code's regulations, provisions, conditions, and terms are treated as if fully set forth in the chapter, except for portions the city has deleted, modified, or amended by its own ordinance. 20 does not directly answer is resolved by consulting that filed copy. 015 confirms the city adopted no appendix chapters from the 2025 California Plumbing Code, meaning only the code's main body applies locally.
020 directs that wherever the model code text leaves a blank for the enacting jurisdiction's name, the words 'Cupertino' or 'California' are to be inserted, which is how the state model code becomes locally enforceable text rather than a template. The chapter's adoption history runs through Ordinance 25-2278, the city's most recent building and safety code update. Plumbing work in Cupertino, including new installations, alterations, and repairs to water, drainage, and gas piping systems, is permitted and inspected under this adopted code together with the Building Official's administrative procedures set out elsewhere in Title 16.
Violations & Fines
Chapter 16.20 itself sets no separate penalty; work performed without a required permit or in violation of the adopted California Plumbing Code is enforced through the Building Official's inspection authority and the general permit and penalty provisions of Title 16 and Chapter 1.12 that apply to unpermitted or noncompliant construction citywide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which plumbing code applies in Cupertino?
Did Cupertino adopt any plumbing code appendix chapters?
Where can I review Cupertino's official adopted plumbing code?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Cupertino
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